Irish Jewelry

St. Brigid’s cross figures in cross jewelry, although maybe not as popular as the Celtic cross. It is attributed to the 5th century St. Brigid or Brigit, who became Ireland’s most beloved and powerful religious figure second only to Saint Patrick.

St. Brigid was one working saint, and if she wasn’t praying or hearing Mass, the poor would find her herding cattle or sheep. Legend has it that when St. Brigid was caught suddenly in the rain while herding the sheep, she took off her wet cloak and hung it to dry on a sunbeam. Traditionally on St. Brigid’s day on February 1, which is actually the day of the old Celtic Festival of Imbolc, St. Brigid’s crosses are hung on Irish homes. Irish folk tradition has people believing that St. Brigid’s cross actually protects a building from fire. This cross is a hallmark the Dublin Castle in Ireland and is being made as a design in cross jewelry which has marked popularity even nowadays.

The design of the Irish Celtic Cross came from a period in the early Middle Ages, between the 8th to the 10th century. Celtic crosses primarily have a religious significance. The original Celtic Crosses were made of stone, hand-cut. They show an intricate design consisting of interlacing knots, human figures and mythical animals.

The later Celtic Crosses had more intricate embellishments and showed stories from the Bible. The Muiredach’s Cross is one good example. It is fully ornamented on the front, back and on the sides of the cross.

The design of the St. Brigid’s cross, on the other hand, is thought to have been derived from the pagan sun wheel. If it is not made of gold or silver as a jewelry piece, St. Brigid’s cross is usually made from brushes or straw, although straw is used less often. The cross of St. Brigid has a woven square in the center and radials, numbering four in all, that are tied at the ends.

There are many rituals that are associated with the making of the St. Brigid’s cross. The rituals were very common before but they are rarely being performed these days. In rural areas, some Roman Catholic homes still feature St. Brigid’s crosses. As a matter of tradition, the St. Brigid’s Cross is believed to protect houses from evil.

Like in the case of the Celtic Cross, any jewelry maker is hesitant to give ambiguous answers on the origins of the St. Brigid’s cross. There are pagan traditions and Christian beliefs surrounding this type of cross. Brigid’s crosses are traditionally made every first day of February. In Gaelic, it is called Lá Fhéile Bhríde or Brigid’s feast day, which is also the time when the church celebrates her feast day. And although the Brigid’s cross is associated with the working saint of the same name, Brigid is actually the name of a Celtic fire-goddess who is associated with the feast of Imbolc. Presbyterians and Catholics alike are always startled upon learning of the origins of Ireland’s crosses.

The Claddagh ring is the only ring made in Ireland to have ever been worn by British monarchs, first by Queen Victoria and then by King Edward VII. The designs of the Claddagh ring sees two hands holding a heart between them, and over the heart is a crown or a fleur de lis. The phrase, “let love and friendship reign,” usually accompanies the design.

A Claddagh ring is called what it is because it is believed to have come Claddagh, Galway. It is unique because it is the only ring design that has been used exclusively for over 400 years by a small community. “Claddagh” literally means a village that is near the shores of the sea. Claddagh, the village in Galway, stood outside the city’s walls and was separated by the River Corrib from the city. Claddagh was very extensive although it was irregularly built. The Celts first settled in Claddagh. The Claddagh community was an exclusive one, and no strangers were ever allowed to settle and mingle with them. Since their settlement, the Claddaghs have always been ruled by one of them who was elected to lead. This leader was also called king, and his duty was to implement laws and settle disputes according to customs.

The Claddagh ring was used as a marriage ring, and there are many traditions surrounding it. For example, a Claddagh cannot buy a ring – it must be given to him as a gift. For married people, the Claddagh ring must be worn with the crown closest to the knuckle. There are two versions on the origins of the Claddagh ring.

The first version indicates that Margaret Joyce first married Domingo de Rona, a wealthy Spanish merchant, who did business in Galway. Soon after he departed for Spain, Domingo died there and left Margaret his wealth. Margaret subsequently married in 1596 to Oliver Ogffrench, mayor of Galway. While on a voyage, it is said that his wife built most of Connacht’s with her own money. Legend has it that one day, while reviewing a bridge work, an eagle dropped a gold ring on her lap. Maragaret’s family preserved the ring in 1661. It was considered the divine reward for her charitable works.

