Claddagh
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring given as a token of friendship, love, or marriage. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, Ireland. The Claddagh’s distinctive design features two hands clasping a crowned heart. The two hands represent friendship, the crown signifies loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the heart symbolizes eternal love.
There are three traditionally accepted ways of wearing the ring which may signal someone’s relationship status:
- When worn on the right ring finger with the heart pointing to the fingertip, the wearer is free of any attachment.
- On the same finger but with the heart pointing away from the fingertip, it suggests someone is romantically involved.
- When the ring is on the left hand wedding ring finger, it means the person is married or engaged.