Irish Vintage Jewelry is Here!
By mistake my tara brooch ended in the washing machine - a really bad idea! One of the stones is now missing. In my - long - search for a similar I discovered many talented designers. Not only for the brooch in question but also other beautiful jewelry from Ireland. This lens is about my findings, buyings and history of the jewelry.
The photo above is a tara brooch.
Table of Content
Irish & Celtic Jewelry
- The Tara Brooch
- The Claddagh ring
- Colours of Ireland Claddagh Ring
- Irish Jewlery from eBay
- Great Irish Jewelers
- Triquetra (Trinity knot)
- Links to Authentic Irish Jewellers
- Links to Historical Websites
- News in Irish Jewelry
- Proud Member of I Made a Difference
- Irish Celtic Jewelry
- Other Celtic Jewelry
The Tara Brooch
is considered one of the most important extant artifacts...
... of early Christian-era Irish art, and is housed and displayed in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.Made in about 700 AD, the seven-inch long brooch is composed primarily of silver gilt and is embellished with intricate abstract decoration (termed "Irish interlace") both front and back. The beads contain images of over 20 wolves' heads and dragons' faces.
The design, the techniques of workmanship (including filigree and inlaying) and the gold, silver, copper, amber and glass are all of high quality, and exemplify the advanced state of goldsmithing in Ireland in the seventh century. The brooch is made in the pseudo-penannular style, meaning it wasn't meant to be a brooch to hold clothing, but to be decorative. It contains no Christian motifs, making it pagan, but it also contains no pagan religious symbols - whoever had it made was a wealthy patron who wanted a personal expression of power.
Although the brooch is named after the Hill of Tara, seat of the mythological High Kings of Ireland, the Tara Brooch in fact has no known connection to either the Hill of Tara or the High Kings of Ireland, and was discovered in County Meath in Laytown along the seashore. It was sold to an antiques dealer who saw its value and who renamed it the "Tara Brooch" to make it more appealing.
At the end of the 19th century there was a revival of Irish culture following the discovery of treasures such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice.
Some brooches were very large (8-12" across) but by law no part of a brooch could extend beyond the wearers shoulders (to possibly injure passers-by with the sword-like pin).
Get yours in gold at:
O'Reilly's Jewellers Online Store Dublin company since 1956.
or at Thomas Dillon's, established in 1750.
In silver: Jewellery Solutions
The Claddagh ring
is a traditional Irish ring, given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring.
The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the old walls of the city of Galway. The ring was first produced in the 17th Century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design are much older.The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols in the giving of the ring was: "With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love."
The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof. Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship: "their heart is open." When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart". A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married.
Visit Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold The oldest makers of the Claddagh ring since 1750. They ship to US, UK and Europe - not sure about the rest of the world, waiting for answer from them.
While you are there try and win a Claddagh gold pendant.
... and visit their museum.
Claddagh is pronounced clah-da (clah as in clam, da as in dad) - just so you know how to ask for the ring ;-)
Colours of Ireland Claddagh Ring
The colours of the gemstones reflect the colours of the Irish countryside
The traditional Claddagh ring in a modern version.Wishbone shape Claddagh ring, channel set with peridot, topaz, garnet, amethyst and blue topaz, which makes it stand out in a most beautiful way.
It measures 10 mm at the widest point and cost $234 was $267.
Get it here: James Murtagh Jewllers, Westport, Ireland
Irish Jewlery from eBay
This seller ships all over the world.
"We are a small family jewellery business in Co. Tipperary, Ireland".
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Great Irish Jewelers
These jewelers provides you with the authentic Irish jewelries
- Claddagh Ring - Irish jewelry makers since 1750 and all rings stamped original.
- Claddagh Ring: Est. in 1750 we are the original makers of the Irish Claddagh Ring. We are the only jewelry company who can stamp our rings original. Our clients include John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Queen Victoria, & Princess Grace of Monaco. Shop online and purchase your irish claddagh ring.
- Celtic Claddagh : Ireland's Online Jewelry Store
- O'Reilly's Jewellers have one of the largest selections of Irish Celtic and Claddagh jewellery that is guaranteed Irish Made.
- Celtic & Irish Jewellery - Celt Jewelry of Ireland
- Celtic Jewellery Search Customer Service About Celtic-Jewellery.com Where we are Celtic & Irish Jewellery Celtic-Jewellery.com site map Shopping cartCeltic & Irish Jewellery SpecialistsCeltic & Irish jewellery, steeped in tradition, symbolism and pride, is quickly becoming one of the most sought
Triquetra (Trinity knot)
A Little History
Triquetra is a word derived from the Latin tri- ("three") and quetrus ("cornered"); pronounced [try-KWET-ra] Its original meaning was simply "triangle" and it has been used to refer to various three-cornered shapes. Nowadays, it has come to refer exclusively to a certain more complicated shape formed of three vesicae piscis, sometimes with an added circle in or around it. The photo is of the The Funbo Runestone from Uppland - Sweden.
Resemblance to valknut
The triquetra has been found on runestones in northern Europe, and upon early Scandinavian coins. It presumably had pagan religious meaning, and it bears a resemblance to the Odin Knot or Valknut. Some have suggested that, like the valknut, triquetrae may have been a symbol of Odin.
