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HISTORY OF IRISH JEWELRY
The origins of Irish jewelery making can be traced to the dawn of time. When the ancient Egyptians were building their great pyramids, the celts in this land were creating massive ring forts and crafting some of the most intricate pieces of jewelry ever seen.
From about 2000 BC to 500 AD gold and silver was used to make important magnificently worked personal jewellery Lunulae, collars, fibulae, torques and bangles. Many examples of these have been discovered over the years and are on display today in the National Museum of Ireland.
The gold Lunula
The gold Lunula dates from about 1800 BC which was the same period in which Stonehenge was built. It is a neck ornament made of pure gold hammered so fine, that the incised decorations around the edge can be seen in relief on the underside.
The Gleninsheen Gorget
The Gleninsheen Gorget or neck ornament is made from a solid sheet of pure gold. Gorgets are unique to Ireland.
The Tara Brooch
The Tara Brooch is one of the best known of all Irish Antiquities. Made in about 700 AD the brooch is embellished with detailed decoration both front and back.
The design, the technique and the gold, silver, copper, amber and glass all work together to create this, one of our most cherished national treasures.
At the end of the 19th century there was a revival of pride in Irish culture following the discovery of treasures such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice as can be seen above. This in turn led to a renewed interest in Irish made jewelry.
In more recent years, the Claddagh Ring has become fashionable and is given as a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship.
Once more, inspiration was sought from the ancient manuscripts and artifacts of our rich culture. In addition, the new era of contemporary design is recognised as world class with new designers bringing their own flair to one of the worlds oldest expressions of art.
The traditional skills used by the Celtic craftsmen helped them to create jewelry of breathtaking beauty and timeless elegance, and it is this proud heritage together with the same ancient skills and methods that they bring to your piece of Irish made jewelry today.
When you buy a piece of jewelry handmade in Ireland you know you are buying the very best.
