Claddagh rings are really distinctive with the unmistakable symbol of two hands holding a crowned heart. A popular Irish symbol that’s been around for centuries, Claddagh rings are distinctively Irish jewelry pieces. They are the ultimate symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. The ring is a sign of love and commitment between two people. This ring is often worn by couples who are engaged or married to each other. The hands represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty, and the heart represents true love. There’s a lot more to the history and meaning of the Claddagh rings as they are steeped in Irish culture.
Styles of Claddagh Ring
While the traditional Claddagh rings were made only of precious metals, modern Claddagh rings are often decorated with bright gemstones. Emeralds, diamonds, peridot, and green gems are all great choices and tip their cap to the Claddagh’s Irish origin as they reflect the colours of the Irish flag. Obviously the colour green in particular is associated with Ireland: it’s the colour of the landscape, the shamrock and leprechauns.
Green stones work well with a range of different precious metals. Yellow gold is the traditional metal to use for a Claddagh ring. There’s certainly a warmth to yellow and rose gold, but white gold sets off the gemstone very nicely and teams up well with small diamonds, if required. I love this 14k White Gold Heartshape Emerald And Diamond Claddagh Ring Set. It’s got the traditional claddagh ring features all picked out in white gold. The emerald sits very nicely at the heart of the ring. The claddagh ring lends itself very well to matching wedding and engagement ring sets, as wedding rings can be shaped to fit snugly round the traditional claddagh shape.
There’s no need to stick to white or green stones though. It would be lovely to give a ring with a stone that was perhaps a birthstone or one that was special to the recipient. Maybe a sapphire or a ruby would suit better than an emerald. I do like the warmth of a ruby and again the stone works well with a range of different metals. This Claddagh Ring In Gold With Heartshape Ruby And Diamonds would look so good with a range of different outfits and colours.
How to Wear Your Claddagh Ring
If you are single and available, you wear a Claddagh ring on your right hand with the point of the heart facing outwards. This shows that your heart is looking for another. If your heart belongs to someone, you wear the Claddagh ring on your right hand with the tip of the heart pointing towards you. This shows that your heart has been captured.
It is also possible to use your Claddagh ring as an engagement ring. If you are engaged, wear your ring on your left hand with the heart facing outwards. The beauty of the Claddagh ring is that it can double as both an engagement ring and a wedding ring. Once you are married, you keep it on your left hand but turn it around so that the heart points inwards. It’s wonderful to be able to continue wearing your ring no matter what your relationship status.
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