Claddagh wedding ring- plain gold or diamonds?

Question

My finace will let me pick any ring I want, no matter the cost, but I was thinking of a Claddagh ring because the symbolism is so romantic.

I am not sure if I want a classic ring that is only gold, or one where the the heart is a diamond. I like the idea of a diamond only because 1) it seems more like a wedding ring, and 2) a diamond is the strongest natural mineral, which is also very symbolic.

However, the plain gold bands are more traditional and a little more classic and basic (I like simple). So...gold, diamond, or maybe something else entirely like a huge rock from Tiffanys?

Kinda joking about the huge rock- what I meant was a nice diamond ring- nothing gaudy at all

Answer 1

I went with a more traditional engagement ring and wedding band, and I wear a plain silver Claddaugh ring on my right hand instead. (I don't particularly care for the ones with the stones in place of the heart)

I really like the bands with the claddaugh symbol incorporated into it, like these:

http://www.weddingband.com/images/folk5big.gif
http://www.magicalfire.com/shop/files/img/photos/13-215.jpg
http://www.irishnation.com/images/claddaghweddingband.jpg
http://www.allcladdagh.com/Engagement/Blackman/CL547-22-SML.jpg
http://scotweb-objects.com/images/items/thumbs/283x/Q90_sr_solav_s2728.jpg

This one is especially cool because you can have your initials put into it. http://www.custom-monograms.com/images/sbwcladdinitialband.jpg

For an engagement ring, you can look into settings such as these:
http://www.irishcelticjewels.com/images/diamond_rings/m1s4_w.jpg
http://www.seawear.com/gold/celtic-rings/celtic-claddagh-engagement~104.jpg

Answer 2

Actually I like the idea of the gold Claddagh ring with a heart shaped diamond where the heart is. That sounds really pretty, and would be a little unique. I know I have never seen one like that before.

Also, as another idea, I know many women who have the whole diamond wedding ring set, and got a plain gold band as well. That way they can put on the plain gold band when they don't want to have on their diamonds.

Lastly - follow your heart, you're the one that has to wear whatever you decide for the rest of your life.

Good luck!

Answer 3

the claddagh ring is normally either silver or gold, with a heart in the center, now you can get the diamond in the heart but the heart is always in the ring as it is part of the symbolisum of the ring. But I've seen them with a diamond in the center of the heart and they are a really beautiful and symbolic feeling of a wedding

Answer 4

My sister got engaged with a special story behind the ring. Her husband (boyfriend at the time) gave her a claddagh when they were dating. He "stole" the ring one night and went to a jeweler to have the gold heart replaced with a heart shaped diamond. It is by far one of the most attractive engagement rings I have ever seen. The diamond is quite large and nobody ever assumes it is fake. As for wedding bands, solid gold is much more traditional and I think much more elegant.

Answer 5

I have a 14k white gold claddagh ring from Ireland as my wedding ring (from allcladdagh.com) and I love it. I have a diamond engagement ring, but I wear my claddagh ring alone because I love it so much. I also like simple jewelry and love that the claddagh doesn't get caught on anything like my diamond ring does. I also feel that by not having a diamond, the claddagh ring isn't as materialistic as the traditional wedding ring.

Answer 6

Claddaghs were not meant to be stones, if you truly want the Claddagh ring and have researched it's origins then get it in gold. If not, get your diamonds just not in a Claddagh. Perhaps if this is a wedding ring, get something else then for your anniversary get a gold Claddagh to wear on your right hand.

Answer 7

how about something like this:
http://www.fallers.com/cart/view_product_detail.php?product_id=1910&category_id=12

it's a simple gold band with the symbolism but has a little diamond inside the heart.

or this:
http://www.fallers.com/cart/view_product_detail.php?product_id=1959&category_id=12
it's a nice band with the handds and heart around it but also has the trilogy diamonds (past, present, future or if you're religious could stand for the father, son and holy ghost)

or this: http://www.fallers.com/cart/view_product_detail.php?product_id=1376&category_id=12
it's the more traditional looking claggagh ring with diamond in the middle.

either way i'd say get a lil diamond somewhere in the ring- it will (like you said) make it look more like an engagement/wedding ring (some look kinda like friendship rings- not saying that's bad if you like it though). Plus it add a nice sparkle that will catch your eye and you'll remember your hubby!
have fun picking out a ring! God Bless!

Answer 8

I'm hoping to get an emerald or a ruby, but keep in mind that they are actually more expensive than diamonds. It's perfectly fine not to have a diamond. However, you would not get a silver ring (which tarnishes), but a white gold (which looks silverlike). I personally don't like platinum, which is currently popular, but that is because I have needed resizing in the past and they couldn't resize that metal.

Answer 9

I have the huge rock from Tiffany's :)
1 carat with side stones in platinum.
I LOVE my ring. I love how it sparkles and how elegant it looks with everything. I personally would get a good diamond that you really really like. You can always change the setting as the years go on but diamonds are forever. I personally don't like the claddagh rings because they are sooo over done... and lots of people wear them as a regular ring.

But it's not about me, it's about you....
You have to get something that fits your personality, your lifestyle and something that you want to wear forever!! I personally love Tiffany's because their designs are so classy and never go out of style.

Answer 10

I think a regular engagement ring with your wedding band being a claddagh would be lovely, they also have men's claddaghs so you could consider doing that for both of you (if your husband likes it too).