Clare's Guide to Claddagh Rings (An Irish Emblem)

The Claddagh ring is a long-time emblem of Irish heritage, identity, and womanhood. It is most times worn as a sign of devotion to a spouse or beloved. The hands clasp a heart in the manner of presentation with a crown over the heart. Traditionally a Claddagh ring is passed from mother to her eldest daughter. However, more modern tradition has the Claddagh ring being presented to a child by a parent or grandparent as a coming-of-age gift. A Claddagh ring can also be presented as a promise, engagement, or wedding ring. How the ring is worn indicates the status of the wearer: 

• On the right hand with the heart worn outwards it indicates that the wearer is single and available for courtship.

• Worn on the ring finger of the right hand with the heart outwards it shows that the heart is in a relationship, but not yet married.

• Worn on the left ring finger with the heart facing outward symbolizes an engagement.

• Worn on the left ring finger with the heart facing inwards the Claddagh ring shows that the wearer is married.

Claddagh rings were very commonly used in the area around Galway since the late 17th century. The Claddagh is a fishing village on the outskirts of Galway City. It was a local fashion, which although it began to get wider notice in the early 20th century, was never really a part of the Celtic Revival. Towards the end of the 20th century, there was an explosion of interest in the Claddagh ring, both as jewelry and as an icon of Irish Heritage. In more recent years it has been embellished with interlace designs and combined with other Celtic and Irish symbols, but this is a very recent phenomenon that corresponds with the worldwide expansion in popularity of the Claddagh ring as an emblem of Irish identity.        

For me, being gifted a Claddagh ring was a symbol of my traveling into adulthood. I was given a Claddagh ring for my 16th birthday, and haven’t taken it off since. It is also a symbol of my relationship status, which to some people might seem strange, but for Irish girls, it is so much more. Most of my Irish side of the family have had women wearing Claddagh rings for generations. My grandma wore one and had emblems of the Claddagh and other Celtic symbols in her Irish-Catholic home. From my grandma, most of my aunts and cousins wear Claddagh rings too. Whether they are gold or silver, have more intricate designs, or remain more simple, to each individual Irish girl they are a development of who we are and where we stand in our heritage. Currently, I wear mine on my right hand with the point of the heart facing inward, because I am in a relationship.

It is important to note that not just Irish girls can wear Claddagh rings, but you must remain cautious. Do not ever buy a Claddagh for yourself, as it is passed down that buying one for yourself will give you a bad love life! Make sure that if you have a Claddagh ring on your wishlist, you ask for it for a special occasion, or drop hints to who you want to gift you with one!