What Is a Claddagh Ring and What Does It Mean?

While you’ve likely heard about or seen a Claddagh ring, if you’re not Irish, you may be wondering about the origin—and meaning!—of this unique-looking piece of jewelry. Often worn to signify one’s friendship or relationship status (it is sometimes used as an engagement or wedding bauble), Claddagh rings feature a circular gold or silver band with two hands clasping a heart with a crown over the heart.

Today, this piece of jewelry has become a popular staple in the Irish tradition—and for individuals around the world. But did you know that they possess a rich history dating back to the late 1600s? Whether you and your partner are considering sporting these Irish wedding rings during your marriage, or you’re simply just interested in learning more about these historical pieces, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about Claddagh rings.

Ahead, with the help of two experts, read on for the meaning and history of this romantic ring, in addition to several ways you can incorporate them into your own wedding.

The History of Claddagh Rings

While there are many tales of how the Claddagh ring came to be, the most well-known story involves pirates. As the legend states, the ring was first created by Richard Joyce, a local fisherman in Claddagh (now a part of Galway, Ireland) who was captured by Algerian pirates and forced to be a slave in Morocco. During his time as a slave, he worked for a Moorish goldsmith, later becoming an accomplished goldsmith himself until his release in 1689. Once free and reunited with his one true love, Joyce presented his future wife with a wedding band he made while in captivity, later known as, you guessed it, the Claddagh ring.

A Breakdown of a Claddagh Ring’s Meaning

The symbols on a Claddagh ring each hold a special meaning: two hands (friendship) clasping a heart (love), capped with a crown (loyalty). As such, these baubles are commonly known to signify a person’s marital status depending on the way they are worn. Annie Byrne, lead planner at Aislinn Events, also highlights, “We find that many couples, Irish and American alike, choose to use the Irish traditional Claddagh ring as a pre-engagement ring. The groom will propose with a Claddagh, which could have diamonds or gemstones, and then shop for a more modern engagement ring later.”

How to Wear a Claddagh Ring

As mentioned, you can confirm a person’s martial status based on the way they wear their Claddagh ring. Specifically, when worn on the left hand with the heart facing inward, you’re married; when worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward, you’re engaged; when worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, you’re in a relationship; and when worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, you’re single.

Anish Godha, CEO of Diamondère, adds that “the beauty of the Claddagh ring is that it can double as both an engagement ring and a wedding ring. Once you are married, you keep it on your left hand but turn it around so that the heart points inwards.” It’s important to note, however, that it is bad luck to buy your own Claddagh ring. As a symbol of friendship or love, it must be given to you by another person. In most cases, Irish mothers typically pass down heirloom Claddagh rings to their eldest daughters which are later worn throughout their dating and marital life.

How to Incorporate a Claddagh Ring Into Your Wedding

If you’re thinking about incorporating these Irish wedding rings into your nuptials, there are several traditions you can follow once it’s time to say “I do.” “Often our couples who elope to Ireland will shop for their Claddagh wedding rings when they arrive in Ireland a few days before their wedding,” shares Byrne. “They can exchange those rings with each other on the wedding day in conjunction with a Celtic handfasting ceremony.” You may also take it off during the ceremony to have it blessed by the officiant, then have your partner put it on your left hand while saying their ring vows to you.

Another way to include the ring into your nuptials? Many couples use Claddagh rings as a charm tied into a bride’s bouquet and/or stitch the Claddagh symbol onto a ring pillow, engrave it on the groom’s cufflinks, use it on the wedding cake, and even imprint it on cocktail napkins, invitations, programs, place cards, thank you notes, toasting glasses, and aisle runners.