December Birthstone Earrings
These December Claddagh Earrings have a sparkling Blue Topaz stone in the Claddagh heart, the birthstone for December. The Claddagh heart symbolizes love, the hand’s friendship and the crown loyalty.
The Blue Topaz stone evokes images of the wind, sky and water and is the color of calm and peace. Often associated with loyalty and love, this gemstone represents eternal romance and friendship. The Blue Topaz is also a symbol of good fortune and success. It is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm.
- Weight Sterling Silver: 2.2 grams approx.
- Weight 10K Gold: 2.5 grams approx.
- Weight 14K Gold: 2.8 grams approx.
- Width: 9 mm approx.
- Height: 15.5 mm approx.
- Stone: 4 x 4 Cubic Zirconia Stone
- Handmade in Ireland
- Hallmarked at the Assay Office at Dublin Castle
History of the Claddagh
The Claddagh (or Cladach, meaning 'the shore') features a crowned heart held by two hands - the heart represents love, the hands represent friendship, while the crown stands for loyalty. As far back as medieval times, engagement rings had been inscribed with clasped hands to signify one's fidelity, while the heart and crown were eventually added in the 18th century.
The Claddagh is named for the former fishing village that's now part of Galway city in the West of Ireland, where iconic Claddagh rings have since been produced for hundreds of years. Legend has it that in 1695, a local teenage silversmith called Richard Joyce became enslaved by Algerian pirates, and invented the Claddagh ring while in captivity.
Whatever the true origin, the Claddagh has since exploded in popularity among those desiring to celebrate their Irish heritage, appearing on many forms of jewelry and art from weddings rings to casual gifts of friendship.
