The Irish Gifts & Jewelry Blog

With another month comes the opportunity to show one of our favorite Irish gifts. Pink Tourmaline is the stone in the October birthstone Claddagh ring. These beautiful rings are crafted in Dublin, Ireland and each one is hallmarked at Dublin Castle.

They are available in sterling silver, as well as white and yellow gold. 10K, 14K, and 18K grades are all available. They are the perfect gift for a loved one.

These rings are custom-made and available just a few short weeks after ordering. Each ring is wonderfully presented in a ring box. The gift of a Claddagh birthstone ring is guaranteed to never disappoint!

Many of our Irish gifts and fine pieces of Irish Jewelry feature the Claddagh symbol. Many people know that this is a very traditional Irish symbol, but where did it come from, and what does it mean?

The history of the Claddagh ring is shrouded in uncertainty. What is known is that the ring was originally crafted in the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the city of Galway on Ireland’s west coast. Today, this little village is still in existence, although the growing city of Galway now surrounds it.

The Claddagh ring has led to the Claddagh being used on many different Celtic and Irish gift items – glassware, pewter, home décor, etc. There are three different parts to the Claddagh – the heart (for love), the crown (for loyalty), and the hands (for friendship).

Of the different stories surrounding the creation of the first Claddagh ring, the most popular (and believable) is that of Richard Joyce. According to legend, Richard was captured by pirates while working as a fisherman. He was then sold into slavery with the Moors, becoming the property of a Turkish goldsmith. His master was a Moorish goldsmith, and for almost eight years, Richard worked under him learning his craft. Richard was released from slavery in 1689 at the command of King William III, who insisted that all British subjects be freed. Richard then returned to Ireland, despite his Turkish master’s offering of his daughter’s hand in marriage. After settling back in Ireland, Richard created the first Claddagh. Today, the Claddagh remains one of Ireland’s best known symbols. It’s most popular use remains Irish jewelry, particularly rings. Claddagh rings are considered unisex and may be worn by males or females.

Traditionally, the way that the Claddagh ring is worn is also of significance. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the crown pointed away from the wearer (specifically away from their heart), that person is said to open to love, or starting a relationship. If the crown points toward the body of the wearer, while still on the right hand, that person is not interested in starting a relationship. Worn on the left hand, with the crown pointed towards the wearer signifies that this person is married or engaged. One of the perfect uses for a Claddagh ring is as a Irish wedding or engagement ring.