Hi Everyone,
I hope you all had a good week. This week, Celtic jewelry is next on my list of age old Irish crafts and it’s one of my favorite subjects!
So we all have our favorite symbol when it comes to Celtic jewelry. Maybe yours is the Trinity Knot, the Tree of Life or the much loved Celtic cross. Another one of mine has to be the much loved Claddagh which has a much more recent history.
The Celtic style of art which gave us interlocking knots, runes and spirals came to the fore around the 5th century. Christian monks were among the first to spearhead this style which is known as Insular art. The most famous example of this style is to be found in the iconic 9th century illuminated manuscript, The Book of Kells. 
Examples of Insular art also began to appear on stone crosses as Christianity grew. Because of this, many Celtic crosses can still be seen all over Ireland to this day in churchyards and early Christian settlements. Monasterboice in county Louth (pictured below) is one such place, most noteworthy for boasting one of the most impressive collection of Celtic crosses in the country.
Many Celtic jewelry pieces have also been unearthed from this time. The Tara Brooch, the Broighter Hoard and the stunning Ardagh Chalice are among these many Irish treasures.
In 1868, two men discovered the Ardagh Chalice while digging for potatoes near Ardagh, county Limerick. The chalice is stunningly crafted from silver, gold and bronze. The design and workmanship is exquisite and continues to inspire Celtic jewelry design to this day.
Lulu’s Top Celtic Jewelry Picks
1. Celtic Warrior Earrings
First of all, it’s these beautiful earrings which take inspiration from the above mentioned iconic piece of 8th-century Celtic art. The silver filigree work features stunning details and eye-catching stones in emerald green. A memorable addition to any discerning Celtic jewelry collection.
2. Marcasite & Connemara Marble Celtic Cross
Many stories and myths surround the origins of the Celtic cross design. My favorite story centers around St Patrick. On seeing a pagan standing stone imprinted with a circle which represented the moon goddess, he blessed the stone with a Latin cross. As a result, the first Celtic cross came into being.
The ancient Irish symbol of faith and worship is recreated in glorious detail in this stunning pendant. Carvings of 900 million year old Connemara Marble, Ireland’s ancient gemstone provide the arms of the cross. A single marcasite stone at the center gives an eye-catching finishing touch.
3. Tree of Life Pendant
The ancient Tree of Life symbol is found in many ancient cultures the world over, due to it’s universal message. The branches reach for the sky while the roots reach down into the ground. A representation of the link between heaven and earth, mind and body and the never ending cycle of life. Handcrafted in Dublin with a single green stone at it’s center.
4. Connemara Marble Celtic Tara Brooch
This stunning Celtic pin draws inspiration from one of Ireland’s iconic treasures, the Tara Brooch. Discovered in the 19th century and dating back to 700 AD, it is a stunning example of early Celtic art. Another reason to love this stand out Irish brooch are the stunning Connemara Marble accents.
5. Mullingar Pewter Book of Kells Pocket Watch
So let’s not forget about the guys! This stunning Irish pocket watch takes inspiration from one of Ireland’s most precious treasures. A stunning Celtic knot trim surrounds the glass encased mechanics of this beautiful timepiece. Handcrafted by the renowned Mullingar Pewter.
Why not add to (or start!) your Celtic jewelry collection today and don’t forget to use BLOG10 at the checkout to get a 10% discount!
See you next week,
Thanks for dropping by!
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
