This May Birthstone Claddagh Ring is set with a beautiful Emerald Green Cubic Zirconia stone in the Claddagh heart, the birthstone for May. The Claddagh heart symbolizes love, the hand’s friendship and the crown loyalty.
The Cubic Zirconia stone is diamond like and is a stone of clarity and creativity. It symbolises truth and openness and reflects everything around it. The Emerald stone is unrivalled for color by any other gemstone. The Emerald was considered to be the stone of prophecy, loved by Cleopatra and the sacred stone of the Greek goddess of love, Venus. It is the stone of love, compassion and healing.
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 May Birthstone Claddagh Ring is a great gift to give to a friend born in May. We also have a matching May Claddagh Pendant which makes it the perfect gift combination.