This year, more than ever, many of you are searching for new and creative ways to mark special occasions. Here in the Claddagh Design workshop, we have been fortunate enough to hear so many truly touching stories. When we admire jewelry on others, we see the obvious beauty in a piece of wearable art. However, a bespoke design is almost always more meaningful for the person giving and the person receiving. Bespoke jewelry tells a personal story. They are tales of love, family and friendship. They reveal stories of sorrow, loss and strength. They can symbolize new chapters, a rite of passage, or a special milestone. In this series of blog posts, we'll share some of the most extraordinary and touching bespoke designs of 2020. We'll share the hidden stories and inspiration behind some of the commissioned jewelry pieces that have left our workshop.
"Each piece as unique as the individual that treasures them"
A Bespoke Design: My Love Forever You
Anniversaries offer the perfect opportunity to focus on the love and respect shared in marriage. 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. There has never been a better time to celebrate the special people in our lives. He wanted to create a unique, one-of-a-kind piece to show his wife how much he cares. It was to be a jewelry piece to mark over half a century they've spent together. After exploring ideas, he chose to create a personalised solid bangle for her. A simple yet timeless design, she can wear daily but will be equally stunning with formal wear. Drawing on her love of literature, we searched for the perfect words to capture the sentiments he wanted to convey.
As a man of proud Irish heritage, we focused our search on Irish lines of poetry and literature. After considering several beautiful quotes and lines of poetry, we came across the following line which truly resonated. A beautiful phrase in Irish Gaelic "Mo ghrá go daingean thú". It means My Love Forever For You. The inscription was inspired by a line from a poem, Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire written by Eibhlin Ni Chonaill. It is considered to be Ireland's greatest love poem in the Irish language. Eibhlin wrote this poem in the late 18th c about her husband Art Uí Laoghaire.
Here are a few beautiful lines of Irish poetry shortlisted for this gorgeous bespoke gift
How far away the stars seem, and how far away is our first kiss, and
ah, how old my heart.
Ephemera by William Butler Yeats
I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread
on my dreams
Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by William Butler Yeats
I carry the sun in a golden cup. The moon in a silver bag.
Those Dancing Days Are Gone by William Butler Yeats
I would ride with you upon the wind...and dance upon the mountains like
a flame.
The Land of Heart's Desire by William Butler Yeats
Inside, he added a little engraving with their wedding date. The perfect finishing touch to an astonishingly thoughtful gift for his loving wife. Each and every detail was carefully considered before the bangle was handcrafted using time-honored silversmith techniques. We crafted, formed and shaped the silver into a solid bangle. It was filed and engraved with their inscriptions in his choice of script. Finally, we oxidized the engraving to contrast with the reflective polished finish. This beautiful Silver 'Mo ghrá go daingean thú' Bangle now safely delivered to our customers and dear friends in USA. We were delighted to hear she adores it! As with all of our custom jewelry, this stunning bangle was commissioned, designed and handcrafted with love here in our workshop in County Cork, Ireland.
Thinking of Creating a Unique Bespoke Gift for You or Your Loved One?
CONTACT US today to being the design process. We look forward to exploring ideas with you!