
An Irish wedding ring is called a claddagh ring. It has a rich history steeped in legend, but the tradition goes that it was first made by a man from Galway who gave it to his bride after she had loyally waited for his return from sea. The ring is made of a two hands holding a heart with a crown. Together they symbolize the saying "love, loyalty, friendship." The hands portray trust and faith, the heart love, the crown loyalty and the hope of future glory. Still a meaningful symbol today, the way you wear it shows your relationship status.
Place the claddagh ring on the fourth finger of your right hand with the heart pointing outwards from the body to signify that you are single, or as the Irish say "your heart is open to love."
Turn the claddagh ring around on the fourth finger of your right hand so that the heart points in towards the wrist to show that you are in a relationship and your heart is taken.
Position the claddagh ring on the fourth finger of your left hand with the heart pointing toward your wrist as a sign that you are now married.
Related Articles
What Is a Journey Ring?

On Which Finger Do You Wear an Eternity ...

What Is a Friendship Ring?

Why Does the Wedding Ring Go on the 4th ...

The Meaning of Wedding Bands

What Finger to Wear a Promise Ring On

The Proper Way to Wear a Wedding ...

What Is the Meaning of a Ring on the ...

How to Tell a Friend What They Mean to ...

How to Tie a Hachimaki

Why Do People Wear a Wedding Ring on ...

The Meaning of Exchanging Wedding Rings

Reasons to Get a Nose Ring

What Is the Meaning of a Ring in the ...

Colibri Pocket Watch Instructions

How to Have a Covenant Marriage Ceremony

What a Minister Says at a Wedding

How to Cheer Up a Broken Heart

How to Explain to Your Boyfriend That ...

How to Put a Boutonniere on a Shirt
Writer Bio
Gemma Craig began writing in 1993, expanding to various websites in 2007. She writes about interior decorating and design, travel, film, literature, technology and consumer electronics. Craig's work has been published in "Spinner," "USA Today" and numerous regional newspapers.
Photo Credits
claddaugh ring image by Tanya McConnell from Fotolia.com