Learn about the history of the Claddagh ring and why you need to invest in this wholesale jewelry this month.
St. Patrick’s Day is a feast day many Irish Americans celebrate. It’s the best time for jewelry businesses to highlight pieces that have designs associated with this religious holiday celebrated every March 17th. Aside from shamrocks, horseshoes, and green crystal studded jewelry, the Claddagh ring is one of the wholesale fashion jewelry pieces to stock up on for your St. Patrick’s Day jewelry collection.
What is the Claddagh Ring?
The known Claddagh ring design consists of two open hands holding a heart with a crown. There are many versions of the Claddagh ring’s history, but the most popular one is from the 17th century. It’s about a man named Richard Joyce from a small village in Ireland called Claddagh and his beloved partner, Margaret.
Richard Joyce was a fisherman in the village. Spanish pirates captured his boat and sold him into slavery. He was devastated that he would never see Margaret again.
Years have gone by, but his faith never wavered. Eventually, Richard was sold to a goldsmith in Algiers who taught him the craft. He became so good at goldsmithing that his master offered him his daughter’s hand in marriage and half of his fortune upon his release. However, Richard chose to return to Claddagh, and fortunately for him, Margaret patiently waited.
They soon got married, and their wedding band was a ring designed in her honor. It was based on the fede ring motif in which two hands join at the center where the heart is. The heart symbolizes Richards’s love for Margaret, the two hands represent their friendship, and the crown symbolizes his loyalty to her.
Due to their symbolism, Claddagh rings remain one of the preferred wedding ring designs today. And because it’s one of the symbols associated with Ireland, it’s no surprise that the Claddagh ring is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day fashion accessory to offer your customers.
What are the best designs of the Claddagh Ring?
The Claddagh ring has a distinct design characterized by two hands, a heart, and a crown. But did you know that they can come in different variations too? Here are just some of the best designs of this famous Irish ring that deserve to be in your inventory this season:
CJE1770 Claddagh Turquoise Heart Ring
This stainless steel fashion ring features the traditional Claddagh ring design. But the heart features a 7.7 mm turquoise crystal securely placed in a heart-shaped bezel. This piece is gender fluid and may be offered to customers of different genders.
- Wholesale price: $5.50 USD
- Available sizes: 5, 6, 9, 10
CJG2631 Gold Lust Pave Crystal Claddagh Ring
This next piece boasts a yellow gold-plated stainless steel band and the traditional Claddagh design. But it is made fancier with the tiny round clear crystals in a pave setting on the heart. The crown also features a cutout clam design, adding to its uniqueness.
- Wholesale price: $7.33 USD
- Available sizes: 5 to 10
CJG1475 Two-Tone Stainless Steel Claddagh Ring
This Claddagh ring comes with a two-tone design. The heart is perfectly plated with rose gold, adding a more feminine vibe to the piece and making it more eye-catching despite having no crystal accents. This particular design is also available in a yellow gold heart.
- Wholesale price: $5.50 USD
- Available sizes: 5 to 10
CJE2093 Stainless Steel Synthetic Blue Spinel Claddagh Ring
Next up is a Claddagh ring that exudes regal queenly vibes. The stainless steel band or the arms are studded with clear crystals in a bead bright setting, while the heart is a synthetic blue spinel crystal held by three prongs. This piece is reminiscent of the late Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring because if the beautiful blue stone.
- Wholesale price: $5.50 USD
- Available sizes: 5 to 10
CJE2801 Two-Tone Stainless Steel Claddagh 3-Piece Ring Set
Finally, we have a three-piece ring set that consists of two yellow gold plated outer rings and one in light brown plating. The light brown middle ring features the heart, one of the gold pieces the crown, and the other has two open hands. Although pretty when stacked together, one can also wear the middle heart ring solo for a minimalist look.
- Wholesale price: $9.16 USD
- Available sizes: 5 to 10
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Need to see more Claddagh ring designs? Head to CeriJewelry.com and stock up on these rings till supplies last!