This December Birthstone Claddagh Ring is set with 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.
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.
The December Birthstone Claddagh Ring is a great gift to give to a friend born in December. We also have a matching December Claddagh Pendant and December Claddagh Earrings which makes it the perfect gift combination.