Irish Jewelry

Irish jewelry finds its inspiration in the rich history and culture of the country. It’s 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 of 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 & 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 been associated with the Irish ruling class for centuries.  The wire strings 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. Its 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, high-quality 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.

The Claddagh

The story of Claddagh jewelry began over 300 years ago in a small fishing village of the same name. The symbol was created by a sailor named Richard Joyce, who was believed to have been kidnapped by Algerian pirates on a voyage in the Mediterranean.  He was then sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith. It was here that Richard Joyce learned the art of goldsmithing. After his safe return to Galway, he offered his sweetheart a Claddagh ring (the first of its kind). The Claddagh combines the heart for love, the crown of loyalty, and the hands of friendship that made the jewelry popular today too. Remaining an iconic symbol of Irish culture, most Claddagh jewelry comes in silver or gold, but other metals can also be used.  They also feature diamonds, emeralds, birthstones, and Connemara Marble (Ireland's ancient gemstone). Check our online store to find your favorite handcrafted pieces.  

The Irish Fiddle

The history of Irish fiddles and the Celts goes back to the Crusades. It is believed that the Scottish introduced the fiddles to the Irish during the Crusades.  Ever since, the fiddles have become part of Irish history, with musicians using them as traditional elements in various styles or artisans crafting elegant jewelry to honor tradition. The Irish fiddle adds timeless beauty to necklaces, earrings, or brooches. Shop our Irish jewelry today to catch the special offers. 

Traditional Irish Jewelry Shop

At Celtic Crystal Design, we aim to showcase to the world some of the most treasured Celtic jewelry to our customers. Discover the tradition, history, and symbolism of Irish jewelry and browse our catalogs to find that special gift for someone dear. Create an account or subscribe to our website to learn more about the best deals, discounts, and more! You can also contact us directly for any inquiries using our contact form.