How to Wear a Claddagh Ring: Traditional Irish Rules

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to wear this traditional Irish ring with style
PDF download Download Article

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish jewelry item composed of a pair of hands, which symbolize friendship; a heart, which symbolizes love; and a crown, which symbolizes loyalty. It is often worn as a wedding ring or more casually as a piece of eye-catching jewelry. Keep reading to learn how to wear a Claddagh ring, whether you choose to imbue it with romantic meaning or display it in a less traditional fashion.

Things You Should Know

  • Wear a Claddagh ring on your right ring finger with the point facing out when you’re single to show you’re available, or pointing inward to show you’re dating.
  • When you’re engaged, wear the ring on your left ring finger with the heart facing out to show you’re committed, but haven’t tied the knot yet.
  • After you’re married, reverse the ring so that it points inward to show that you’re in a permanent relationship.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Wearing the Ring to Indicate Relationship Status

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpeg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpeg\/v4-728px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-1.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    When you’re single: Wear the ring on your right ring finger when you’re single, point-out. Wearing the Claddagh ring on your ring finger shows that you're romantically inclined, but wearing it on the right hand with the point out indicates you have not yet found the person you are going to marry. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-2.jpeg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-2.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-2.jpeg\/v4-728px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-2.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    When you’re dating: When you've found someone special and made a commitment to date them, turn the ring around so that the heart points toward the center of your hand. This shows that your heart is currently unavailable. Leave the ring on your right ring finger, though, since you are still unmarried.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-3.jpeg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-3.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-3.jpeg\/v4-728px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-3.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    When you’re engaged: Wear the ring on your left ring finger with the heart facing out to show that you're engaged. Facing the heart out shows that you're committed, but you still haven't tied the knot.
    • Wearing a ring on this finger is a traditional symbol of engagement or marriage in many cultures, and Irish culture adopts this as well. When you wear a Claddagh on your left ring finger, it's a sign that you've found the one you'll be spending the rest of your life with.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-4.jpeg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-4.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-4.jpeg\/v4-728px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-4.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    4
    When you’re married: Wear the ring on your left ring finger with the heart facing in to show that you're married. The heart facing in shows that you’re in a permanent relationship and that your heart has been captured. Traditionally, the ring is reversed during the wedding ceremony, as you transition from "engaged" to "married."
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Finding Your Own Meaning

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-5.jpeg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-5.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-5.jpeg\/v4-728px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-5.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Wear the ring to display your heritage. Many Irish people wear Claddagh rings as a symbol of their Irish heritage, rather than as a way to display their romantic status. Claddagh rings may be worn on any finger and may be turned in either direction, whichever is most comfortable for the person wearing the ring. They don't have to be worn to indicate a romantic status, and can be worn on the left ring finger without a relationship or engagement or a marriage.
    • Some people wear Claddagh rings on necklace chains, rather than on their fingers.
    • Claddagh rings may also be worn on bracelets, or kept in the pocket as a charm.
    • Make sure you wear the correct ring size to prevent your ring from spinning. You can determine your ring size using a ring sizer, or by measuring your finger with measuring tape.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-6.jpeg\/v4-460px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-6.jpeg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-6.jpeg\/v4-728px-Wear-a-Claddagh-Ring-Step-6.jpeg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Wear the ring to remember someone special. Claddagh rings make meaningful gifts for friends and relatives, whether or not romance is involved in the equation. If you received a Claddagh ring as a gift and would prefer not to wear it to show your romantic status, it's just fine to wear it however you choose.
    • There are many different types of Claddagh rings, such as ones with birthstones, diamonds, gold, silver, or even platinum. Although they all mean the same thing, different styles may make the ring more personal.
    3. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I was given a claddagh ring by someone I have been dating for several months, but with no question of pending marriage. Which finger do I wear it on?
    Community Answer
    Wear the ring on your right hand, but with the heart facing toward your body. This indicates that you are in a relationship but not yet married.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 44
  • Question
    My mom's funeral is coming up, and I want to wear her ring, but her hands were so tiny that it does not fit. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Take it to a jeweler to have it resized. It might cost a bit, but well worth it. 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 43
  • Question
    Does it have to be worn on the ring finger?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. If you want to "show off" your relationship status, then yes. Otherwise, if you are just wearing it because of heritage or someone special gave it to you, you can put it on whatever finger you please.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 34
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Wear a Wedding Ring
      How to
      Propose to Your Girlfriend: What to Say and Do for the Perfect Marriage Proposal
      5 Easy Ways to Accurately Figure Out Your Ring Size
      How to
      Measure Ring Size for Men
      Are Your Rings Too Big? Here Are Ways to Keep Them from Sliding Off
      How to
      Remove a Stuck Ring: 5 Effective Strategies
      How to
      Cut Off a Ring
      How to
      Stretch a Ring
      How to
      Remove a Ring with a String
      How to
      Keep a Ring from Turning Your Finger Green
      Wearing Rings on Multiple Fingers: Styling Tips, How Many to Wear, & More
      How to
      Easily Reshape a Bent Ring
      How to
      Shrink Rings
      11 Easy Ways to Get Your Girlfriend's Ring Size Without Her Knowing
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.claddaghdesign.com/history/origin-irish-claddagh-ring/
      2. http://www.claddaghring.com/How-to-wear-claddagh-rings-a/122.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To wear a claddagh ring if you’re dating someone, put it on the ring finger of your right hand with the heart pointing toward the center of your hand. Alternatively, point the heart toward the end of your finger if you’re not currently in a relationship, but are open to the idea. 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. Once you’re married, turn the ring around and wear it with the heart pointing toward the center of your hand. To learn how to wear a claddagh ring to signify something other than your relationship status, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 907,684 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • David Neelley

        Feb 19, 2019

        "My wife and I bought claddagh rings together on a trip to Montreal. She passed away last year, and I wanted to ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement