The presentation of a gold Claddagh brooch to the Duchess of Cornwall on her recent visit to Ireland with Prince Charles put the Claddagh firmly back in the international spotlight.
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| Prince Charles and Camilla |
While in Ireland, Prince Charles and Camilla attended a reception at NUI Galway which celebrated Irish crafts, dancing and music. This was followed by a private dinner with President Michael D. Higggins and wife Sabina before visiting Claddagh National School in County Galway.
The ensuring resonance of the Claddagh in Ireland and internationally was demonstrated when the Duchess was presented with a gold Claddagh brooch by local jewelers. Queen Victoria was presented with a Claddagh ring during her visit back as far as 1849 and Camilla was quoted on the visit as saying that she had “always wanted a piece of Claddagh jewelry.”
The Claddagh has always had a link to royalty. Queen Victoria kept the Irish tradition of wearing a Claddagh and it has been enduringly popular over the years.
We look at some timeless Claddagh choices at Rings from Ireland:
Maids Traditional White Gold Claddagh Ring
This traditional Claddagh ring is available in solid 10k or 14k white gold. The heart is enclosed with two hands and topped with a crown. The Irish Claddagh rings are part of a tradition in Europe known as ‘fede’ or otherwise ‘hands joined in faith’, which were used as either friendship or engagement rings.
Large Crystal Heart Claddagh Ring
This sterling silver large crystal heart Claddagh ring features a heart shaped emerald stone surrounded by glistening stones and of course the Claddagh, with the heart representing love, the heart representing love and the crown representing loyalty.
Ladies Claddagh Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds
If you are looking for an occasion ring to celebrate an engagement, eternity ring or special anniversary then the this Claddagh ring featuring sapphires and diamonds is an exceptional piece. It is available with a fitted matching wedding band that slots in beautifully.
Claddagh Heavy Emerald Set Yellow Gold Ring
A Claddagh can come in many forms and another way to wear it is featured engraved in to a band. This Claddagh comes in solid 10k or 14k yellow gold and is another alternative way to wear the Claddagh.
Claddagh Birthstone Jewelry
Every piece of Claddagh jewelry has three distinctive symbols: hands to signify friendship, a heart to symbolize love and a crown to represent loyalty. There is actually a ring, pendant or set of earrings available to represent every calendar month. From garnets for January to the beautiful aquamarine for March, ruby for July and blue topaz for December, each birthday has its own option.
Whether it is a pendant, ring, earrings or a brooch, from its association with JFK to Princess Grace, the Irish Claddagh never goes out of style in Ireland or around the world.