What Does A Claddagh Ring Mean?

A Claddagh ring is an Irish traditional ring that can symbolize whether the wearer of the ring is single, in a relationship, engaged or married. The traditional motif is one of two hands clasping a heart, with a crown on top of that. The heart represents love, the hands represent friendship and the crown represents loyalty. The rings have become a symbol of Irish heritage worldwide and particularly within the United States. They are often handed down from mother to eldest daughter and grandmother to granddaughter when the girl comes of age. They can also be used as friendship, engagement and wedding rings.

The relationship status of the wearer can be determined according to how the ring is positioned and on which hand it is worn. When worn on the right hand, and the point of the heart faces the fingertips, it means the wearer is single and looking for love- turned around the opposite way, with the point of the heart facing towards the wrist, the wearer is in a committed relationship. When worn on the left hand, and the point of the heart faces the fingertips, it means the wearer is engaged- turned around the opposite way, with the point of the heart facing the wrist, it means the wearer is married.

Claddagh rings are full of tradition and history and rich in symbolism.