A birthstone chart and list of birthstones by month will help you understand what each birthstone means and why they make thoughtful and beautiful gifts.
History tells us birthstones have been used since the first century as a way to give good luck on one’s birthday. Gemstones are associated with each month and each precious stone has designated qualities associated with it.
In Celtic folklore there is a magical set of cats or “fairy cats”. In Scotland they are known as the cait sith. In Ireland they are called cait sidhe. Whether Gaelic or Scotch Gaelic they are both pronounced as “caught shee”. The cait sidhe aren’t your ordinary felines, they are thought as fairies, even witches, and as spirit creatures that merely take the form of a cat. Those that have seen them describe them as being unusually large, all black cats with a spot of white fur on their chest. Generally, the cait sidhe is viewed as fearsome and was used as a symbol by Celtic warriors.
Our Celtic Cat Pendantis absolutely purrrr-fect! This beautifully diamond accented Celtic Cat Pendant with black enamel pays tribute to the cait sidhe. The cait sidhe is a mythical fairy creature in Scottish and Irish folklore.
As children and adults around the world take part in the spooky festivities of Halloween on the night of October 31st, All Hallows Eve, few know of its ancient Irish Celticroots in the Samhain (Samain) festival.
Steeped in tradition, the meaningoftheCladdaghring has varied throughout the years for the wearer. The ring can be worn on different fingers or hands, depending on one’s relationship status.
The Claddagh Ring, without a doubt is one of Ireland’s most famous symbols of heritage. The Claddagh Ring has become a symbol of Ireland. The claddagh symboldepicts two hands gentle holding a heart that is adorned with a royal crown. It symbolizes the strength of a relationship, bound eternally in friendship, love and loyalty. The wearing of the Irish Claddagh ring is a tradition, rich insymbolic meaning and history.
The Claddagh Ring has become a worldwide symbol of Irish culture and heritage loved by all nationalities.
As you might have heard there is an old Irish saying about the claddagh ring. “With These hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love.”
Claddagh Rings are world renowned, and are worn by both men and women, single or taken. Irish Claddagh rings are named for the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway, Ireland, dating back to the 17th century. The Claddagh ring in Irish is fáinne Chladaigh and is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. The Irish Cladddagh ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century.
The Claddagh Ring is an old Irish ring with two hands holding a heart, surmounted by a crown. According to Irish heritage, the claddagh symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship. The hands represent ‘friendship’, the heart represents ‘love’, and the crown represents ‘loyalty’. Imagine Ireland in the days long ago when a young man named Richard Joyce was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh off the coast of Ireland. Can you imagine how many years passed while Richard Joyce wondered if his true love waited. As the years wore on he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands holding heart as a symbol of friendship. Can you just picture the tiny first claddagh ring being made? After many years he returned home to the village of Claddagh Ireland. To his magical delight he discovered his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh Ring.
The Claddagh ring is really a fede rings and have a long history dating back to Roman times. The name “fede” derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede meaning loosely “hands joined in faith” or “hands joined in loyalty”. The clasped hands were viewed as promise ring used as an engagement ring or wedding ring in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Irish Claddagh ring is a version of the fede ring has roots deeply seeded in long standing Irish tradition
The gaelic spelling of the word tells us that ‘Cladach’ was originally pronounced [klad-ukh] and sounded out with a hard, guttural ending common to Irish words. The word is now more commonly pronounced without the ‘gaelic touch’ as [klad-uh].
Celtic Halloween called Samhain in Gaelic is a traditional Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season. It also marks the beginning of winter also known as the “darker half” of the year because the days get dramatically shorter. Samhain is traditionally celebrated at sunset on October 31st and lasts until sunrise on November first. This is considered the halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. This time during Samhain was seen as a transitional time, when the vail between this world and the other side could be crossed without difficulty allowing Aos Sí, or the ‘spirits’ like the ‘fairies’ into our world to create mischief. The Irish have many Celtic Halloween Traditions to ward off these spirits.
