The Buffy the Vampire Claddagh Ring

At various points in history the popularity of the Irish Claddagh ring has peaked and waned due to people in the public eye wearing it. For example, in the late 1700s the Claddagh gained popularity outside of Ireland when it was worn by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII. The ring increased in popularity in 1963 when it was worn by President John F. Kennedy and wife Jackie. More recently, though, the Claddagh gained a huge boost in popularity with the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer Claddagh Ring.”

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” is a popular American television show starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. The series, which premiered on the WB network in 1997, follows the life and trials of Buffy Summers, a teenage girl chosen by fate to battle vampires, demons, and other supernatural foes. Buffy battles these foes with the help of several friends, including her first true love Angel. According to the show, Angel was formerly an Irishman named Liam in a former life during the 1800s.
During the show’s second season (Episode 13 “Surprise”) Angel surprises Buffy with a Claddagh ring. When Buffy asks Angel what the Claddagh ring is he responds:
"My people - before I was changed - they exchanged this as a sign of devotion. It's a claddagh ring. The hands represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty … and the heart. … Well, you know … Wear it with the heart pointing towards you. It means you belong to somebody. Like this.”

As soon as the Claddagh appeared on this popular show the popularity of the Claddagh ring spiked. Fans of the show – male and female alike – began sporting Claddagh rings (many of them cheaply made “fashion” jewelry) like Buffy. In fact, if you search for Claddagh rings on eBay, many of the postings incorporate Buffy into it. The Buffy wearers have helped bring this wonderful symbol of Ireland to more people – ensuring that the legacy of the Claddagh is bound to endure (until it’s next “prime time” appearance)