No. I didn't buy a Claddaugh ring. I know. I already have one that was given to me. And while it came from a jewelry store in Iowa, I think one Claddaugh is enough. On this particular visit to Ireland, it was close to Valentine's Day, things were not going well with the "boyfriend", and I was determined that retail therapy would help. Just a couple doors down from the Claddaugh ring store/museum is Twice As Nice. I walked in and instantly loved it. If you love boutiques with antique items, you'll love this place. Loads of stuff, but it was the sparkly stuff that caught my eye.
The lady behind the counter was very friendly and asked me if I was looking for something. For a very long time I have been looking for a peach coloured topaz. When I worked at a jewelry store, we had a couple, but I never liked the settings, so I never purchased one. Since then, I've still wanted one... so I asked. She looked high and low and showed me the things she did have that were similiar, but it didn't peak my interest. So then I noticed some of their amethyst rings. Another gem I don't have in my collection and they had plenty of those.
The lady was so helpful and patient! I'm sure she was probably thinking, "She has tried on every ring and she probably isn't going to buy anything!" but I never once got that feeling from her. We narrowed it down to two silver rings, one with a round, but dark amethyst and one with a thick band with a light amethyst, emerald cut, but turned on its side. I loved both for different reasons... the first for the dramatic colour of the amethyst and the other for the setting... Without pressuring me, the lady was helpful in giving me a little more information on both and even said that they could have them sized for me very quickly since I was leaving the next day (although it still wouldn't be quick enough since we were leaving at 8 a.m.) if needed. After much going back and forth, I finally went with the lighter amethyst in the setting that I fell in love with. It was €60... the amethyst is quite (American quite) large, but it is set in sterling silver. I still wear it and still love it... get a number of comments on it! Happy Singles Awareness Day to me! read more