irish jewelry
Irish Jewelry is popular all over the world with people from every walk of life enjoying the trends of this innovative art form. Irish jewelry designers today are amongst the most talented and innovative in the world: combining many different styles, materials and fashions to create accessories with universal appeal. Many people choose Irish jewelry to connect with their Irish ancestors but increasingly, people are choosing Irish jewelry because it is contemporary and stylish, appearing on many of the world’s catwalks and red carpets. But what has inspired these talented designers to create such stunning pieces?
celtic jewelry
During the Bronze Age in Ireland (2500BC-700BC) the people of the island developed the art of metal working and created some of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry found in Europe. Ireland had a plentiful supply of natural gold, copper and tin and the skills of the metalworkers were put to use creating torques (twisted metal bracelets and necklaces) as well as earrings, collars, sun disks and armlets. Intricate designs and patterns on these pieces demonstrated how advanced the Irish were in metalworking. Because of their skill and the richness of natural resources, Ireland led the way in the production of jewelry and ornaments during the Bronze Age. More gold products have been found in Ireland dating from this time than anywhere else in Europe and these are now displayed in the National Museum in Dublin.
From the 7th to the 5th Centuries BC, the Celtic people arrived into Ireland and changed the history of the island forever. They emerged from continental Europe, travelled through Britain and finally made their way to Ireland, speaking a different language, looking different, and bringing a totally different way of life to the Irish people. The Celtic race also brought with them a new style of art and decorative style of jewelry, which reflected a society which placed great importance on visual displays of its wealth. These designs have survived from the early Celtic century’s right up to the present day.
The Celtic craftsmen attracted the eye with highly intricate interwoven forms: ranging from simple threaded lines through to complex images drawn from the natural world. The Celtic Knot, Love Knot and Triscele Knot show off these intricate weavings and are still used today in many Irish jewelry designs. The time and skill involved in creating such complex forms in metal provided the Celtic people and the tribal leaders with visible signs of their dominant position in society. These higher members of Celtic society took their most treasured possessions to the grave and the finest example of Celtic jewelry can be found in aristocratic tombs throughout Ireland and Europe. Celtic jewelry for women and men have been found, including brooches, neck collars, torques, armlets all made of rich metals. Celtic jewelry metals were twisted and sometimes plaited to create more complex forms and colour was added with the use of enamel.
One of the most beautiful types of Celtic jewelry for women and men from this time is the penannular brooch, a piece of jewelry replicated and created by Irish jewelry designers today. The term 'penannular' is used for brooches to describe the pieces which have a gap in their hoop. One of the most famous of these brooches is the Cashel Brooch, found at the Rock of Cashel in South Tipperary. This 9th century brooch is a stunning example of the talent of the Celtic jewelry goldsmiths and a great inspiration for the centuries of Irish jewelry designers who have taken their lead from these masters of metal. Countless pieces like the Cashel Brooch can be seen in museums all over Ireland, and their beauty and majesty remain.
claddagh rings
Irish jewelry has evolved from the relatively primitive designs during the Bronze Age to more advanced styles of the Celts. By the 5th and 6th centuries Ireland was Christianised and art and jewelry reflected the mingling of Celtic and Christian beliefs and traditions. For example the Book of Kells and the lesser known Book of Durrow, were illuminated manuscripts which combined the Gospels of the Bible with the artistry and design of the Celtic people. In turn, Irish jewelry reflected this transition of beliefs and pieces like the Celtic Cross, St.Brigid’s Cross and the Trinity Knot emerged as stunning examples of new trends in Irish jewelry design. However by the 17th century a design emerged that would become the most widely recognised piece of Irish jewelry around the world: Claddagh Rings.
Ireland’s Claddagh Ring originated over 300 years ago in the tiny fishing village in Galway which carries its name. The origin of the ring has been the subject of debate and intrigue, but popular stories of its origins attribute it to the Joyce family of Galway City. One of the stories of this beautiful piece of Irish jewelry is that Margaret Joyce, the widow of a wealthy Spanish merchant, was rewarded for her good works and charity by an eagle that dropped the original ring into her lap! Another story claims that Richard Joyce of Galway was captured by Algerian pirates, sold to a goldsmith and trained in the craft. After years in captivity he returned to Ireland with the idea of the Claddagh Rings.
Tradition dicta
tes that the ring is to be passed from mother to her first daughter and worn as a wedding ring. However in the past decades the ring has been given to friends, family members and loved ones as a sign of friendship and love; this is due to the symbolism of the Claddagh Ring design. The motif of the ring has been explained in the phrase "Let love and friendship reign": the hand signifying faith, the heart signifying love, and the crown signifying honour and loyalty. Today, Irish jewelry designers use the original Claddagh design to create amazing rings, necklaces, earrings, brooches, and cufflinks to provide a modern twist on a traditional design.
modern irish jewelry
Today Irish jewelry is as diverse and interesting as the Irish history and society that inspired and created it. Taking inspiration from the thousands of years of design and metalwork, our jewelry designers have created amazing pieces of Irish jewelry for men and women sure to suit all tastes. Choices range from rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, cufflinks and even book marks, to ensure the best possible choice for you and your loved ones. Many people buy Irish jewelry to show off their Irish heritage but also to show their flair for fashion and individual style. Various materials ensure that you’re getting more than silver and gold irish jewelry but glass, enamel, ceramic and even lava rock are being increasingly used by innovative and forward thinking Irish designers.
The evolution of Irish jewelry and design has been affected by the people, politics, myths, legends and natural landscape of the island of Ireland. Jewelry has been a way for Irish people to express their beliefs, religion, traditions and creativity and we thank our ancestors for creating such amazing pieces that are still inspiring designers today. Irish jewelry combines thousands of years of tradition with contemporary, modern styles: an homage to the ancient past that is sure to be timeless and continually innovative.
