This Irish symbol of love and affection has become a popular world renowned token of love highly by couples young and old. These days you certainly don’t have to be Irish to love the Claddagh ring design and meaning. It is a universal symbol of love, friendship and loyalty.
The Claddagh ring meaning adds a layer of sentimentality to any type of claddagh ring design, be it a friendship ring, engagement ring, wedding ring or promise ring. If you’re looking for a ring steeped in cultural history, tradition or meaning, the Claddagh ring is perfectly suited.
Explore everything you ever wanted or needed to know about Claddagh rings.
What type of ring is a claddagh ring?
Like the much adored gimmel rings, the Claddagh ring belong to the romantic category of European rings known as fede ring. Worn as a symbol of betrothal a fede ring features hands and hearts similar to the Claddagh ring.
Claddagh Ring Meaning
The Claddagh ring features two hands clasping a heart with a crown. Every design element of the claddagh ring holds special meaning. The heart representing love, the hand symbolize friendship and the crown stands for loyalty. Hence the meaning of the Claddagh ring is one of friendship, love and loyalty.
How to wear a Claddagh to indicate your relationship status:
- Left hand, heart facing your body – indicates that you are married
- Left hand, heart pointed outwards – indicates that you are engaged
- Right hand, heart towards you – indicates that you’re not available and may be in a relationship
- Right hand, heart pointing outwards – you’re single
Choosing the perfect Claddagh ring style:
Traditionally the early Claddagh rings was made of gold. Now a days, there are many versions of the claddagh ring in a large variety of metals including more contemporary alternative metals. There are traditional design versions of the Claddagh as well as more relevant and modern, contemporary Claddaghs that have been stylized to reflect current fashions and trends.
Here are some of The Irish Jewelry Company’s popular Claddagh ring variations.
Fenian Claddagh Ring
This version of the Claddagh Ring with two hands holding a heart and no crown was made in Dublin in the 1800’s. It became known as the Fenian Claddagh Ring or the Dublin Claddagh Ring.
Celtic Knot Claddagh Ring
The Celtic Knot Claddagh Ring is a brilliant take on the traditional Claddagh ring. Two Trinity knots beautifully frame the Claddagh heart and crown center in this ladies Celtic ring. The age old symbol of Irish love and friendship blends seamlessly with the Celtic Trinity Knot.
Diamond Claddagh Engagement Ring
The Diamond Engagement Claddagh Ring radiates exquisite beauty. The Diamond Claddagh ring is one of Ireland’s best known symbols of love. There is an old Irish saying that goes, “With These hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love” .
Claddagh Wedding Ring 14K Gold
This lovely comfort fit Claddagh wedding ring in 14K gold, embossed with alternating Claddagh & Celtic Knots is a typical Irish design. The Claddagh with its endearing meaning of love, loyalty, and friendship makes the perfect Irish wedding ring. This gold Claddagh wedding ring coupled with the Celtic Knot which symbolizes endless love and makes this ring the perfect choice to ‘Tie the Knot’.
Claddagh Promise Ring
This dainty hand crafted gold Claddagh Promise Ring with a green genuine emerald gemstone and rope shank in stunning 10k yellow gold is perfect for anyone. The 10k Gold Emerald Claddagh Promise Ring a great size to wear alone or to stack.
Mothers Claddagh Ring
The Mothers Claddagh Ring represents the eternal bond of friendship, love and loyalty shared between a mother and her child. A mother’s love is immeasurable. She has great dreams for her children and she patiently stands by as she watches them chase them. She is there to see them soar and she catches them when they fall. She might not always be perfect but in the end she will always be there. She is a devoted mother.
Men’s Claddagh Rings
The King Claddagh Ring is our heavy metal beauty! Our men’s Claddagh ring is massive and ready for any amount of heavy guitar strumming. Even if it’s only air guitar. This is a traditional mens Claddagh ring taken to a new level of rockin. It doesn’t just show your heritage, it flaunts it! It says “That’s Right, I’m Irish!”
Choosing the right Claddagh Ring style:
It doesn’t matter which claddagh ring you choose. All that matter is you pick a design that speaks to you and to your heart. The bottom line is no matter which Claddagh ring style you choose you do not have to be Irish to wear the Claddagh. The meaning of the Claddagh symbol has transcended geographical boundaries and has become a genuine symbol of love to everyone.