Claddagh rings are a traditional type of Irish ring commonly associated with marriage. However, these rings are not necessarily Celtic wedding rings. In fact, they may even be given by friends and family to represent the close bonds that are developed in those relationships.

Here are the three different ways to wear Claddagh rings to represent their true meaning:

• The Single Gal. Wear the ring on your right hand with the bottom of the heart facing outward to tell the world that you’re single and looking for a partner.
• The Fiancee. Keep the ring facing outward once you’ve gotten engaged but move it over to your left hand ring finger. This tells the world that you’re basically taken but you aren’t married yet. This is particularly true for Celtic engagement rings but can be done with all Claddagh rings.
• The Wife. After getting married, rotate the ring so that the bottom of the heart is facing inward towards your body. Worn in this way on the left hand ring finger, you’re telling the world that you are someone’s wife.

Of course, if you aren’t interested in the history of these rings, you can wear them any way that you see fit. Just be aware that worn in the above ways, you’re sending certain messages to the world around you.

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