April-Cubic Zirconia Birthstone Claddagh Ring
April – Cubic Zirconia – Crystal clear brilliance and diamond like, this is a stone of clarity and also creativity. Colourless, it symbolises truth and openness and reflects everything around it.
About the Claddagh
The Claddagh symbol was originated by Richard Joyce, a Galway seafarer kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in North Africa where he learned the art of a goldsmith. When released, nothing could keep him from his beloved Galway where he returned to become a master goldsmith and where he created the Claddagh ring. For centuries this was used as a wedding ring by the fisher folk of Claddagh village, which nestled outside the walls of Galway city in the west of Ireland. People use Claddagh rings as friendship, engagement as well as wedding rings depending on how they wear them.
Friendship: by placing the ring anywhere on your right hand.
Engagement: by placing the ring on the third finger of your left hand with the heart pointing outwards.
Wedding: by placing the ring also on the third finger of your left hand but with the heart pointing inwards towards your heart.
The symbols of the Claddagh are the Heart, Crown and Hands for Love, Loyalty and also Friendship.
Did you know that there are
birthstones associated with each month of the year? According to popular tradition, wearing your birthstone gem accentuates all your good qualities, and diminishes your bad traits. Even your love-life, your health and also your fortune may be influenced by the power of these crystals and gems!
First of all, there is little “scientific” evidence to prove these claims. Yet many people still believe them to be true, and they have done so for generations. Folklore and myths encourage us to wear gems with particular powers. Especially relevant are the Bible verses in the
Book of Revelation. They name specifically
rubies, emeralds, topaz and
amethyst.Over the years, it seems like birthstone lists change to reflect trends. In addition, some minerals are very rare or costly, so substitutions are made. The most noteworthy example is
Diamond, the birthstone for
April. It can also be substituted with a
clear crystal gem, to make it more affordable.
June’s birthstone, the pretty
lavender topaz, is a another new option for the more traditional
Pearl.
Most jewelers tend to prefer the modern list of crystal-form gemstones. Is it because some combinations of opaque and transparent stones are rather less appealing to the eye?
These days, birthstones are a fun way to express your own personality. They are thoughtful gifts for your loved ones too! Which one will you choose?