Irish Claddagh Ring

Consider an Irish Claddagh Ring for your Engagement Ring

The Claddagh ring, or Celtic engagement ring, is a traditional Irish ring given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located outside of the city of Galway. The ring was first produced in the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design are much older.

Claddaghs continue to be worn, primarily by those of Irish heritage, as both a cultural symbol and as engagement and wedding ring. However, the ring is also popular with many non-Irish couples due to the meaning behind it.


Unlike other engagement rings the Celtic Irish promise rings do not have expensive diamonds or expensive gemstones as the central feature of the ring. Instead the Claddagh ring’s distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surrounded by a crown.

The Claddagh ring is the first step in the beginning of an Irish wedding. The Celtic engagement ring brings with it a special promise that goes far beyond attraction and infatuation. The Irish Claddagh ring is a symbol of promise and engagement but also has the added meaning of friendship.

With the second promise ring meaning symbolizing friendship, the Claddagh ring also makes a great gift to a special friend. The ring can be fashioned out of yellow or white gold and symbolize a promise for future marriage or a promise to always remain close friends – or even better, it can represent both at the same time.

Other Non-Traditional Engagement Ring Ideas

Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

Non-Diamond Engagement Rings

The traditional engagement ring may be a solitaire diamond set in gold, white gold or platinum. Diamonds are by far the most popular gemstone used for gemstone engagement rings, or any type of jewelry, for that matter. But there is no law that says you can’t have to ruby engagement ring, a white sapphire engagement ring or a topaz engagement ring. Not everyone likes or wants a diamond engagement ring. There are women who just don’t like the look of a diamond ring on their finger.


If you decide to go with a non-traditional engagement ring and not use diamond as the center piece, you will have many alternatives to be able to create an unique engagement ring that reflects your taste and style.

However, before you go with another gemstone instant of a diamond for your engagement ring, there is one thing to keep in mind. When they say “Diamonds are forever,” it’s not just repeating a marketing slogan and a symbol of everlasting love, it’s because diamonds are the hardest substance found on Earth. A gemstone’s hardness is graded on the Mohs Scale. The scale was designed in 1812 by Frederich Mohs, a German mineralogist. Hardness represents how easily a stone can be scratched.

When choosing a stone for an engagement ring that will be worn everyday, anything lower than an 8 on the Mohs Scale is unsuitable.

Here is a list of more popular gemstones and metals and their relative hardness:

• Gold (pure): 2.5-3
• Platinum: 4.5
• Iron: 5
• Titanium: 6
• Tanzanite: 6.5-7
• Glass: 7
• Quartz (Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz): 7
• Tourmaline: 7-7.5
• Hardened Steel: 7-8
• Beryl (Emerald, Aquamarine): 7.5
• Cubic Zirconia: 8-8.5
• Moissanite (Lab Created Diamond): 9.25
• Diamond: 10

Here is a list of Birthstones and their relative hardness:

• Garnet (January): 6.5-7.5
• Amethyst (February): 7
• Aquamarine (March): 6
• Diamond (April): 10
• Emerald (May):7.5
• Pearl (June): 2.5-4.5
• Ruby (July):9
• Peridot (August):6.5
• Sapphire (September): 9
• Opal (October): 6
• Yellow Topaz (November): 8
• Turquoise (December):6

Sapphires and rubies, and scratchproof glass on watches, are types of corundum, meaning they all have a hardness of 9 and thus are suitable for engagement rings that are wore everyday. If you use gemstones with lower than 8 on the Mohs Scale, just be mindful of their relative hardness or softness and take extra care of your ring to prevent scratching or cracking the gemstone. This is true even with a diamond ring. As hard as diamonds are, they still can be scratched or chipped if they are abused.

Another non-traditional engagement ring to consider – one that doesn’t involve a gemstone: Irish Claddagh Ring.