These August Claddagh Earrings have a beautiful Peridot stone in the Claddagh heart, the birthstone for August. The Claddagh heart symbolizes love, the hand’s friendship and the crown loyalty.
The Peridot stone is considered a sacred gift form Mother Nature. Peridot has a lovely olive green hue and was in fact originally named ‘olivine’. It is the stone of prosperity, growth and well-being. It was once believed that the green Peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. When Peridot was set in gold, it was said to protect the wearer from nightmares.
The Claddagh Ring dates to the 17th century and originated in the little fishing village of Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland. Legend has it that Richard Joyce, a Galway native, was captured and sold to slavery in North Africa. However, Joyce found himself slave to a Turkish Goldsmith, and from his master he learned and excelled at the craft.
He was finally released after 14 years, on the orders of William III. The Goldsmith for whom he was working for was so impressed by his work that he offered his daughters hand in marriage to him as well as half his property to try and get him to stay. But Joyce refused the offer and returned to Galway, where his sweetheart awaited him. But while in captivity, he had made what we now know as the Claddagh Ring especially for her. For centuries this was used as a wedding ring by the fisher folk of Claddagh village.
These August Claddagh Earrings are a great gift to give to a friend born in August. We also have a matching August Birthstone Claddagh Ring which makes it the perfect gift combination.