Belleek Christmas Ornaments

Belleek Claddagh 2010 Ornament

Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 05/30/2012)

The beautifully decorated Claddagh ornament features a single rose and with the words Love, Friendship, Loyalty.

Belleek Malanhide Castle 2010 Ornament

Amazon Price: $31.17 (as of 05/30/2012)

The hand painted and decorated Malanhide castle ornament is adorned with shamrocks.

Belleek Snowman with Broom 2010 Ornament

Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 05/30/2012)

The playful Belleek snowman and Broom ornament is hand painted and decorated.

Belleek Saint Patrick's Cathedral Bell Ornament, 23rd Edition

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

The Saint Patrick Bell ornament is the 23rd in a continuing series of bell ornaments. This year's bell design is based on the St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Dublin which is one of the oldest churches in Ireland dating from the 5th Century when a wooden St. Patrick's Church stood on the site. In 1191 the church was raised to the status of cathedral. The present building, the largest church in Ireland, was built between 1191 and 1270. The writer and satirist Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, was Dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745. His grave and epitaph can be seen in the cathedral. The design of the ornament for 2010 is based on the tower portion of the cathedral. It is marked with the banner of the 23rd Edition Bell ornament and is adored with hand painted shamrocks. It is a lovely gift to give and a much-appreciated addition to any Belleek collection.

Belleek Baby's First Christmas 2010 Ornament

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

The yearly "Baby's First Christmas" ornament is hand painted and decorated. Adorned with shamrocks, the Bear ornament features Baby's First Christmas 2010 scroll in gold print on the front of the piece.

Belleek Irish Blessing, Christmas Ornament

Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 05/30/2012)

Amazon.com Review
This hand-painted Irish ornament is sure to warm the cockles of a good friend's heart. A diminutive version of Belleek's larger Irish blessing plate, the 3-1/2-inch medallion is ringed with Belleek's signature basket-weave pattern and green shamrocks. In the center lies a full-color rural scene of a figure and dog walking down a country road, above which is written this classic Irish saying: May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the rain fall soft upon your fields, And the sun shine warm upon your face until we meet again. A green cord allows the ornament to be hung wherever it's needed most.

Parian china was invented in Great Britain in the 1840s for sculpting classical figurines. Because of the china's marble-like translucence, the name derives from the Greek island of Paros, famous for its prized white marble. Belleek parian ware from Ireland exhibits exceptional craftsmanship and is esteemed among collectors worldwide. --Ann Bieri

Belleek 3-Inch Two Turtle Doves, Christmas Ornament

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

Belleek 3-Inch Partridge in Pear Tree, Christmas Ornament

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

Belleek 3-Inch Quiet Man Cottage, Christmas Ornament

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

Belleek House Blessing Wreath

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 05/30/2012)

Amazon.com Review
Shaped like a wreath wrapped with ribbon and a bow, this large china ornament makes a superb seasonal gift for any home. Written across the wreath in gold lettering are the words, Bless this house. A green cord attached to the top allows the ornament to be hung on a front door or wall; at 6-1/4 inches in diameter, the wreath is a little too heavy for most Christmas trees. Made in Ireland of fine parian china, the glazed white wreath is decorated with hand-painted green shamrocks for a distinctive Irish touch.

Parian china was invented in Great Britain in the 1840s for sculpting classical figurines. Because of the china's marble-like translucence, the name derived from the Greek island of Paros, famous for its prized white marble. Belleek parian ware exhibits exceptional craftsmanship and is esteemed among collectors worldwide. --Ann Bieri