Thursday 7 March 2013

Symbolic jewelry

It's that time of year again when symbolic jewelry is in high demand. It's March so the luck of the Irish will call for shamrocks, four leaf clovers, claddagh jewelry or anything green!   Communions and Easter are right around the corner so crosses and St Christopher medals are next on the list.

There is a very romantic story behind the Claddagh ring.

The ring, depicting two hands clutching a heart complete
with crown, epitomizes the expression of lasting love and
eternal friendship. The heart symbolizes Love, the hands
Friendship and the crown Fidelity.


The romantic story of the mystical and beautiful Claddagh
Ring began over 300 years ago, in the ancient fishing village
of Claddagh just outside the walls of the city of Galway on
the west coast of Ireland.


Legend tells us a fishing boat from the village was captured
by pirates and the crew taken and sold as slaves. One of the
crew, Richard Joyce (who was to have been married that
very week,) was sold to a Turkish Gold Smith.


During his captive years never forgetting his girl back home,
he made a ring of gold for her.
After many years Richard eventually earned his freedom and
returned to Claddagh. To his great Joy he found his girl had
never given up hope of seeing him again. He gave her the ring
and they were married never to be separated.

St Christopher also has special meaning to those traveling and desiring protection. St Christopher was a large man from Palestine who helped travelers cross a raging river, sort of like a ferry. One special day a child asked for his help. Perched on Christopher's shoulders, the child grew heavier and heavier as they crossed the stream. Reaching the other shore, Christopher asked him "Who are you, that you placed me in such peril. Its seems I was carrying the whole world on my shoulders." The child replied "You not only carried the world, but him who made it. I am Jesus Christ the King."  He has been known as a protector ever since.
Here at Showcase we understand how jewelry can help show your love, provide protection, or even allow you to have a little fun. The next time you need a symbolic piece of jewelry for yourself or a loved one, think of us and stop in one of our three locations.