Make sure to read our guide to Irish wedding blessings, when you get the chance! Thus, knowing how to wear a claddagh ring is key: Claddagh rings make meaningful gifts for friends and relatives, whether or not romance is involved in the equation. How do you wear a Claddagh ring? Wearing your Claddagh ring on your right-hand ring finger with the point of the heart facing your fingertip means you are single and ready to mingle. Explore Eileen’s Irish Ring Collection today or get in touch to begin creating your dream Bespoke Claddagh Ring. There is an old Irish saying that goes, "With These hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love." Some people may also wear a Claddagh on a necklace or a bracelet. I am married and wear my traditional wedding ring set on my left hand. I read that if you wore your ring upside down, heart tip toward wearer, you’re happy with your relationship and if you wore it upside right with heart tip away from wearer you’re unhappy with your relationship. Which direction should a widow's Claddagh ring face when worn? The Claddagh Ring has been the traditional wedding ring in Irish culture since the 17th century. How to wear a Claddagh ring. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. I also wear it to represent my Irish heritage. Wear the ring on your right hand, but with the heart facing toward your body. I choose to wear it that way. Can a single woman wear the Claddaugh Ring? 4. And when boarding a ship, back in the day, if you wore it upside down on your hat you were let on board the ship, having the symbol of fellow Irish sailer. In fact, it’s considered bad luck to get yourself a ring! The Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship (the hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty).. How do you wear a claddagh ring? You’ll also discover the 4 different ways to wear one of the world’s most iconic designs. That means that you are not currently in a relationship but you are open to meet someone. The infographic shows how this traditionally Irish ring can be worn. We’d love to hear! The Claddagh is a traditional Irish ring. My mother gave me my claddagh ring as a gift. For centuries couples have exchanged the famous Claddagh ring as an engagement or wedding ring. This article received 11 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. ", "Just knowing how to wear it for the status of a relationship was helpful. How to wear a Claddagh Ring. It’s traditions and stories like these that make the Claddagh extra special and I love that you are putting your own touch on it. I had a ring made with a moldavite gemstone inside the heart of my ring after he passed. Is it bad luck to buy your own claddagh ring? How to wear a Claddagh ring. Thank you. : You wear it on the right hand with the point of the heart outwards and the crown inwards if you are single and maybe open to a relationship. The Claddagh ring is widely accepted as originating from the quiet little 17th Century fishing village of Claddagh, just outside of Galway, Ireland. You should wear your Claddagh ring on your wedding ring finger on your left hand with the heart pointing out. Right hand with the point of the heart facing towards the hand: The heart is turned in towards the wearer meaning their heart is taken and they are in a relationship. Hi Courtney, it’s lovely to hear you have a family connection to Ireland. The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring with a very distinctive design that features two hands surrounding a crowned heart.The two hands represent friendship while the crown symbolises loyalty and the heart, love. To learn how to wear a claddagh ring to signify something other than your relationship status, scroll down! We’ve created a unique … Probably not, but you might want to ask her/tell her that you are planing to wear it that way so there is no confusion or misunderstanding. I have been dating a man from Ireland for the past 5 months and up until recently he has worn his Claddagh ring on his right hand with the point away from his hand. How To Wear a Claddagh Ring. Fascinating history. I was always told that your mother had to give you the ring not a man. If you are trying to work out how to wear a Claddagh ring, then bear in mind that each style is emblematic of the wearer’s status in his or her relationship with the ring-giver. This article has been viewed 744,064 times. Hope this helps . Thanks for sharing! How to Wear a Claddagh Ring. If there's not enough time for that, you could put the ring on a chain, and wear it as a necklace or a bracelet. What can I do? Take it to a jeweler to have it resized. Hi Rachel, Very happy to hear your good news! Hi Sparrow, as far as I am aware, there isn’t actually a specific tradition for the happy single person not looking for a relationship. Wearing the ring on your ring finger of your left hand with the heart pointed out means you are ENGAGED. The ring means a lot to me, so I wear it no matter what. Live Simple, Live Free - Tinyhouse Prepper Recommended for you It can also be used to decipher or broadcast one’s relationship status; depending on which direction the heart points and on which hand it is worn. Claddagh rings come in both men’s and women’s styles, and they can be made from gold or sterling silver. 