DISCONTINUED- AM-CONN-600-CLADD Connemara and Amethyst 3-Drop Claddagh Toggle Pendant

Real Amethyst gemstones with Connemara Marble drops move gently from the Claddagh toggle ring on a silver snake chain. Comes gift box with the history of Connemara Marble and meaning of the Celtic knot.

History of Connemara Marble

Beloved by the Irish people for centuries, Connemara Marble dates back some 600 million years to the pre-Cambrian era. Steeped in myth and mystery and found only in the twelve Connemara mountains in the West of Ireland, this rich mossy green marble has long been considered one of Ireland’s greatest national treasures.

Stone defines Ireland’s sacred spaces, and it is in the permanence of stone that fragments of the Irish past are recorded. Even before the Celts arrived in Ireland, Neolithic (New Stone Age) peoples were skilled in stonework. Over the ages, Irish artisans have celebrated their history and faith, both Pagan and Christian, by working Connemara Marble into artwork ranging from great monuments to small adornments.

This famous Irish marble shows twisted and interlocking bands of serpentine in varying shades of green, sepia, cream and grey interrupted by veins of crystalline calcite and dolomite and was a treasured commodity used in trade by the inhabitants of prehistoric Ireland.

Held close, the Ancients believed Connemara Marble brings the wearer serenity, restfulness and deep peace.

Story of the Claddagh

The story of the Claddagh begins in the early 16th century in the village of Claddagh on the west coast of Ireland with a man named Richard Joyce. Soon to be wed, Joyce and his fishing boat capsized off the coast of Ireland, he was rescued by Spanish pirates and promptly sold into slavery. Forced to leave behind Ireland and the woman he loved, Richard was taken to a faraway country and sold to a goldsmith who taught him the craft of jewelry goldsmithing. Meanwhile his beloved, broken hearted and not knowing what happened Richard or if she would ever see him again, waited patiently for his return. Years passed.

The details of Richard’s escape from slavery some eight years later are unclear but upon his return to the village of Claddagh he found his beloved still waiting for him and overjoyed with his return. Richard immediately set to crafting a unique ring fashioned of three symbols: The Hands signifying Friendship, Crown – Loyalty, and Heart - Love.

Although the village of Claddagh no longer exists, the Claddagh continues to be Ireland’s most beloved symbol of enduring love.

Amethyst

The Ancients believed Amethyst to be the “Stone of Spirituality” increasing nobility, spiritual awareness and strength. It aids in healing, renewal, and deep peacefulness.