Claddagh jewellery and rings have been around for centuries, but now they’re suddenly everywhere. A pair of gold Claddagh earrings recently went viral, sparking thousands of posts from fashion creators styling them with streetwear, vintage knits, and even tracksuits. But behind the sudden buzz is a much older story, one that holds meaning for the Irish.
The original Claddagh ring comes from Galway, Ireland, dating back to the 1600s. The design is simple but symbolic: two hands holding a heart topped with a crown. It’s meant to represent friendship (hands), love (heart), and loyalty (crown). In Irish culture, how you wear it actually tells people your relationship status, sort of like a low-key relationship status update, but in ring form, and they are very popular with Irish girls.
“I’ve worn mine since I was 15,” says Caoimhe O’Donnell, a student from Cork. “If the heart points away from you, it means you’re single. Point it inwards and you’re taken. On the left hand, it means engaged or married, depending on which way it faces.”
What surprises many is that buying one for yourself isn’t really how we do things in Ireland. “Traditionally, someone should gift it to you, like a partner or a family member,” Caoimhe explains. “It’s kind of seen as bad luck to buy your own.”
The viral earrings, with their modern twist, have sparked a broader appreciation for Irish jewellery. Designers are incorporating the emblem into new designs, ranging from rings to pendants, scarves, and clothes.
Still, not everyone is so sure about the sudden hype. “It’s cool seeing people wear it, but I hope they get why it matters,” Caoimhe says. “It’s not just an aesthetic. It has an important meaning. It’s personal and part of Irish identity, which is important to preserve after hundreds of years of oppression of our traditions, language and ways of life.”
For Irish people, Claddagh jewellery isn’t just a look. It’s a piece of identity, often passed down or gifted with intention. If you want to wear the Claddagh, taking a moment to understand the symbolism makes wearing it feel less like a costume and shows appreciation for the meaning and history it holds.
So, if you’re considering purchasing a Claddagh ring, it might be better not to order one impulsively from Amazon. Ask someone close to you (even better if they’re Irish). Or at least learn the meaning before you start spinning it in your fit check.
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