Claddagh rings can be made of precious metals such as gold or silver or base metals. They can be plain, or they are sometimes designed with etching or engraving. Another alternative is to decorate the metal of the band and the design with precious or semiprecious stones. Sometimes the stones are birthstones for the recipient of the Claddagh ring, while at other times an unrelated decorative stone is selected just for the beauty of the gem or the preference of the wearer. The most important aspect of the ring that increases its value is the sentimental importance to the wearer.

Originally, the Claddagh rings were created from gold. Richard Joyce was a master goldsmith, a trade he learned from his Moorish slave master in the city of Algiers in the mid 1700s. Since gold is soft and an easily worked metal, shaping the ring into the distinctive shapes and designs was accomplished through the skill and artistry from the goldsmith. Silver is another early metal used in the rings from Claddagh, also because of its ease to shape and refine. Other metals used in the construction of the Claddagh rings include platinum, titanium, copper and brass, although the latter group is less common.

Producers

The rings carrying the name Claddagh rings are reputed to have been produced in a relatively small geographic area by a fairly small group of craftsmen originally. Many of the Claddagh rings from the early period that still exist today can be linked to specific artisans who were proud to sign their work or to use trademarks. The Initials 'RI' for example belonged to Richard Joyce, believed by many to have been the original designer of the rings. The 12 square mile environs of the city of Galway contains many of the most famous people who design and produce these works of art.

Ring Variations

There are many variations in the types and designs of rings that still fall under the general name heading of Claddagh rings. There are different metals used in the production of the ring, including gold, silver, platinum or even titanium or stainless steel. The modern metals offer features that are not available in the more traditional metals, but you can also find rings marketed as Claddagh rings that are difficult to recognize in the traditional symbols. Addition of gemstones or removal of features means that there are many variations of the ring so that you can find the look that you prefer.

Flexibility

If you choose a Claddagh ring as a symbol of the love you have for your partner, it won't be a difficult task to find men's and women's rings that match. Claddagh rings are available in plain band design or in designs that incorporate other features such as Celtic knots on the band. Diamonds, opals amethysts or various other gemstones have been selected to form the heart feature in the rings, either by outline the heart shape, or in some instances, by becoming the heart, as in a heart shaped pink diamond.