The second version involved the Richard Joyce. Richard was a native of Galway who, en route to the West Indies, was captured by an Algerian corsair. He was sold as a slave to a wealthy Moorish goldsmith. Richard soon also became a very adept goldsmith. England’s William III, in 1689, sent an emissary to Algiers to demand the release of all British subjects who were enslaved in Algeria. Although he was offered half the Moor’s wealth and the Moor’s daughter in marriage, Richard refused and still returned to Galway. It was on his return to Galway that Richard set up shop as a goldsmith and became prosperous. An anchor and the R.I. initials mark his work, some of which are still in existence. 

The design of the Claddagh ring is attributed to Richard.  Some believe that he brought the design from Algeria, while some others believe that Margaret, who figures in the first story of the Claddagh, could have inspired him.

Irish jewelry is very much intertwined with the history of Ireland. Irish jewelry, for example, has symbols that actually portray the country’s history. Apart from four leaf clovers, shamrocks, knots and crosses, the whole offering of Irish jewelry can include rings and bands. These can be made from either silver or gold. You can more often find Irish symbols in contemporary Irish Celtic Crosses than on any other piece of jewelry, although some you might find on Irish bands.

In a piece of Irish jewelry you can find the symbol of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, who changed Irish history in the fifth century when he began his mission to convert Ireland to Christianity. There is a question mark that symbolizes Ireland’s unknown past. The Round Tower represents the Irish’s embracing of Christianity. It was on the beginning of the 6th century that the Irish embraced Christianity and monastic centers were established throughout the country. Each center had a round tower as its center.

Within a panel of an Irish Celtic Cross you might also find the symbol of a Viking Warrior, which represents the Vikings’ repeated attempts to conquer Ireland. The Vikings did establish towns in Cork, Wexford, Waterford, Limerick and Dublin. Then there is also the symbol of a Norman soldier. In the 12th century, England’s King Henry II attempted to invade Ireland by using Norman, Norman-Welsh and Flemish invaders.

The Dublin Castle is also a symbol that you can find in an Irish Celtic Cross. King John built the Dublin Castle from 1204 to 1224. This castle became the center of power for Anglo-Normans, and later, the English. This is one symbol that provoked the native Irish in the past. These days, important state and international events are held there.

The symbol of King William 1690 represents the end of the Stuart monarchy. King William was a Protestant who defeated his Catholic father-in-law, James II, at the 1690 battle of Boyne. The Union Flag represent the abolishment of the Irish Parliament and the beginning of London’s direct rule on Ireland. This was in 1800.

A skeleton with potatoes is another symbol, but it represented the widespread famine of Ireland in the 1840’s. The G.P.O. symbolizes the proclamation of the Republic of Ireland from the General Post Office in 1916, when the Easter Rising began. The execution of the leaders of the Easter Rising triggered the War of Independence that eventually led to the establishment of the modern Irish state.

The symbol of the Emigrant Ship represents the mass immigration of the Irish during the famine years. Most of them went to the United States and some to Canada. The symbol of The Border represents the treaty of 1921 that ended the War of the Independence. As a result of that treaty, the six counties of Ulster became Northern Ireland with the remaining 26 counties becoming the Irish Free State. The Irish Free State became the Republic of Ireland in 1948.

The rich Irish history have made direct impact on their jewelry design, up to the modern times these symbols still carry with them the aura of mystery and beauty.

The Celtic cross is perhaps one of the most popular designs of the cross – you will know a Celtic cross by the ring that surrounds its intersection. Although the symbol has its origins in pre-Christian times, it is the symbol of Celtic Christianity. This particular design of the cross is also known as the Irish Cross or the Cross of Iona.

Now, the Celtic Cross is as much a distinct design in cross jewelry as it is a symbol of religious importance. But even before Christianity, there have been many high crosses standing upright in Ireland and Great Britain. Some of them have inscriptions in rune. Some date as far back as the seventh century.

