Uctuk.com

As 2011 draws to a close, we wanted to take a fond look back on your favorite rings. Many of these tried and true favorites continue to please year after year.

As voted by your purchases on CladdaghRing.com, the top 10 rings of 2011 are:

1. SL-SL92 by a landslide. This classic claddagh design woos with its “Love, Loyalty, Friendship” engraving and simple, sturdy band.

2. LS-CLAD6 comes in close second with a daintier claddagh design.

3. LS-CLAD36 combines the claddagh with intricate Celtic knotting along the band.

4. LS-CLAD19 is a traditional claddagh with a twisted band for a little extra spunk..

5. LS-CLAD2H is another elegantly classic claddagh. You just can’t go wrong with this design.

6. SL-75GRCZ brings in green and clear cubic zirconium to make this claddagh outshine the competition.

7. MS-WED2 is the top selling mens ring; it’s sleek and sophisticated, especially with matching partner LS-WED1.

8. LS-3CL combines the classic claddagh design with the fun and intrigue of a puzzle ring.

9. SL90 designs personalize the claddagh to your loved one’s birth month in dazzling colors.

10) SMS-SG92 is SL92’s heavier, manlier counterpart, but with all the love and meaning still intact.

It’s clear to see why all these rings have faithful followers and continue to be worn by countless new customers. Which one is your favorite? Let us know!

We have four exciting new designs that I think might sneak their way onto next year’s list:

The lovely SL-1, engraved like the SL92, but with a daintier band and face. I think this will be a big seller next year!

With it’s Celtic woven infinity band the SL-46 is sure to please.

The SL25 takes the claddagh ring to a whole new arena by creating a block of small claddaghs, while staying comfortable to wear with a simple band around the back.

The SL95 accentuates the claddagh heart with brilliant green and clear cubic zirconium, similar to our SL-75, making this a ring sure to catch your eye.

If you haven’t found your heart at CladdaghRing.com yet, hopefully this list has given you an idea of all the wonderful designs we offer. And with Christmas around the corner, this little extra inspiration could make your holiday shopping quick and easy. Happy Holidays!

Bridal Jewelry has many different roles.  It serves to accent the brides beauty and dress.  It can be the family heirloom that is the something old worn on the bride.

But it can also serve as the gift the bride gives to her bridal party to say thank you for sharing in her day.  I worked with one bride whose future husband is Irish and in an effort to celebrate his heritage she bought each of her bridesmaids the Silver Claddagh Pendant SL-SP90-4

Sterling Silver with White CZ Pendant

We worked with several designs before we settled on this one.  It was important for her to stay in a budget and purchase something her bridesmaids could wear even after the wedding.

Another Bride I worked with loved the natural look of our amber pieces and the Celtic designs.  She purchased both pieces below for each woman in her bridal party.

Green Amber Silver Marquise Celtic Earrings

Green Amber Celtic Pendant with 18" Chain

Bridal jewelery is that final personal touch the bride can bring to her wedding.  Whether she wants to celebrate her or her partner’s heritage, say thank you with a beautiful piece of jewelery, or just complete her whole look!

We are excited to introduce a new line the Celtic Brilliance collection!  It is high quality Silver  accented with Genuine Diamonds.

CELTIC Brilliance Trinity Earrings with Diamonds SE1059

These are pieces that will last well past the wedding day!  They add sparkle and shine and movement.  These pieces embody the Brilliance of Diamonds set in Sterling Silver.

For other bridal jewelery options please visit: http://www.claddaghring.com/category-s/114.htm

The options are limitless! The important aspect of this part of Bridal planning is make it personal!  Those personal touches to your wedding are what make it the day you will never forget!

Who is wearing the Claddagh or better yet why are they wearing the Claddagh?

I am always interested in who wears our Claddagh rings.  While I do not always get to talk to our customers since they purchase online the few that I do have very specific needs and reasons for purchasing the Claddagh.

I have collected my own informal data of the Claddagh.  Here are my results.

#1 For a partner in a serious relationship – Most of the time the people who call are men who are looking to get something special for their partner.  This can be a 20 something buying a Claddagh ring for his girlfriend before he goes off to college.  A 40 something buying it for his wife after the birth of a child.   This by far is the most common customer we have calling.  Usually they are looking for sizing advice or delivery time questions.

#2 Family rings/Heritage rings – I have notice an increase of customers calling to give the Claddagh ring as a gift to their daughters, grand daughters,  nieces, or nephews.  When these customers call they are usually commemorating a birthday and want to honor their heritage.  Giving the Claddagh ring is a way to tie in their Irish background and share that with the younger generation.

#3 Engagement and Wedding rings – I have seen a marked increase in our silver wedding band sales.  Times are tough but people still need wedding bands.  Our silver wedding band Claddagh rings have been very popular since 2008.  One interesting trend is active service members calling needing a Claddagh wedding band fast because they want to get married before they deploy.  While the silver rings are popular some of our more dramatic gold Claddagh rings are also in demand.   But an interesting trend is to use the Claddagh as both engagement and wedding band.  When we sell some of our more ornate Claddagh rings the customers often tell me they will use it as both engagement and wedding band because they love the look and don’t see the need to pair with it another ring.

The meaning of the Claddagh ring “Love, Loyalty, Friendship” is appealing to many people.  Love is what we feel for our soul mate or first love.  Loyalty is our bond to each other and our promise to stay true to that relationship.  Friendship is where it all begins.  Without the foundation of friendship and the respect that comes from that the relationship may not survive.

I am sure there are a million reasons for choosing to wear a Claddagh, I think the most interesting one I have heard of recently is from the TLC reality show “Sister Wives” the three sister wives all wear a Claddagh rings to celebrate and honor the bond they have. Whatever our feelings about their relationship they have found meaning in the Claddagh ring for themselves.

Have you heard of any or do you have a unique reason to wear the Claddagh ring?  Share with us!