| The design elements common to all Claddagh rings | | | | sometimes worn purely as a cultural symbol of |
| are two hands lovingly holding, embracing or | | | | Ireland rather than as a sign of affection for a |
| caressing a heart, topped by a simple crown. The | | | | person. Because of its strong identification with |
| Claddagh design is strongly identified with Ireland | | | | Ireland and its traditions, the Claddagh design just |
| and its history and lore, but it actually symbolizes | | | | about shouts "Irish!" |
| much, much more than that. It stands for loyalty, | | | | Claddagh Rings ... Treasured Jewelry That |
| trust and faith. And it is a pure,shining symbol of | | | | Symbolizes Treasured Emotions. |
| eternal friendship. In short, it symbolizes life, and | | | | There are several different types of Claddagh |
| love. | | | | jewelry, but by far the most popular is the |
| Each of the elements in the design of a Claddagh | | | | Claddagh ring, which is usually given or worn as a |
| ring has a meaning. The heart symbolizes love, | | | | sign of friendship or love. A Claddagh ring can be |
| the hands surrounding the heart symbolize | | | | worn as a wedding ring, an engagement ring, a |
| friendship, and the crown signifies loyalty. The | | | | symbol of romantic attachment, or simply as a |
| saying "let love and friendship reign" perfectly | | | | symbol of a platonic, deep friendship. Because of |
| summarizes the symbolism of the Claddagh | | | | their strong emotional connections and their |
| design. | | | | beautiful designs, Claddagh rings are often |
| Claddagh Rings Are Irish, But Are Worn | | | | considered to be family heirlooms, and they are |
| Throughout The World. | | | | frequently passed down from mother to |
| Claddagh jewelry is named after a small Irish | | | | daughter. |
| fishing village located near Galway, Ireland. | | | | Precious metals such as gold, sterling silver and |
| Although originally uniquely Irish, the wave of Irish | | | | platinum are frequently used to make Claddagh |
| immigration that occurred during the mid- and | | | | rings. Precious and semi-precious gemstones such |
| late-1800s spread the Claddagh design to the | | | | as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and |
| United States and elsewhere, and Claddagh rings | | | | topaz, can be inlaid or set into the metal. making |
| are now worn in many parts of the world. | | | | these rings as precious and treasured as the |
| Claddagh rings are primarily worn by those of | | | | emotions they symbolize. But whether bejeweled |
| Irish origin or people with an affinity for the Irish, | | | | or not, a Claddagh ring has a striking, instantly |
| but because of their beauty and deep emotional | | | | identifiable, highly symbolic design that evokes |
| meaning, others wear them as well. And they are | | | | eternal friendship and everlasting love. |