How to use the Claddagh ring - we tell you
The Claddagh ring is one of the most commonly acquired engagement rings in recent times due to Celtic cultural significance. In fact, today is still used not only for commitment, but also for love of this ancient culture or for what symbolizes the Claddagh.
If you are familiar with this ring, it may sound to you that it can be used in several ways, depending on what you want to interpret. That is why in this article we will explain everything you need to know about how to use the Claddagh ring .
History of the Claddagh ring
There are different legends about the origin of this ring. However, it is believed that the true one is the following. About 300 years ago, in the seventeenth century, a man named Richard Joyce traveled to India in search of work, wishing to marry his beloved on his return. However, the ship that was traveling in the direction of India was captured. Accordingly, Joyce was sold as a slave to an Algerian Muslim who was engaged in the goldsmith, a trade that Joyce eventually learned in captivity.
With him, he spent 14 years until he could be freed thanks to King William III. The Muslim jeweler had taken him so much respect, that he offered half his fortune and his daughter's hand if he stayed with him. But Joyce refused; He wanted to go back to his beloved and, finally, marry her. During all those years, Joyce had not stopped loving his partner, and that is why, in a small fishing village called Claddagh located on the west coast of Ireland, he designed this ring for his fiancee: a ring that symbolized love true, eternal love.
Meaning of the Claddagh ring
The Claddagh ring is formed by a crown and two hands that hold a heart. Hands represent friendship, love heart and crown loyalty. That is why the Claddagh ring is considered as the Celtic symbol of love par excellence.
Due to its romantic meaning, it is very common to find this ring today as a piece of jewelry. This is because it is usually used as an engagement or marriage ring. In essence, the Claddagh ring symbolizes true love and eternal friendship.
Claddagh ring positions
Formerly, in the Celtic culture, the position of the ring was highly symbolic. In fact, today there are many people who continue to put the ring in a certain position, respecting the original symbolism. Here we will show you what each position of the Claddagh ring means:
Right hand
Generically, the Claddagh ring was used on the ring finger of the right hand when you were not yet married. Depending on where the heart is pointing, it could symbolize two things:
- With the heart out : placing it in the right hand, originally indicated that you were single and ready to marry, but that you had not yet found the right person for it.
- With the heart inwards : if, on the other hand, you were in a relationship with someone, the ideal thing was to place the ring in this way.
Left hand
On the other hand, the Claddagh ring was placed on the ring finger of the left hand once he had contracted marriage or was engaged. Depending on where the heart is pointing, the message could be different:
- With the heart out : when one was engaged, although not yet married, the ring was used in this way.
- With the heart inward : once you got married, the heart would turn inward in the left hand. In fact, during the ceremony, the Claddagh ring was turned from the outside inwards.
Claddagh rings for men
Although Claddagh rings were traditionally designed for man to hand over to women, Claddagh rings for men can now be purchased easily. Its design, compared to that of women, is much simpler as a rule, although it includes engraving the famous Claddagh symbol.
Where to buy the Claddagh ring
If you are thinking about getting a Claddagh ring for your boyfriend or girlfriend, you should know that, unfortunately, not all jewelers will have it. For what you can, or go through the jewelries in your area and ask, or go to online shopping sites, such as Amazon, Etsy or Ebay, or opt for websites specially created for the sale of this type of rings.
If you liked this article on how to use the Claddagh ring, you may also be interested in this other about Celtic symbols and their ancestral meaning.