Celtic art
The triquetra is often found in Insular art, most notably metal work and in illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells. While it is uncertain what the symbol may have meant to the Celts, it is often found as a design element in larger drawings of triskeles or triple spirals.
Christian use
The symbol was later used by Christians as a symbol of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). This appropriation was particularly easy because the
triquetra conveniently incorporated three shapes that could be interpreted as Christian symbols.
Modern use
The symbol has become especially popular due to its use on the cover of the "Book of Shadows" used by the three sisters on the American TV show Charmed.
It is also one of the four symbols on the cover of the Led Zeppelin album, Led Zeppelin IV, where it represented bassist John Paul Jones. The band Payable on Death (P.O.D.) also uses this symbol on most of their CD covers. In Switchfoot's music video for the song "We Are One Tonight", the symbol was prominently tattooed on an actor's back.
The Triquetra is used as a symbol to represent the Trinity on The New King James Version Bibles, published by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
The symbol is also seen on the cover of the Dungeons & Dragons game, Forgotten Realms Campaign. It has recently been adopted as the new logo of the Ontario New Democratic Party in Canada.
Links to Authentic Irish Jewellers
that make the Tritity Knot Jewelry
- Trinity Knot Rings - for wedding, commitment or everyday wear
- Trinity knot wedding rings in various designs, white gold, yellow gold and a mixture of both white and yellow gold. Wedding rings custom made in Dublin
- Celtic and Irish Earrings
- Irish Celtic silver jewelry designs from the traditional Claddagh to the modern designs of Newgrange.
- Results of your search
- All Trinity Knot jewelry.
Links to Historical Websites
as well as other Irish related sites.
- The Tara Brooch: Heritage Lost and Found by Sharon Himes ; Art History on the Art Cafe Network
- The Tara Brooch: Heritage Lost and Found by Sharon Himes.
At the remote edge of the known world, during what we now call the Dark Ages, begins the story of a forgotten artisan's masterpiece. What is now called the Tara Brooch was an ornament used for both form and function. - Museum of Archaeology and History
- The Museum of Archaeolgy and History houses over 2,000,000 artefacts which range in date between 7000BC and the late medieval period.
- Brooches Essasy Page
- The Emergence of the Celtic Brooch According
to scholars, the history of the Celts has been deemed a construct. Consequently,
Celtic art manifests an eclecticism that derives from the synthesis of styles,
which passed through the continent. Celtic brooches exemplify this notio - Listen to LiveIreland Radio
- Live from Dublin, Ireland
- Jewellery Solutions - The Jewelry Solutions Website - Hand-Made Modern Styles and Irish Celtic Jewellery
- Irish Celtic & Modern Jewellery Solutions.
We offer exquisite irish celtic jewellery, handcrafted by experts in Ireland, and modern styles made in the UK.
All very affordably and competitively priced.
Visit frequently for massive sales and special offers.
News in Irish Jewelry
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poddys
Very nice lens, I love Celtic designs. Posted July 07, 2008 |
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Wonderful lens! I love jewelry made from the Celtic Knot. Posted June 05, 2008 |
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beeobrien
Nice job! Thanks for all the information. Posted April 14, 2008 |
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beachbum_gabby
beautiful jewelries. Fantastic lens indeed! 5* Posted April 11, 2008 |
Thanks for all the information about the Tara broach. It's a beautiful piece and I knew it had an important history.
Posted April 02, 2008
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Cre8nnov8
Really nice work with this lens. The jewelry is spectacular. I rated it 5 stars. Posted March 29, 2008 |
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DazzlingDesigns
What a wonderful lens. Here's 5-Stars! Very nice! Please feel free to stop by my Unique Handmade Jewelry Lens. Posted March 24, 2008 |
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DazzlingDesigns
What a wonderful lens. Here's 5-Stars! Very nice! Please feel free to stop by my Unique Handmade Jewelry Lens. Posted March 24, 2008 |
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Retro_Loco
Another great lens! I love vintage jewelry and almost anything Irish, including linens & music..and jewelry! I hope you'll visit my Vintage Aprons lens. Occasionally Irish linen aprons show up there. :-) Posted March 17, 2008 |
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tanojewelry
Hi, you have a great lens. Please add your lens to my Jewelry Group - http://www.squidoo.com/groups/tanojewelry. I sell Headbands and Fashion Jewelry and Wholesale Fashion Jewelry. Feel free to send me a message. Thank You - Sam Posted February 29, 2008 |
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maxy
Hi Susan. Beautiful stuff you have here! Posted February 14, 2008 |
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Kotomi
I always love Tara brooch! Lovely to see on squidoo! Posted February 13, 2008 |
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thomasz
Interesting lens. Nice info. Posted February 13, 2008 |
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Evelyn_Saenz
The Riverdancers send you St. Patrick's Day greetings. Posted February 11, 2008 |
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Signhappy
Lovely lens. Gave me some gift ideas for the Irish side of the family. 5 stars!! Posted February 09, 2008 |
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fotos4web
Nice lens ! Posted January 30, 2008 |
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Christopher_Scott
Jewlery is awesome! Posted December 25, 2007 |
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NicholeB
A very nice lens! I love Irish jewelry! Posted November 13, 2007 |
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Brendan_McNally
