This week saw St Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off across the world as swathes of people celebrated Irish culture through song, dance and of course, craic.
With the popularity of Irish culture on the rise, it’s no surprise that one of the country’s most iconic symbols has been given a boost as well.
The Claddagh ring’s three main elements represent love (heart), friendship (hands), and loyalty (crown). Together, they mean to symbolise a powerful message of commitment and enduring affection.
Patricia Connolly, manager at Claddagh Jewellers in Galway city centre, said the uptick in custom has been clear – but it has coincided with one of their busiest times of the year.
She told the Irish Independent : “The young people seem to love it. I mean, we’re always busy, but especially now after St Patrick’s Day. This is when it starts – and it stays busy until It’s such a popular ring.”
The ring has always been popular, however recently Bridgerton star and Galway native Nicola Coughlan brought it back into the pop culture conversation when she wore hers at the Bridgerton series three premiere in Dublin.
The Claddagh ring’s fashion resurgence has been exemplified on social media platforms such as Tiktok, showing how the next generation is discovering the jewellery’s special significance.
About why more young people are gravitating towards the symbol, Patricia said: “I think they just love the idea of it. For the last three days all the young Americans are coming in. A lot of them seem to be looking for the big Claddagh earrings, but we don’t sell those.”
It’s not just tourists who are coming into their shop, however: “Irish people are always coming in to look at rings for their partner, and a lot of them come at Christmas too for that kind of gift. Friends buy them for each other as well.
“I don’t know where that started, it’s just hugely popular its all over the world.”
For Patricia herself, she has her own connection to the symbol: “I have my mother’s Claddagh ring that she passed on to me. Most of our staff have one as well. I think it’s because of that special story behind it.”
Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan's exclusive take on the day's news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.