Wednesday, January 14, 2009

I hope you had a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season and are looking forward to a great year in 2009.

Don't forget to stay tuned to your emails for my upcoming Valentine's promotion.

Leigh Maher
leighm@irishcelticjewels.com

back to top

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show the woman you love just how much you care for her. If you are intrigued by the symbolism and beauty of Irish Celtic Jewelry designs, you may want to find out which styles will work best as Valentine’s Day gifts.

Luckily, the meaning and history of many symbols found on Irish Celtic rings, pendants, and earrings, are steeped in romantic tradition. You can honor your loved one’s heritage with delicately handcrafted pieces that evoke the virtues of love, faithfulness, and friendship.

Since the fifth century, Irish artisans have crafted stunning examples of jewelry, and other metalwork, that reference some common symbols of Irish and Celtic history. Intricate knot work, spirals and whorls, Celtic Crosses, and Shamrocks, have all been used to illustrate the love of God, and fellow man, that is so much a part of the Irish Celtic tradition.

In centuries past, early-Medieval, Irish artisans were world-renowned for their incredible work with precious metals: today, jewelry designers and artisans rely on the same, time-honored techniques, making modern Irish Celtic jewelry designs sought after throughout the world. By borrowing from the past, modern jewelry designs have a timeless, heirloom quality that will remain treasured for generations to come.

Here are some of the best Irish Celtic Jewelry designs for this Valentine’s Day:

Two-Tone Heart Trinity Knot Celtic Pendant - The Trinity Knot is an enduring symbol of the eternal nature of love. When joined with a tender, 14k gold heart, the white-gold Trinity knot is displayed to its best advantage. This pendant is an appropriate choice for Valentine’s Day, and its classical beauty will be enjoyed for many years to come. The romantic combination of traditional Irish knot work, set inside of a curving heart, will inspire and please the woman you love on the most romantic day of the year.

14k Trinity Knot Pearl & Diamond Earrings – These earrings are as romantic a choice as you could find for this Valentine’s Day. Pretty enough to be worn to a wedding or a formal event, yet versatile enough for everyday, these tenderly crafted, drop earrings are a stunning example of Irish Celtic jewelry design. The Trinity Knot takes on new beauty, when inset in a 14k gold heart shape, and the teardrop-shaped, cultured pearls that accent each intricate love knot are lustrous and fine. These earrings will be turned to again and again, and the woman you love will think of you each time she puts them on.

14kt Princess Cut Diamond Trinity Knot Ring – This engagement ring combines all the most stunning features of Irish Celtic design. The central, solitaire diamond is flanked by a dazzling border of intricate, white-gold knot work, making it an original, yet classical, choice for your bride-to-be. The exquisite craftsmanship of the Irish artisan is clearly visible in this beautiful ring. The diamond is faceted in a popular, Princess shape, and the Trinity Love Knots that accent the stone are symbols of eternal love and faithfulness. If your bride-to-be is of Irish or Celtic heritage, she will be thrilled to wear this ring! As well, matching wedding bands, for men and women, can be purchased to give an Irish Celtic feeling to your wedding day. Proposing on Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful way to start your life together: this ring is the perfect choice for your special moment.

Check out the blog for more tips and info about Celtic jewelry, weddings and Ireland >>

back to top

Most people are unaware the reason Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th each year is because of a priest in Dublin, Ireland. In 1836 Pope Gregory XVI wanted to recognize the Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street for the church’s former prior, Father John Spratt. Father Spratt was widely recognized as very holy man and the Pope wanted to do something memorable for the people of his church to forever memorialize the man.

So the Pope sent a relic of a Christian martyr. A small gold-bound casket containing the earthly remains of St.Valentine. Pope Gregory had the relic removed from the St. Hyppolytus Cemetery in Rome on February 14th and sent to Dublin. The people of the Carmelite Church were so grateful for the gift they had an elaborate ceremony that began with a solemn procession to the high alter in the church. Then a mass took place dedicated to young people and those in love all over the world.

Each year after 1836 the same procession and mass is performed over and over each year on February 14. Thanks to the people of Ireland, people all over the world have celebrated love on February 14.

back to top

If you’ve considered attending an Irish festival in you area, there are some amazing opportunities that are just around the corner. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular Irish Festivals, all of them taking place in the days leading up to, and including, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Here is our guide to some great, American festivals for those of Irish descent >>

back to top

Have you got any interesting Irish or jewelry related stories. We'd love to hear from you, and share your story with our newsletter and blog subscribers.

Here are a few examples of the kind of stuff we're interested in:

• How you incorporated the Celtic theme into a special occasion such as a wedding or christening
• You may have gone on vacation to Ireland - How did it go?
• You may have some funny anecdotes from an Irish Festival or parade in your area?

We really value your input, so please don't hesitate to contact me with your story: leighm@irishcelticjewels.com. Please also send any relevant photos and video.

back to top