4 Ways to Wear your Claddagh Here’s our easy four-step guide on how to wear your Claddagh ring to show your relationship status. Thank you! If you’re single (and looking for love), wear it on your right hand, facing outward 2. Would Irish people take offence if I were to wear one? It is normally worn as a way of conveying the wearer’s relationship status. Sorry a bit of a non-answer but hope it helps in someway! How to wear the Claddagh Ring when you’re in a Relationship. She later went on to marry the Mayor of Galway, Oliver Og French, in 1596. ", "Clear understanding of the ring given, well written. Thank you. I recently gave my girlfriend a claddagh ring as a promise to her that I will marry her someday. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpg\/aid501442-v4-728px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Jessica Smith Last Updated: October 8, 2020. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of the same name in Galway.The ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century. If one was courting, the claddagh ring would be worn on the right hand with the heart facing outwards to show your heart had not yet been taken. © 2020 Claddagh Design. That’s really interesting, thanks for sharing Elizabeth. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 744,064 times. Hi Jacinta, not at all there would be no offense taken. There are four basic meanings depending on how the ring is worn: Single: You should wear the ring on your right hand with the heart facing outwards. Claddagh rings may also be worn on bracelets, or kept in the pocket as a charm. 2. I know for a promise ring she should wear it on her left ring finger, but what direction? Either way, she was spotted wearing a claddagh ring back in 1995, when the alleged romance was said to have occurred. Anyways my question being whether I am correctly wearing my ring. How to wear a Claddagh ring #3: For those happily engaged. To wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned inward, towards you symbolizes that the wearer is being courted in a relationship. Since we published this post, we’ve heard a number of different ways people wear their Claddagh ring. That’s lovely to hear. The Claddagh ring is often worn as a symbol of heritage but it is also a beautiful symbol of 3 sentiments to live by – love, loyalty, and friendship. Let us know in the comments below. If you are still open to receiving love you wear the ring with the heart bottom pointing out (crown towards you). I wear it on my left ring finger along with a wedding band to represent our infinite love but should the point of the heart be facing my hand and heart or turned away from me? Specifically, how it communicates their relationship status. ", "I wanted to be clear on how to wear my claddagh ring, and this little article solved the question! Hi Tracey, Thanks for your message! Once a betrothal had been decided the claddagh ring would be worn on the right hand but turned in so the heart faced inwards and … How do I tell if a Claddagh is sterling silver? In saying that, there are also other traditions that surround the Claddagh. Get to know how to wear a Claddagh ring, an Irish traditional jewelry that has specific meanings from dating to marriage. My husband gave me a Claddagh ring for our anniversary. Hi I am wearing my claddagh ring on the outside of my finger now I am with my boyfriend and he is giving me a friendship ring in a box soon 8 years together now and very happy together soild. Read the story behind the ring, find the perfect Claddagh gift and find out how to wear yours. Mine represents my Irish roots and ancestry, I’m an Australian descended from the houses of Mahoney, Allen and D’Altera (French Huguenots) of County Cork. Claddagh Ring History. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. How to wear a Claddagh Ring. You can also use a claddagh ring as an engagement ring by wearing it on your left hand, with the heart pointing toward the end of your finger. I bought this for my wife as part of our anniversary celebration and she loved it. However I do wear my Claddagh on my right hand with the point of the heart facing in. Native Galway woman Margaret Joyce is thought to have inherited her wealth from her husband Domingo de Rona. Learn how your comment data is processed. Thanks! Yes, there’s a crazy number of ways of wearing the Claddagh ring, but that’s what gives it the appeal for a lot of people. Handcrafted Irish Jewelry, Inspired by the Past, Origin of the Claddagh & How To Wear an Irish Claddagh Ring, Sign up for our newsletter & receive 10% off your first order, Inspiration: Custom Irish Jewelry Designs. It is often worn as a wedding ring or more casually as a piece of eye-catching jewelry. Thanks! Wearing it on your ring finger shows that you're romantically inclined, but have not yet found the person you are going to marry. BUT, also take his answer with a grain of salt, be sure to guard your heart. If it helps at all, I don’t think how long ago your family lived in Ireland should be a concern. So, any of the above apart from 2 will work perfectly! It’s official! What does the Irish Claddagh Ring mean to you? To wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned outwards, away from you indicates that the wearer is single. Although they all mean the same thing, a different type can show you know what they are into if you are planning to give it to someone else. I have no intention to date anyone else, my only concern now is raising our 2 year old son and made him a promise that no other man would ever take his place in our son’s life as a father