How to Wear a Claddagh Ring

By eHow Weddings Editor

Rate: (27 Ratings)

Claddagh rings are a type of Irish jewelry that depicts two hands holding a heart with a crown on top it. All of these symbols have great meaning. Therefore, some couples decide to exchange these instead of traditional wedding bands.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Learn what the symbols on the ring stand for. For instance, the heart means love, the hands signify friendship and the crown reflects loyalty.
Step2
Understand that the way you wear the ring sends a message about your relationship status.
Step3
Show that your heart is open or available by wearing the ring on your right hand with the hearts facing outward, or toward your fingernail.
Step4
Wear the ring on your right hand as a sign of friendship prior to the wedding, with the heart facing inward toward your wrist. This shows that your heart is taken.
Step5
Switch the ring onto your left ring finger during the wedding ceremony, to show that two hearts have been joined forever. Be sure that the hearts again face inward.
Step6
Shop around for a ring you like. Although plain gold is a popular choice, you can also find the ring in silver and/or decorated with gemstones.
Step7
Visit antique dealers and thrift shops if you want to look for a ring that has some history to it.

Tips & Warnings

  • Have your wedding date and names engraved inside the ring band.

Comments

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on 6/19/2007 http://www.thecladdagh.com/show82.htm
This website has pictures to show you and explain how to wear it the way you want.

simple said

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on 12/29/2006 On your left hand with the hearts facing outward. During the ceremony the ring should be placed back on the finger with the heart facing inward.

boshog said

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on 11/26/2007 point your main finger at the base of the crown and turn topwise.

Sassy83 said

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on 9/18/2007 The way you wear it is...
Single: right hand, heart facing out because you are sending your love out to the world to be received by some one special (when looking at your hand the ring is upside down)
Taken: right hand, heart facing in because you are saving all your love for one person. (when looking at your hand the ring is right side up)
Married: left hand, inward because you have found the one your love will always be saved for. (when looking at your hand the ring is right ways up)

The reason for the direction is from when men would kiss a lady's hand he could see where her heart was. form his angle the only time he can see it right way round is when the woman was looking for love.


The meaning I was always taught, which I have never found online, is "with these hands I give you my heart and crown it with me love"

Hope this helps...

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on 8/8/2007 To anybody who is confused about how to wear the ring:

If ones heart was not won by love yet, the claddagh ring would be worn on the right hand with the crown facing inward.


When you are engaged, the claddagh ring would still be worn on the right hand but would be turned so the crown faced outwards(towards the fingernail).


Upon marriage, the claddagh ring would be worn on the left hand with the crown turned outwards(towards the fingernail), and would serve as a wedding ring.

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eHow Article:  How to Wear a Claddagh Ring

eHow Weddings Editor

eHow Weddings Editor

Category: Weddings

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