What to Look for When Buying a Claddagh Ring Online

The Claddagh ring is one of the most searched-for pieces of Irish jewellery online. That popularity means there are hundreds of options out there — from genuine sterling silver pieces to cheap imports that won't survive a month of wearing. If you're buying a Claddagh ring online, here's what to look for and what to avoid.

Check the Material — This Is the Most Important Thing

The single biggest variable in Claddagh ring quality is the material. Here's what the common options actually mean:

925 Sterling Silver — This is solid silver (92.5% pure) alloyed with copper for strength. It's the standard for quality silver jewellery. A sterling silver Claddagh ring will last for years — potentially decades — with basic care. Look for a "925" stamp on the piece.

Silver Plated — This is a cheap base metal (brass, zinc, copper alloy) with a thin layer of silver applied to the surface. It looks the same as sterling silver in photos, but the plating wears off within months of regular wear, revealing the metal underneath. Avoid for any piece you plan to wear regularly.

Stainless Steel — Durable and cheap, but it doesn't have the same look, weight, or feel as sterling silver. Fine for fashion jewellery, but not what you want if you're buying a meaningful Claddagh ring.

Gold (9K, 14K, 18K) — The premium option. Beautiful and long-lasting, but significantly more expensive. A solid gold Claddagh ring typically starts around €150–€300+.

Gold Plated / Gold PVD — A gold layer over a base metal. Gold PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is significantly more durable than standard gold plating and is a good option if you want the gold look at a lower price. See our Gold PVD guide for more detail.

Our recommendation: for a Claddagh ring you'll wear regularly and want to keep, solid 925 sterling silver is the best value.

Get the Size Right

Ring sizing is the most common issue with buying rings online. Every jeweller uses a slightly different sizing system, so make sure you're checking the right one.

In Ireland and the UK, ring sizes use letters (H, J, L, M, N, P, Q, etc.). In the US and some online stores, sizes are numbers (5, 6, 7, 8, etc.). These are not the same scale.

The most reliable way to find your size is to measure a ring you already own that fits the intended finger well. Our Ring Size Guide has a chart covering both Irish/UK and international sizes.

If you're buying as a surprise gift and can't measure, ask a friend or family member of the recipient. Most people know their ring size or can find out discreetly. When in doubt, it's better to go slightly larger — a ring can be made smaller more easily than it can be made bigger.

Look at the Product Photos

This seems obvious, but be critical about product photography. Things to look for:

Multiple angles. A single photo isn't enough. You want to see the front, side, and back of the ring to judge the quality of the design and finish.

On-hand photos. A ring on a model's hand gives you a much better sense of scale and how it actually looks when worn.

Consistent detail. If the Claddagh design (hands, heart, crown) looks rough, poorly defined, or asymmetrical in the photos, it'll look the same in person.

Check the Return Policy

Any reputable jeweller selling online should offer a straightforward return policy. Before you buy, check:

• How many days you have to return
• Whether you need to pay return shipping
• Whether they offer a refund or only store credit

At Belle Jewellery, we offer a 14-day hassle-free return policy with a full refund (excluding delivery charges). See our Delivery & Returns page for full details.

Check Where It's Actually Coming From

Not every Claddagh ring sold online is from Ireland. Many are mass-produced overseas and shipped from warehouses in China or the US. That doesn't automatically make them bad, but if you want an Irish-sourced piece, check where the seller is based and where they ship from.

At Belle Jewellery, we're an independent Irish jewellery brand based in Cork, and all orders ship from Ireland. We're not a marketplace, a dropshipper, or a reseller — we select every piece ourselves.

Red Flags to Watch For

• No material specified. If the listing doesn't say "925 sterling silver" or "solid silver", assume it's plated or base metal
• Unusually low prices. A genuine sterling silver Claddagh ring shouldn't cost €5–€10. If the price seems too good, the material probably is too
• No return policy or vague "contact us" returns. This usually means they don't want returns
• Stock photos only. If the product images look like renders or generic stock shots rather than photos of the actual product, be cautious
• No physical address or business information. Legitimate jewellers are happy to tell you where they're based

Browse Our Claddagh Rings

Our Claddagh Collection features traditional and modern designs in solid 925 sterling silver — never plated. Every piece ships from Cork, Ireland, with free express delivery on Irish orders over €75.

Have questions before you buy? See our Claddagh Ring FAQ or get in touch — we're happy to help.