Did you know that Irish mammies are usually the first person to give a Claddagh ring to their daughters. The ring is usually a traditional styled gold or silver ring. It is around 13 or 14 years old when the daughter will get one. It is an age-old tradition rooted in old Irish believe system.

To put it frankly, in olden days, Irish mothers would gift it to their daughters, so that suitors would know if they were in a relationship or if she was single. In a way, it was a signal for men to stay away or permission to approach her daughter, depending on how she wore the ring. Technically, it was once regarded as a way to marry off your daughter. In olden times, it was valued that your daughter met a good man and had a good marriage.

The tradition of showing your relationship status with the Claddagh is no longer a thing, however, women tend to wear the ring depending on their relationship status. Men generally don’t know anymore that this is a trend. Here is how you would wear the ring depending on your relationship status:

• Wear on the right hand with the heart worn outwards to let people know you are single.
• Wear on the ring finger of the left hand with the heart outwards to show you are in a relationship.
• Wear on the left ring finger with the heart facing outward lets people know you are engaged to be married.
• The last stop, is marriage and if you wear the Claddagh on the left ring finger with the heart facing inwards to let people know your permanently unavailable.

Nowadays, the Claddagh ring is still gifted from mother to daughter as teenagers. It has become more something of an heirloom and connection between mother and daughter, rather than trying to marry her off. We have met many women who in their elderly age, wear a Claddagh ring, either they received from their mums, or they wear the ring, that their own mother received from their mam. Its amazing. Women still come into the shop looking for a Claddagh ring for their daughters. We hear stories about how mothers pass away and the daughters have it as a reminder of their mother. Its truly turned into a much more beautiful tradition than it once was.

Is it not for couples though?

NO! It is given by partners and was originally given by Richard Joyce to his long-lost love, but the Irish have really made the ring their own. Usually, we aren’t the best with compliments and words of love, so its not surprising that we have adopted it to suit ourselves. To be honest, most orders for a Claddagh ring, is for a family member or for a friend. So get your friend that Claddagh ring and don’t be afraid to share your love.