This July Claddagh Pendant is set with a beautiful Alexandrite stone in the Claddagh heart, the birthstone for June. The Claddagh heart symbolizes love, the hand’s friendship and the crown loyalty.
The Alexandrite stone is named after the Russian Czar Alexander 11, this stone is considered to be a stone of prosperity and longevity. It is also said to strengthen intuition, creativity, and imagination and encourage romance. Alexandrite gemstones are extremely rare and desirable since they change color based on the lighting.
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 July Claddagh Pendant is a great gift to give to a friend born in June. We also have a matching July Birthstone Claddagh Ring which makes it the perfect gift combination.