The high crosses in Ireland are its most impressive monuments. Its origins can be traced back to the time of the Romans, when crosses were used for commemorating victories in battle. It was not until Constantine introduced the cross as a symbol of Christ’s victory that the cross took on a more religious meaning.

The oldest of the known high crosses is the Carandonagh cross, which dates back to the middle of the seventh century. The most magnificent of Celtic crosses were made and erected by the stone carving workshops within the monasteries of Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly during the tenth century. These crosses have scriptures on them (so they came to be known as scripture crosses). They contain very detailed carvings of scenes found in the bible. These crosses served to educate the people at that time, many of which were illiterate.

There are other Irish Celtic crosses that can be found in the collection of Irish jewelry. One of them is the Duleek Celtic Cross, which was erected in 800 AD. This is actually a small sandstone cross that stands just 1.8 meters above ground. It is part of the group of monuments that were carved before the scripture crosses. One face of this cross is carved in spirals and interlaces, while the other side features scripture.

The Clonmacnoise Celtic Cross, also called King Flann’s cross, was erected in 900AD. It was carved from millstone. It stands 3.9 meters and illustrates the life of St. Patrick. The Carandonagh Celtic Cross was erected in 650AD. It is actually named after St. Patrick. It was carved from red sandstone and it stands 2.5 meters tall. The Moone Celtic Cross was erected in 850AD. It was put up on the site of an early monastery. This cross is unique. Tall and slender, it is made of granite and stands 5.3 meters in height. The base of this cross is shaped like two truncated pyramids.

Jewelry makers who follow the Irish Celtic tradition will not give out easy answers as to the symbolism of the Celtic Cross since its history is in itself ambiguous. Interpretations vary and legends abound on their original meaning. Even Presbyterians and Catholics are startled when they learn about the origins of this powerful symbol. As much as it is a religious symbol, the Celtic Cross is also the emblem of Irish, Scottish and Welsh identity.

The Irish Celtic jewelry is rich in tradition and design. Irish Jewelry making also dates back to the ancient times. Magnificent metalwork samples have been discovered that were made during the period of 2000 B.C and the 500 A.D. There is rich tradition of jewelry making that have made the Irish Rings, Irish Pendants, Celtic cross, and Celtic wedding bands. The Irish jewelry makers have been using some authentic Celtic symbols in the jewelry items and these designs have now became synonymous with the Irish jewelry.

Ireland may be known as the Emerald Isle, but most Irish jewelry does not depend on gems, including emeralds, for its appeal. Instead, most pieces are intricately carved works of silver or gold that seldom suffer for their lack of jewels. Let’s look at some of the traditional themes used to create these Celtic treasures.

The Claddagh jewelry design is the outstanding one for the Irish jewelry which makes it be unique from other jewelry design around the world. The Claddagh ring features a heart in the middle of the ring with a crown on top and the heart is hold by two hands. It is one of the most preferred designs among the Celtic wedding rings even the men’s wedding bands also feature this famous design to celebrate eternal love.

The Celtic knot work design symbolizes the interconnectedness of life, things without beginnings or ends, and the continuing spiritual journey. It is used in Celtic wedding bands and Celtic wedding rings and inspired by designs found on the pages of Irish illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and the famous high cross.

This tradition of Irish Celtic jewelry is still going on and Ireland is one of the few countries of the world where almost pieces of jewelry are checked and marked with guarantee. The traditional Irish jewelry makes the best Irish gifts worthy to give the one you love. The Irish jewelry which the ethnic jewelry lovers should find and shop for the collectibles or for gifts to other people includes genuine Irish turf, Irish linens, Irish gift boxes, Claddaghs, Celtic knot jewelry, Trinity knot jewelry, shamrocks, clover jewelry, Celtic crosses, Irish wedding jewelry, Irish wedding bands, Irish journey necklace, Claddagh circles of love necklace, Celtic journey trinity heart, and much more Irish jewelry and gifts for all occasions.