2020 has been a challenging year. As we reflect on the custom jewelry we've been asked to create, we noticed a reoccurring theme. All of our recent jewelry commissions were inspired by family and celebrate loved ones. There is an old Irish saying: “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine”. It means "It is in the shelter of each other that the people live". A reminder that these special connections, kindness, and compassion have never been more important. We were honored to be asked to create so many meaningful jewelry pieces over the past year. Each custom design holds special significance to the person that commissions it and the person that wears it. Some express love. Others mark a special occasion. In some cases, a piece may even be a gift offering comfort. Regardless of the intention, there is symbolism, love, and thought to be cherished in every handcrafted piece. Here are is a small sample of precious jewelry designs that left our workshop for new homes around Ireland, Scotland, the USA, and Canada.
Family Ring For Her, Inspired by Nature
This was such a wonderful design to work on. Having previously worked with this lovely customer on their engagement ring, we knew the style his wife enjoyed wearing. They are now married with a little girl and he wanted to create a bespoke ring to celebrate what an amazing mother she was to their daughter. We began with a simple idea of a contemporary ring representing their family. We began by crafting this contemporary band in polished sterling silver. Once the ring was complete, we added three solid gold leaves to symbolize their family of three and a shared love of nature. He chose a beautiful dark green tourmaline as the centre stone and focal point of the piece. The tourmaline is their daughter's October birthstone.
Celtic Love Knot Pendant with January Birthstone
The second design we wanted to share this week is a custom Celtic pendant. This was commissioned as a special remembrance piece. This design is based around our Silver Celtic Love Knot Pendant. It is a modern interpretation of a traditional Celtic knot design. The pattern was made in solid silver to form two hearts woven together. Tracing the lines you will find they are joined by an infinity symbol in the center. Celtic knots have no beginning and no end, making them the perfect symbol of continuing eternal love. This knot was custom-made with a silver loop allowing us to add a birthstone charm.
US Marine Corps Celtic Cross
This customer contacted us as they were searching for a very specific Celtic Cross pendant. They wanted to combine a symbol of the United States Marine Corps with a symbol of Irish heritage. After working on the design together, they chose three pared-back symbols with the eagle, globe, and anchor. With this engraved in the centre, the remaining sections of the Celtic cross were ornately decorated with intricate Celtic knotwork. It was complete in a beautiful reflective polish.
Emerald Claddagh Ring for Him
We received an email inquiring about crafting a one-of-a-kind Celtic Claddagh Wedding band. He had a number of lovely ideas for us to work with. The final design included this distinctive Celtic knotwork with Claddagh symbols of love, loyalty, and friendship. Finally, the band was to be set with a vibrant emerald to represent his Irish roots. As with many weddings this year, their big day and the design had to be put on hold. Unexpectedly, we received an email from his lovely fiance. She wanted us to create his dream wedding ring to surprise him with. He had chosen the design he loved and she wanted to be the one to give it to him. She knew it would be the perfect gift for him.
To enquire about translating your idea into silver, gold, platinum, or palladium, contact us today to discuss your custom jewelry piece.