Joe Duff, the founder and design inspiration behind JVD Claddagh Rings, doesn’t simply do hand-made Claddagh rings featuring his own design. No, he does other hand-made jewellery too. Here’s an example, accompanied by a lovely message from a satisfied customer, which reads as follows:

“Today I received a gift. I love it so much because it is mine and mine alone. Joe Duff, a friend and fellow artist from Athenry [in Galway, the home of the Claddagh Ring - ed.] has started making the most unusual jewellery ever. You simply write out your name (or get a significant other to write it for you). He will then hand cut it in sterling silver and polish it to perfection. Each piece is different as each person has a unique handwriting.

I did a bit of googling there and apparently our handwriting is as unique as our fingerprints. Even identical twins have different handwriting. As Joe bases his pieces on this seriously individual trait, there is only one of these pieces and it is hanging around my neck!

Visit Joe’s Facebook page to see some of the process in action. It is really special to think that something is being carefully handcrafted for a specific person. In chatting to Joe I found out that there is a huge demand for these pieces. ‘People order names written by loved ones that have passed away as a way of creating a treasured memory and keeping that person close’, he said.

I bought one for my niece for Christmas, and she loved it.

Of course with Valentine’s Day just around the corner [or a birthday, there’s always a great time for a gift to a loved one - ed.], there is no excuse for not thinking up a great gift. Simply write down your loved one’s name and there you go!”

Thanks Kerry! To order a custom piece of jewellery as unique as you are, please send us a message. You can also shop the JVD Claddagh Rings range and make your custom order here.