Quick Answer
What is a Claddagh ring?
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring design showing two hands holding a heart topped with a crown, symbolizing love, loyalty and friendship. Originating in the fishing village of Claddagh near Galway, it is worn today as an engagement ring, wedding band, or family heirloom, and the hand and direction it is worn on traditionally signals the wearer's relationship status.
Last updated:
Last updated:
What is a Claddagh ring?
Also called: Claddagh wedding ring, hands, heart and crown ring.
The Claddagh ring is one of the most recognisable pieces of Irish jewellery in the world, and one of the few wedding traditions that travels well outside Ireland — plenty of couples with no Irish heritage at all choose one simply for what the design says: two hands (friendship) holding a heart (love), topped with a crown (loyalty). What makes it more than decorative is the old custom of reading meaning into exactly how it's worn.
The design and how it is traditionally worn
- •The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty — together the ring's traditional motto is "let love and friendship reign."
- •Worn on the right hand with the heart pointing outward (away from the body): the wearer is single and open to love.
- •Worn on the right hand with the heart pointing inward (toward the body): the wearer is in a relationship.
- •Worn on the left hand with the heart pointing outward: the wearer is engaged.
- •Worn on the left hand with the heart pointing inward: the wearer is married.
Planning notes
- •Many couples use a Claddagh design for the engagement ring and switch it to the left hand, heart inward, at the wedding — a nice detail to mention in the ceremony program or in vows.
- •Authentic Claddagh rings are still made by jewellers in Galway; buying from one is a common way to add a real Irish-heritage detail even for a wedding held elsewhere.
- •If pairing a Claddagh engagement ring with a separate wedding band, try them on together in advance — the raised heart-and-crown design can sit proud of a plain band.
Share the ring story with your guests
Weddingkart lets you send a quick WhatsApp note to your guest list explaining a tradition like this ahead of the day, so the meaning behind small details isn't lost on anyone.
See WhatsApp announcements →Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Claddagh ring come from?
It originates from Claddagh, a fishing village just outside Galway city. The design is traditionally credited to a 17th-century Galway goldsmith, Richard Joyce, though as with much folk history the exact origin story has several versions.
Is a Claddagh ring only for married couples?
No — it is worn at every stage, from single to married, with the hand and heart direction signalling the difference. It is also given as a friendship or family gift with no romantic meaning at all, since the "friendship" symbolism stands on its own.
Can a Claddagh ring be used as a wedding ring?
Yes, plenty of couples choose one specifically as their wedding band, moved to the left hand with the heart turned inward at the ceremony to signal the change from engaged to married.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated