The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish jewelry consisting of a pair of hands, symbolizing friendship; heart, which symbolizes love; and a crown, which symbolizes loyalty. This ring is often worn as a wedding ring, or more casually as a flashy piece of jewelry. Learn how to wear this Claddagh ring, whether for romantic inspiration or to show off in an unconventional way.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Wearing the Ring before the Wedding
Step 1. Put the ring on the ring finger of your right hand
Before you get married, the ring must be worn on the right hand, not on the left. Wearing it on your ring finger indicates that you have a desire for a romantic relationship, but haven't found the person you want to marry.
Step 2. Wear a ring with the heart facing out to show that you are single
The heart shape should point toward your fingertips, not toward the center of your hand, while the crown shape should point inward. This will show that you are open to finding love, and that your heart is free to give to others.
Step 3. Wear a ring with a heart inward to show that you are in a relationship with someone
When you find someone special and are committed to being with them, turn the ring so that the heart is facing the center of your hand. This shows that your heart is not free. However, keep the ring in your right hand because you are not married.
Method 2 of 3: Wearing the Ring after Getting Engaged
Step 1. Wear the ring on the ring finger of your left hand
Wearing a ring on this finger is a traditional symbol of engagement or marriage in many cultures around the world, and Irish culture has adopted this as well. If you wear a Claddagh ring on the ring finger of your left hand, it means you have found someone to spend your life with.
Step 2. Wear the ring with the heart facing out to show that you are engaged
Before saying your wedding vows, you can use this ring as an engagement ring. An outward-facing heart indicates that you are committed, but have not yet tied the knot.
Step 3. Wear the ring with the heart facing inward to show that you are married
Many Irish people wear Claddagh rings as wedding rings. The heart is facing inward to show that you have a permanent relationship and that your heart is owned. This ring is reversed during the wedding ceremony.
Method 3 of 3: Find Your Personal Meaning
Step 1. Wear the ring to show your cultural heritage
Many Irish people wear the Claddagh ring as a symbol of their Irish heritage, and not as a way to show their relationship status. The Claddagh ring can be worn on any finger and can be turned in the opposite direction, depending on the comfort of the person wearing it.
- Some people wear a Claddagh ring as a necklace pendant, and don't put it on their finger.
- The Claddagh ring can also be worn on a bracelet, or kept in a pocket as a talisman.
Step 2. Wear the ring to remember someone special
Claddagh rings can make meaningful gifts for friends and family, although they don't always have a romantic meaning. If you received a Claddagh ring as a gift and would prefer not to wear it so as not to show your relationship status, that's fine, that's up to you.
Tips
- There are many types of Claddagh rings, such as rings with birthstones, diamonds, gold, silver, or even platinum. While all of these rings mean the same thing, different types of rings can convey personalization if you are planning to give them to someone else.
- Don't give a Claddagh ring to a woman unless she is kind and trustworthy.
