Hi Everyone. So this week my Meet The Makers road trip rolls into the wild and untamed beauty of Connemara in the west of Ireland to meet Stephen Walsh of Connemara Marble.
The drive from Westport to Lissoughter in County Galway was so beautiful. I came across a few sheep on the road who were in no hurry to go anywhere! Probably enjoying the stunning scenery in this very special part of the world and who can blame them!
Connemara Marble
Connemara Marble jewelry is a big favorite with The Irish Store community. I think people just love the fact that Connemara Marble is known as “Ireland’s Gemstone” as it is unique to this particular region in the west of Ireland. No two pieces are the same making each Irish jewelry piece a true one of a kind and some 600 million years in the making!
The Walsh family have been crafting this beautiful marble for 3 generations. The company was founded by 75 years ago by Stephen’s grandfather Thomas. Stephen joined the company in 1975 and in 1983 he purchased the quarry at Lissoughter. I had met Stephen at his workshop in Rathfarnham Village in Dublin some years ago but this time I was delighted to meet him at their quarry in the heart of Connemara. I even got to do a bit of mining while I was there!
Connemara Marble-Lulu’s Top Picks
So now you know exactly where our gorgeous collection of Connemara Marble jewelry comes from, it’s time to choose your next favorite piece! Perfect gifts from Ireland for the festive season!
1. Connemara Marble Celtic Link Bracelet
First up it’s our 5 star rated bracelet featuring Ireland’s unique gemstone. The stunning beauty of Connemara Marble is beautifully combined with the age old Trinity knot in this gorgeous Irish bracelet. Crafted in solid silver with 6 insets made from highly polished marble ingots.
2. Connemara Marble Trinity Knot Pendant
My next pick comes from our new Winter Collection and it is just beautiful. I just love the teardrop design and the intricate trinity knot details. Presented in our crafted gift boxes with a special message for the lucky recipient!
3. Connemara Marble Cufflinks
If he likes the formal look then why not treat him to a very special pair of cufflinks to add the perfect finishing touch. Crafted by Stephen and his team at their workshop in Rathfarnham Village and featuring discs of highly polished Connemara Marble.
4. Connemara Marble Celtic Tara Brooch
Our best selling brooch takes inspiration from one of Ireland’s most precious treasures, the Tara Brooch. precious treasures, the Tara Brooch. Discovered in the 19th century and dating back to 700 AD, the Tara Brooch is a stunning example of early Celtic art. This recreation features accents of genuine Connemara Marble, unique to the west of Ireland. A stand out Irish brooch and the perfect gift from the Emerald Isle.
5. Connemara Marble Rosary Beads
Rosary beads are one of our most popular Connemara Marble items. I think Stephen puts it very well, ” When you hold the rosary, you can feel the quality of the workmanship. Rosary beads also have that extra special Irish religious significance.” The beads above feature a beautiful woven cross and a medal commemorating the holy water font at Knock shrine, County Mayo.
6. Connemara Marble Claddagh Ring
Last but not least it’s our best selling Claddagh ring. This 5 star rated piece is beautifully crafted from sterling silver with the hands for friendship, the crown for loyalty and a striking Connemara Marble heart for love. The ideal gift from Ireland for that special someone.
Well I hope you enjoyed our Connemara Marble trip. Next time, my Meet the Makers roadtrip takes us into the heart of the Kingdom of Kerry to meet the wonderful makers at Mucros Weavers.
Do join me then and thanks for your company!
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Slán go fóill!
Lulu