With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, we’re thinking about all things lucky and golden, from leprechauns and gold coins to trendy clover jewelry.
Looking to add some good luck to your jewelry collection? There are plenty of affordable and eco-conscious options. As with any jewelry purchase, it’s helpful to know a bit about precious metals and how different alloys affect value, quality and durability. Read on for some clover jewelry fun facts and buying tips!
The History of Lucky Clovers
The four-leaf clover has been cherished as a symbol of luck and protection for centuries. Early Celtic Druids carried them as charms of protection against evil spirits and bad luck. Medieval Irish folklore claimed that finding a four-leaf clover enabled one to see fairies and other magical beings. One of the earliest literary mentions of lucky four-leaf clovers comes from Sir John Melton in 1620.
How Rare Are Four-Leaf Clovers?
There’s no clover species that naturally produces four leaves on a single stem. The extra leaf comes from a genetic mutation of the three-leaf clover. Roughly 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 clovers has a four-leaf mutation. In some rare cases, mutations go haywire, resulting in dozens of extra leaves on one stem. The world record for most leaves on a clover stem is 63! The 63-leaf clover was grown in Japan by Yoshiharu Watanabe, discovered in August of 2023.
There are about 300 species of clover around the world, but the classic four-leaf clover typically comes from white clover (Trifolium repens), which is considered the most common clover species globally.
Are Irish Clovers Extra Lucky?
Over the years, the four-leaf clover became associated with Irish luck – “the luck of the Irish.” Some say that there are more four-leaf clovers in Ireland than anywhere else, but that’s more of a cultural myth than a scientific claim. While Ireland has a lot of clover due to its climate and grassy landscapes, there’s no evidence it grows more four-leafers than other regions.
All in all, clover is a fascinating plant symbolizing good luck and positivity, so it’s no surprise that it’s inspired jewelry designs throughout history. The four leaves are said to represent faith, hope, love, and luck.
Clover Jewelry
Clover designs have appeared in jewelry for centuries, with roots in Celtic tradition. Popularity surged when Van Cleef & Arpels launched its Alhambra collection in 1968, featuring 20 clover-shaped motifs in a long necklace. The design became a favorite of Grace Kelly in the 1970s and saw a resurgence among celebrities like Mariah Carey in the early 2000s.
Today, you can find thousands of clover-inspired pieces online, from Victorian-era designs to minimalist styles. TikTok has also fueled a new wave of interest in clover jewelry, although authentic Van Cleef & Arpels pieces carry a hefty price tag (starting around $2,000 and reaching $30,000+).
Silver vs. Gold Jewelry
Both silver and gold offer unique benefits in the world of fine jewelry:
- – Silver is more affordable than gold. It will tarnish over time, but it can always be revived by polishing.
- – Gold is much pricier, but high-quality pieces will not tarnish and serve as a great long-term investments.
Different Types of Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry comes in many forms, ranging widely in purity and quality:
- – Gold-plated: a base metal like brass, copper or stainless steel coated with an extremely thin layer of gold
- – Gold-filled: a base metal coated with a thin layer of gold that’s at least 10k or finer
- – Gold vermeil: a base of sterling silver coated with a layer of gold that’s at least 10k and 2.5 microns thick
- – Solid gold/karat jewelry: the entire piece is made from a gold alloy (14k, 18k, 20k, 22k, etc)
Refer to our gold jewelry guide for more details.
Clover Jewelry: Garfield’s Favorites
Not ready to spend thousands on anAlhambra necklace? There are plenty of stylish and durable options online – here are a few of our favorites:
- – Simple and elegant: 14k gold clover necklace, made with recycled solid gold
- – Alhambra-inspired: malachite clover necklace, available in sterling silver or gold vermeil
- – Whimsical and budget-friendly: hand-pressed real clover necklace, available in sterling silver or gold-plated stainless steel
*Pro tip: Sterling silver gives you more value than gold-plated stainless steel, since it’s solid precious metal, while the gold coating on plated items will eventually wear off.
Sustainable Jewelry
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important both for jewelers and consumers. Traditional fine jewelry production has historically involved environmentally damaging mining and unsafe working conditions. Today, more companies are using recycled metals and ethically-sourced gemstones, creating jewelry that aligns with conscious consumer values. Check out our post on eco-friendly jewelry brands if you’re interested in learning more!
Recycling Gold Jewelry for Cash
The precious metals market has been remarkable growth lately, especially in early 2026. At the time of writing, gold is worth $5,148 per troy ounce. If you have any unwanted gold jewelry, there’s never been a better time to monetize it. Garfield Refining has specialized in precious metals refining since 1892, helping jewelers, pawnbrokers and individuals get the most for their metals with award-winning customer service.
Ready to turn your precious metals into cash with Garfield? Get started today with a free, fully-insured shipping label!