Claddagh Rings

The Claddagh Ring (sometimes misspelled Claddah or Claddaugh) finds its origins in the Irish village of Claddagh, located just outside of Galway City, and comes with an interesting history. (For more about the Claddagh Ring history, which includes some interesting stories, please visit our History of Claddagh Rings page.)

The traditional Claddagh design features two hands clasping a heart, topped by a crown. The heart represents love, the hands friendship, and, the crown loyalty. Other designs, for example with two hands clasping each other, represent a lifelong friendship, and are also popular.

At Puzzle Ring Emporium we have combined the Irish traditions of the Claddagh ring with the Turkish ingenuity of the puzzle ring to come up with some unique, creative rings. Our most popular Ladies’ Claddagh Ring, Model # PRE-C001RZ-L, is a great example of the traditional Claddagh ring. We carry Claddagh rings for men and for women. Click the link above to take a look.

For even more information about Claddagh Rings, please see our Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.

Claddagh Rings – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the Claddagh Ring design and what is the meaning of Claddagh Rings?

A: There is more than one design for Claddagh Rings, but two of the most popular feature two hands clasping a heart, topped by a crown, and a another with two hands clasping each other. The heart represents love, the hands friendship, and, the crown loyalty.

Claddagh Rings are often used as Irish friendship rings, but are also commonly used as Claddagh engagement and Claddagh wedding rings. Mothers sometimes give these rings to daughters when they come of age. In many countries, including the United States, Canada, and of course, Ireland, the Claddagh is often handed down from mother to eldest daughter or from grandmother to granddaughter.

Claddagh Rings that are also Puzzle Rings add another level of fascination and uniqueness to the Claddagh ring concept. Why settle for a basic Claddagh Ring when you could have a Claddagh Puzzle Ring?

Q: Are there Claddagh Rings rules, or a certain way to wear a Claddagh Ring?

A: How to wear a Claddagh Ring is a common question because the way a Claddagh Ring is worn may convey the wearer's relationship status:

On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love.
On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship.
On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged.
On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is married.

Q: What is different about your Claddagh Rings?

A: Not all rings are created equal! All Puzzle Ring Emporium Claddagh rings are crafted by hand to provide you with precious and distinctive heirloom pieces of refined beauty. Once you place your order, our expert craftsman will begin the process of shaping your one-of-a-kind ring with great care and attention to detail. This process not only guarantees quality, but it also increases the value of every ring we sell. We use only the highest quality 925 Sterling Silver, 10K, 14K, and 18K Gold, and even Platinum, and all of our rings are available in any of the above five precious metals, but the sterling silver Claddagh Ring is probably the most popular. Click here for more information about the metals we use in our puzzle rings.

Q: What is the difference between a Claddagh ring and a Celtic ring?

A: The word "Celtic" generally means anything related to or associated with the six territories recognized as the Celtic nations including Ireland (Éire), Brittany (Breizh), Cornwall (Kernow), Wales (Cymru), Scotland (Alba), and the Isle of Man (Mannin). Since Claddagh rings are Irish in origin, they are sometimes referred to as Celtic rings.

So, while all Claddagh rings can be thought of as Celtic rings, not all Celtic rings are Claddagh rings. It is safe to say that the Irish Claddagh ring is by far the most popular of all Celtic designs. Other popular celtic ring designs are Celtic knot rings, Celtic wedding rings, Celtic engagement rings, and Scottish rings. Celtic rings have generally the same meaning as Claddagh rings.

Q: Are your rings solid metal?

A: Yes! None of our rings are plated or hollow, which means your ring will last a lifetime. Many ring resellers import cheaply-made rings from China or other overseas locations. They may "claim" that their rings are 14K gold, but usually they are only "plated" with 14K gold, which may look good at first, but eventually that plating wears off and then you are left with a cheap ring that doesn't look like gold at all, because it's not.

And as mentioned above, we have gold Claddagh rings, including the popular white gold Claddagh ring, sterling silver Claddagh rings, and platinum Claddagh rings. You can click here to read more about the differences between the precious metals.

Q: Do you offer a guarantee?

A: Absolutely! All of our rings come with not only a 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee, but we actually guarantee our rings for life! See our Why Buy From Us page for further details.

Q: How long have you been making rings?

A: Our family of artisans and craftsmen have been designing and making custom designer rings since 1947. And every rings is made 100% in the U.S. For more about Puzzle Ring Emporium, visit our About Us page.

Q: How can I figure out my ring size?

A: Upon receiving your order, our artisans will custom-craft your ring just for you, so getting the right ring size is indeed important. The best way to know your ring size is to visit your local jeweler or Walmart and have them measure your ring size for you. But there is another way. Please visit our What is my ring size? page for more details.

Q: Claddagh Ring Pronunciation – How do you correctly pronounce the word 'Claddagh'?

A: The word Claddagh, which is sometimes misspelled Claddah or Claddaugh, is pronounced claw'-duh, with the emphasis on the first syllable like in the word 'comma'. (The 'duh' part is a soft ending.)