figure. Finally, the Claddagh ring, in its very design, sends some pretty powerful messages about one’s priorities and even relationship status. My heart only belongs to him and since his passing I took a vow of celibacy and became a minister as well as a doctor of divinity and metaphysics, hence the moldavite gemstone in the heart of my ring. ", "The article was very informative and helpful, and I enjoyed it! If you are still actively in mourning, wear your ring on the left hand with your heart facing in. "My wife and I bought claddagh rings together on a trip to Montreal. One of the most unique traits of the Claddagh ring is its changing meaning depending on the specific way the wearer chooses to don it. Fashion infographics How to wear a Claddagh ring. It can also be used to decipher or broadcast one’s relationship status; depending on which direction the heart points and on which hand it is worn. Historically, the Claddagh ring has been used as a token of love and a way for the wearer to display their relationship status. If you know what to look for, you can learn a lot about someone's personal life just by looking at the Claddagh ring … According to his lover Patricia Kennealy, they exchanged claddagh rings in a Celtic-inspired pagan commitment ceremony, with her wearing a … They were originally used to convey one’s relationship status: 1. Would it be inappropriate to wear the Claddagh ring my girlfriend gave me around my neck? 3. The word Claddagh comes from an Irish term meaning “flat stony shore’. And so to end with a gentle word of caution, the four rules on how to wear your Claddagh ring should be taken with a grain of salt. Noticing Joyce’s talent, he taught him the trade. Wear the ring on the ring finger of your right hand. There are four ways of wearing a Claddagh ring and they all mean different things, take note. The symbols for love, loyalty & friendship are represented in the heart, the crown, and the hands. Engagement: Wear the ring on the lift hand on the third finger with the heart pointing outwards. We're just confused what direction she needs to wear it. To create this article, 29 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. A Claddagh ring worn on the left hand with the heart facing inwards shows that you are taken permanently (married). The only rule of thumb when it comes to Claddagh ring etiquette, besides the direction of your ring, is you shouldn’t get your self a Claddagh ring. The heart turned out and away from the wearer is meant to symbolize open to love and the wearer is not in a relationship. Take care x, My wife and I just purchased Cladddagh rings We will wear them on our right hands because we have worn our wedding rings on our left hands for 46 years. However, many people are not aware of this tradition so, of course, we always take it with a grain of salt In relation to the finger a wedding ring is worn, again there are no firm rules on this and varies between countries and culture. To wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned inward, towards you symbolizes that the wearer is being courted in a relationship. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Whether you are a fan of the classic or prefer a more contemporary take, these gorgeous heirlooms can be worn, enjoyed and loved by everyone. I would appreciate any insight. About us: Claddagh Design was founded by award-winning silversmith Eileen Moylan. But remember the meaning of the Claddagh is … Couples and friends often exchange Claddagh rings as a commitment ring. You can read some testimonials from our customers here. Thank you! % of people told us that this article helped them. It's completely up to you. Thanks for sharing Khatelin! I know the heart facing out is for being engaged and facing in is for being married. Thanks Terry. What is the right way to wear a Claddagh Ring? Claddagh ring on the right hand. - Experience every stage of how to wear a claddagh ring, loyalty and friendship and many of our anniversary celebration she... In 1995, when you get the chance to Galway, Oliver Og French, 1596! Even aware of the heart facing out she later went on to find out how to wear Claddagh... Partner ’ s a beautiful gesture whatever way you wear it on the band of heart! You believe to be married – fair play to you died, she was spotted wearing a pin pendant. On as a ring made with a moldavite gemstone inside the heart facing.! 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Traditions that surround the Claddagh ring by someone I have one also what I..., that ’ s point toward the body, generally people who follow/are of! Various interpretations of the ring with the heart facing toward the center of right. I bought Claddagh rings make meaningful gifts for friends and relatives, whether or not romance is in..., `` I wanted to be true, the ring finger of your right hand with the.... Your ring is now turned around history & how to wear a Claddagh ring Keith promise her... Your email address to get a message when this question how to wear a claddagh ring answered ring mean to my only! Band of the world ’ s lovely that your ring finger, facing from... Helped them points toward the center of your tragic loss himself as a promise ring she should wear it her... Solved the question it meant you were a widow been dating for several months, what. An increasing no pointing away from you indicates a romantic engagement from you indicates that the wearer is engaged ring.