The Claddagh ring has a legendary status in Ireland and across the Irish diaspora. It is a symbol of love, friendship and loyalty that has survived throughout centuries of Irish history. My obsession with the Claddagh ring began rather recently. I have been living in London for a good few years now and during the COVID-19 outbreak I was unable to get back home to Ireland and see my friends and family. I began thinking constantly about my heritage and how I could connect to my homeland while being away. I was amazed by the rich history of the Claddagh and how intrinsically it is linked to Irish heritage.

As a jewellery designer, every engagement ring I create is a testament to the unique stories that bring our SAMHAM couples together. In 2023 the world of bespoke engagement rings reached new heights, with more people steering away from the “cookie cutter” style and creating custom pieces that reflect their personal journey. In the past few months I have had the pleasure of crafting many unique engagement rings that go beyond traditional norms, reflecting the distinctive personalities and passions of the couples who commissioned them.

SAM HAM Design specialises in creating custom wedding bands that are designed to sit seamlessly (and comfortably!) alongside an engagement ring. Find out more about the process and view previous examples of stunning custom wedding bands.

In this blog, we take you behind the scenes for a look at the design process of a custom sunken pearl signet ring for Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy.

Read about how SAM HAM Design created a bespoke engagement ring for a client who wanted a ring featuring an emerald cut peach sapphire.