Celtic
In the far North and West the Celtic culture continued to flourish. Their artistic ability and fine craftsmanship are shown in their ornamental and metal work.After the fall of Rome, Celtic culture flowed back into many regions of Western Britain, where their art and traditions have been faithfully maintained and developed.
The miracle reproductions of Celtic jewellery aim at reviving general interest in this ancient art form.
Chrome
Established in the 19th Century in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Ward Brothers and its successor Quarrier Ward were absorbed into our business over 10 years ago. Their range of Scottish jewellery which carried the Mizpah trade mark continues to find popularity.
The range features Scottish brooches, kilt pins, real feather plumes, grouse claws and pendants. The chromium plated finished ensures that the pieces stand out when worn inside or out and are especially hard wearing in all conditions.
Crosses and Rosaries
The foundation of the Celtic Cross seems to be that of Iona but our designs draw upon inspiration from parts of Northern and Western England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
There is a tendancy for those of Ireland and Scotland to be more sculptural whilst those of Cornwall and Wales are more decorative. Some crosses feature a continuous circle linking the four arms of the cross symbolising eternity.
Rosaries or prayer beads are used by members of various religions including Budhism, Church of England, Hinduism, Orthodox Christianity and Roman Cathalocism , to count the repetitions of prayers and chants. Increasingly they are being used in meditation, protection from negative energy and relaxation.
Our rosaries feature 33 beads symbolising the number of years of Christ’s life on earth.
Irish
The Harp has been recognised as a symbol of Ireland for a long time. It was originally used in the arms of Leinster, a kingdom in ancient Ireland, which forms one of the island`s provinces of today. It is believed that it appeared in the heraldic arms of Ireland at the time of Henry VIII.
The Shamrock or Seamrog as it is known in Irish Gaelic (little clover), is also symbolic of Ireland. It has a strong association with St Patrick who legend says, used it to symbolise the Holy Trinity, 3 into 1.
The Claddagh has now become a more significant symbol of Ireland as a token of love, friendship and loyalty. The symbol was first made into a piece of jewellery over 400 years ago by a Goldsmith called Richard Joyce who lived in the town of Claddagh, where he created the Claddagh Ring, often given as a symbol of love.
An 8th Century brooch of superb quality discovered on a beach in 1850 at Bettystown, County Meath is recognised as the earliest example of a development from the Pennanular brooch. This features a swing but not swivel pin now known as a Tara brooch after the Royal meeting place at the Hill of Tara.
Later finds show that these were made in different metals with varying degrees of adornment and therefore cost.
Mackintosh
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born in Glasgow in1868. One of 11 children, he had mild disabilities and was encouraged to spend as much time as possible in the countryside where he developed a love of nature.
Enrolled at 15 at the Glasgow School of Art he subsequently won a number of prizes including an architectural tour of Italy where he met Margaret McDonald whom he later married and with whom he collaborated.
As an Architect, his biggest commission was the new building for Glasgow School of Art, but he became increasingly frustrated at not having control of most projects including their furniture, stained glass and textiles.
His move to London to seek bigger projects was frustrated by the outbreak of war in 1914. He had greater success across Europe for a time before moving to the South of France where both he and his wife painted watercolours of their surroundings.
It was not until after his death from cancer in London in 1928 that his real abilities and influence on the transition from the sinuous romanticism of art nouveau to the bold geometry of art deco was truly appreciated.
Scottish
The thistle has been a symbol of Scotland for over 500 years. It’s first recognisable use was on silver coins in 1470 during the reign of James III and it was incorporated into the Royal Arms of Scotland in the early 16th Century.
Historical fact and legend surrounds the origination of the thistle as a symbol of Scotland. For more than 600 years most of Scotland formed part of the kingdom of Norway. By the 13th Century their interest had waned only to be re-ignited following efforts by King Alexander III to buy back the Western Isles and Kintyre which were still Norwegian occupied in 1263.
King Haaken IV assembled an army to re-establish control but it was forced by bad weather to land at Largs. Ordered to remove their footwear so as not to alert a group of sleeping Scots warriors, one stepped on a thistle, cried out sufficiently for the Scots to waken. A battle promptly ensued and the Norwegians were defeated.
In gratitude the plant became known as the Guardian Thistle. In 1540 King James V formed the Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland. Their medal contains the inscription “nemo me impune lacessit”, which means “ no-one harms me without punishment “.
The Luckenbooth brooch was originally given to a woman as a sign of betrothal. If she gave birth to a child, she would pin the brooch on to the shawl of her first born, to protect it from evil. The Mary brooch, is so called as it is reputed that Mary Queen of Scots wore one of these brooches, which has two hearts joined together.
Sterling Silver
Our Sterling Silver too, is made in our factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Many of the models were originally created by W. Johnson & Sons and Ward Brothers Ltd, both of whom were established in the 19th Century. The Pebble jewellery range became both popular and fashionable in Victorian times thanks to the interest of the Royal Family following their purchase of the Balmoral Estate. Originally made in very small quantities by Edinburgh craftsmen, production soon moved to Birmingham to meet demand.
The development of metal articles, originally in Bronze, for personal adornment seems to date from the Celtic invasion of our Islands of which the Fibula appears to be the earliest piece. Our Kiltpin range is developed from this.
The Cross erected in 924 AD at Monasterboice in Co Louth features a panel of the seizing of Christ wearing a cloak fastened by a Pennanular brooch of which we have several examples.
The Tara brooch was a late development which retains the swing pin but does not slide round the rim.
Several of our Sterling Silver pieces are still made in a very traditional way including hand-engraving. Delivery of orders may therefore be up to 4 weeks: please enquire for a delivery estimate
Very small items which are less than 7gms in weight may not be hallmarked in accordance with legislation but all larger items carry either the Edinburgh or Birmingham Assay mark.
All items are gift boxed.