Hi Susan what a pleasant surprise to find you here, I love this lens and second the comment on pronunciation that makes me sound so much more knowledgeable. Posted November 08, 2007 |
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Knowles
this is so cool ^__^ I really love your lens Posted October 23, 2007 |
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rockycha
Yay SurfSusan! Thanks for visiting! I added you to my lensroll :) Carrie Posted October 16, 2007 |
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rockycha
Hi Susan, Excellent Lens 5 Stars! Feel free to drop by my Tibetan Jewelry Lens Thanks! Carrie/rockycha Posted October 11, 2007 |
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LisaJesse
Hi Susan! This is a great lens. I appreciate all the useful info. Posted August 19, 2007 |
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ShawnsBidness
Very informative lens. Looking forward to see the photos from your trip to Ireland. Posted August 08, 2007 |
Hi surfsusan, Great lens . I really enjoyed the articles . I have also created a lens ??.Have you glanced into your local jewelry store lately? Unless there happens to be a major women's gift holiday around the corner, they probably looked a little desolate. "Brick and mortar" jewelry stores seem to be falling on hard times recently, and one contributing factor is the growth of online jewelry auctions sites. click here
Posted August 07, 2007
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emanderso
Love your lens! I have a claddagh and a trinity knot ring, now I know more about their meaning! Posted July 16, 2007 |
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Lady_Gotrocks
Very nice lens! 5 Stars! Posted July 09, 2007 |
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Caseyfern
A big 5 star applause - and an invitation to join and grab an IMAD badge from Make A Difference Posted July 09, 2007 |
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Nicegoogoo
great lens and really a nice one to get all the information.Rated it 5 stars. Posted July 07, 2007 |
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cheerfulmadness
Great lens, I love celtic designs :) Posted July 05, 2007 |
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CliveAnderson
Hi Susanne, This is certainly a great lens you have here. Great subject and very well presented. I see you advertise for FREE in the SQUIDOO Zone on FirstForIncomes Forum. 5 stars 4 U. Thanks again... Clive Anderson Posted June 26, 2007 |
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frances
Very nice lens. 5 stars! Posted June 26, 2007 |
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The_Goal_Setting_Guide
Hi Susan, Posted June 25, 2007 |
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victoriamasters
I love all your detailed information about the Irish jewelry- I had no idea that the way one wears the ring indicates one's relationship status! Posted June 18, 2007 |
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kathysart
Lovely lens and oh do I love jewlery. Thank you so much! Posted June 10, 2007 |
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stampslore
Great infos, very interesting! Posted June 05, 2007 |
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Lakota429
Thanks for visiting!!! Great lens!! 5 stars!! Annie~ Posted June 03, 2007 |
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1SquidAddict
Welcome to the Group! 5* Posted May 31, 2007 |
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myyeastinfectioncure
Oh my I luv this lens. I have the Claddah ring but that one with the stones. I am totally gonna have to look into that. Posted May 30, 2007 |
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The_Health_Lady
I have always been a fan of the Claddagh ring and have two, but mine don't have stones in them and I really like the channel set stones to accent the design. Posted May 29, 2007 |
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wildrosetreasure
Great lens. The Claddagh ring has always been a favorite. Posted May 28, 2007 |
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Glyphman
Thanks for stopping by my lens. Posted May 28, 2007 |
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Janusz
No doubts... 5 Star performance. Posted May 28, 2007 |
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giddygabby
Nicely done, Susan. I love it every time I learn something new, and you kept my interest all the way through. Thank you for providing pronunciation. Five stars! Posted May 27, 2007 |
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surfsusan
Richard; the Tara Brooch is my favourite too, it is practial and beautiful as well. More will be added about this brooch. Posted May 27, 2007 |
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Horseangel
Hi Posted May 27, 2007 |
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ProMarketer
Nice Lens! Informative and good! :) Posted May 27, 2007 |
The Tara Brooch is outstanding, closely followed by the Claddadh Ring
Posted May 27, 2007
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ReviewKing
Beautiful job on your lens! Looks great! Posted May 26, 2007 |
Check out the group by clicking Irish Celtic Jewelry
"The ancient Celtic Tara Brooch graces a gift to give for St Patrick's day, birthday, Feis,graduation, confirmation or Christmas.
Claddagh Design Button
Express yourself! Pin on our attention-grabbing buttons. It's a great way to wear and share what's on your mind.
Price: 10.75
Irish Claddagh Ring Messenger Bag
From school, to carrying your laptop, to a hip alternative diaper bag, our versatile, spacious messenger bag is practically all you need to get you through every stage of your life - and look hip doing it.
Price: 21.99
Other Celtic Jewelry
Long Celtic Knotted Beast Knot Sterling Silver Bookmark
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Well Being Earrings w/Celtic Symbol
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Celtic Knot Pendant
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Amazon Price: $23.00 (as of 07/19/2008)
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Usually ships in 1-2 business days
