The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish jewel composed of a pair of hands, which symbolize friendship; a heart, symbol of love; and a crown, synonymous with loyalty. It is often used as a wedding band or, more commonly, as a rather distinctive ring. Learn how to wear a Claddagh ring, whether you want to give it a romantic meaning or simply wear it as an accessory.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wearing the Ring before the Wedding
Step 1. Put the ring on the ring finger of your right hand
Before getting married, the ring must be worn on the right hand, not the left. Putting it on your right ring finger means that you are open to love, but you have not yet found the person to marry.
Step 2. Wear it with your heart out to show that you are single
The heart should point towards the fingertip, not the hand, and the crown should rest on the base of the finger. This tells the world that you are looking for love and that your heart is free.
Step 3. Wear the ring with the heart inward to show that you are dating someone
When you find someone special and get out of it, turn the ring so that the heart is facing the center of the hand. This shows that your heart is currently unavailable. Leave it on your right finger, since you are not married yet.
Part 2 of 3: Wearing the Ring after Engagement
Step 1. Put the ring on your left ring finger
Wearing the ring on this finger is a traditional symbol of engagement or marriage in many cultures, including Irish. When you wear a Claddagh ring on your left ring finger, it means that you have found the person you will spend the rest of your life with.
Step 2. Wear the ring with your heart facing out to say you are engaged
Before making promises, you can use it as an engagement ring. The outward heart means that you are committed, but you have not yet gone to the altar.
Step 3. Wear the ring with the heart facing in to indicate that you are married
Many Irish people wore the Claddagh as a wedding band. The inward heart indicates that you are in a stable relationship and your heart has been captured. The ring is turned during the wedding ceremony.
Part 3 of 3: Finding Your Personal Meaning
Step 1. Put on the ring to show your heritage
Many Irish women wear the Claddagh as a symbol of their Irish heritage, rather than as an indicator of sentimental status. These rings can be worn on any finger and in any direction, depending on how the wearer feels.
- There are those who wear the Claddagh as a pendant and not as a ring.
- The Claddagh can also be used as a charm for a bracelet, or kept in a pocket as an amulet.
Step 2. Wear it as a reminder of someone special
Claddagh are perfect gifts for friends and family, and it doesn't matter if love is part of the equation. If you have been given a Claddagh and you don't want to wear it to indicate your sentimental status, you can wear it as you please.
