Irish Jewelry

Irish jewelry finds its inspiration in the rich history of the country and in its culture. It is based on the love the Irish have for storytelling, which has its roots in the arrival of the Celts in the year 500 B.C. These stories were filled with symbols and signs that held precious meaning while being imbued with special powers. These symbols are also related to the Christian faith to the point that they include legends around Saint Patrick, who is believed to have attempted to convert pagan people to Christianity. Among the symbols he employed was the shamrock, which he used to demonstrate the Holy Trinity.

What is Irish jewelry?

Traditional Irish jewelry combines symbols for feelings such as love, wisdom, and loyalty. These symbols have been artfully incorporated to create exquisite jewelry pieces that are filled with meaning and aspects of the rich Irish heritage. It’s easy to select a meaningful piece of traditional Irish jewelry to add to your collection. Look for jewelry from Ireland that speaks to you and has a particularly inspiring meaning.

Irish symbols and meanings

Ireland’s jewelry has many symbols and meanings. Here are just some of them to serve as inspiration when you are looking for the perfect piece.

The Irish Harp

The Irish Harp is featured in plenty of traditional Irish Jewelry designs and has for centuries been associated with the Irish ruling class. The wire strings are meant to represent the far-reaching arms of the King, although it was also common for kings and chieftains to have their own resident harpists that were always around to provide entertainment for visitors and members of the court.

The Shamrock

No traditional Irish jewelry collection would be complete without the shamrock, a premier symbol of Ireland and its culture. Legend points to Saint Patrick for introducing these three heart-shaped leaves to explain the Holy Trinity. Besides its religious connotations, the shamrock is also believed to bring luck to its wearer and protect them from harm. It’s three leaves may also represent past, present, and future. The shamrock is a true symbol of Ireland.

The Celtic Cross

This form of Christian Cross was first observed during the early middle ages. Tradition has it that it was Saint Patrick who first noticed a large pagan stone imprinted with a circle, meant to symbolize the moon goddess. He proceeded to bless the stone by marking it with a Latin Cross. The combination of both symbols resulted in the Celtic Cross.

Our collection includes numerous outstanding examples of Celtic cross jewelry ornamented with stunning details.

The Trinity Knot

Also known as the Triquetra, the Trinity Cross is one of the most revered and beloved symbols of Irish jewelry. It has appeared in ancient documents, stained glass windows, sculptures, and monuments and has become a symbol of life. There are other interpretations that associate the Trinity Knot with Earth, Wind, and Water, while others relate it to Spirit, Mind, and Body, or Past, Present, and Future. In any case, it is a true symbol of love and unity.