Greetings from Ireland everyone. Celtic jewelry design takes inspiration from many classic Irish symbols. Here’s a few of our favorites and the stories behind them.
1. The Harp
Firstly we have Ireland’s official national emblem. It appears on the Presidential Seal, passports, official documents and Irish coins and appears on the logo for the iconic Guinness brand.
It’s history dates back some 1000 years and it is said that Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland was a talented player. The oldest surviving harp is housed in the Long Room at Trinity College and the official Irish emblem design is based on this. It is known as the O’Neill or the Brian Boru Harp.
2. The Claddagh
Next up on our list of classic Irish symbols is the much-loved Claddagh. This is one of my favourites, with its enchanting tale of romantic love. The story originates in the tiny fishing village of Claddagh in Galway. According to Irish legend, Richard Joyce, a native of Galway, was captured and sold to slavery in Algiers where he was taught his craft by a Moorish goldsmith. Upon his release after 14 years, he returned to his home place where his sweetheart awaited him. While in captivity, he had made what we now know as the Claddagh ring especially for her. The heart symbolizes love, the hand’s friendship and the crown loyalty.
Turn heads with these eye-catching Claddagh earrings. delicate Claddagh crest nestles at one end of the emerald green centrepiece to create a piece of Irish jewelry that combines Ireland’s much-loved symbol of love with bold modern design
3. The Celtic Cross
A truly iconic ancient symbol of Ireland. Pagans worshipped the sun and the moon and the legend has it that St. Patrick combined their circular symbol with the Christian cross to create the first Celtic Cross as a way of converting the Irish people to Christianity.
Why not treat yourself to this beautiful take on the Celtic cross pendant. The oval stone is crafted from Ireland’s unique and ancient gemstone, Connemara Marble, 900 million years in the making. It also features marcasite stones and a Trinity knot detail on each arm. Which brings us neatly to number 4 on our list of Irish symbols.
4. The Trinity Knot
Like the Celtic cross, the origin of the Trinity Knot goes back to pagan Ireland, where three was the magic number. Christians used it as a sign of the Holy Trinity and it most famously appears in the stunning 9th century Book of Kells which is housed in Trinity College. From Life, Death and Rebirth to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Trinity knot remains an age-old Irish symbol of eternity.
Add some classic Irish elegance to your look with our best selling Trinity knot necklace and jewelry set (pictured above). Beautifully crafted in Ireland from sterling silver and featuring classic freshwater half-pearls.
5. The Shamrock
So last but certainly not least has to be the much-loved shamrock. While it may not be Ireland’s official emblem it is probably the favorite of all Irish symbols. The Gaelic word is “seamróg” meaning “summer plant”. The actual plant is believed to be the White Clover, indigenous to Ireland and regarded as a weed! Rarely, a fourth leaf will appear, giving the famous four-leaf clover and extra good fortune to the person who finds it. Legend has it that the shamrock was considered sacred by the pagan Druids with its triplet of leaves, 3 being a mystical number. The legend continues that St.Patrick then used the Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to would be Christian converts in 5th century Ireland.
Our adorable Shamrock necklace and jewelry set makes the perfect gift from Ireland. Beautifully crafted from sterling silver with sparkling emerald green crystals.
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