Celtic Anti-Fairy Measures for Halloween
There are many old Irish legends that warn of Irish fairies and goblins that try to collect souls. When the vail between this world and the next is at its thinnest they try to gather as many souls as they can on All Hallows Eve. Folklore says if you throw the dust from under your feet at the Fairy then they would be obliged to release any souls that they held captive.
The Dullahan – the Irish Headless Horseman
Another Irish legend talks of the Dullahan, or English translation “dark man” is unnerving. The Headless Horseman or Dullahan is the Irish fore-teller of death. The Dullahan rides a jet black horse with flames shooting from its eyes, carrying his head under one arm. Irish folklore says that when he stops riding, a human dies. There are many versions of this scary tale. Some say that the Dullahan throws buckets of blood at people he passes, while other say he simply calls out the name of the mortal that will soon die. But as with most evil entities the Dullahan has a weakness. The Dullahan can not stand the sight of GOLD. So you would be wise when traveling on this Halloween to carry a wee bit of in case you have a run-in with this headless horror!
The Scream of the Irish Banshee
The Banshee, bean-sidhe (woman of the fairy may be an ancestral spirit appointed to forewarn members of certain ancient Irish families of their time of death. According to tradition, the banshee can only cry for five major Irish families: the O’Neills, the O’Briens, the O’Connors, the O’Gradys and the Kavanaghs. Intermarriage has since extended this select list. Whatever her origins, the banshee chiefly appears in one of three guises: a young woman, a stately matron or a raddled old hag. These represent the triple aspects of the Celtic goddess of war and death, namely Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain.) She usually wears either a grey, hooded cloak or the winding sheet or grave robe of the unshriven dead. She may also appear as a washer-woman, and is seen apparently washing the blood stained clothes of those who are about to die. In this guise she is known as the bean-nighe (washing woman). Although not always seen, her mourning call is heard, usually at night when someone is about to die.
In Celtic folklore there is a magical set of cats or “fairy cats”. In Scotland they are known as the cait sith. In Ireland they are called cait sidhe. Whether Gaelic or Scotch Gaelic they are both pronounced as “caught shee”. The cait sidhe aren’t your ordinary felines, they are thought as fairies, even witches, and as spirit creatures that merely take the form of a cat. Those that have seen them describe them as being unusually large, all black cats with a spot of white fur on their chest. Generally, the cait sidhe is viewed as fearsome and was used as a symbol by Celtic warriors.
Irish Wit and Wisdom and The Strength of Friendship…
There has been a very long standing Irish tradition and understanding of the beautiful power and strength of friendship. The bonds of a Celtic friendship are a very spiritual connection that emphasizes the mutual importance of truth and trust between two friends.
What is the meaning of the Celtic Friendship knot symbol?
Any Celtic Friendship Knot is said to harbor the essence of friendship simply due to their implied symbolic meanings: Unity, union, partnering, joining, eternity, unbreakable, strength, and a host of like attributes.
Celtic Friendship Knot Jewelry Collection …
Our Celtic Friendship Knot Jewelry is a magnificent example of the spirit of true friendship. With intertwined endless lines, the Celtic Friendship Knotdesign represents the enduring bond between kindred souls. For true friendship knows no barriers and no end. A spiritual bond forever growing separately but never apart.
Have you ever seen an authentic Claddagh Ring? Chances are if you are Irish or you have taken a trip to Ireland you have seen this beautiful and unique piece of Irish jewelry.
an Irish claddagh ring
By definition a claddagh [ klah-duh ] is a noun. It is a ring in the form of two hands clasping a crowned heart, given in friendship or love.
According to dictionary.com
Expect fine jewelry designer, Jennifer Derrig who is the owner and head designer at The Irish Jewelry Company described the tradition of the Irish claddagh ring as such.
The Claddagh Ring is an instantly recognizable symbol that represents true love and boundless affection. Like a bond between soul mates.
Jennifer Derrig, owner of The Irish Jewelry Company
What are Claddagh Rings?
Claddagh rings are fede rings and have a long history dating back to Roman times. The name “fede” derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede meaning loosely “hands joined in faith” or “hands joined in loyalty”. The clasped hands were viewed as promise ring used as an engagement ring or wedding ring in medieval and Renaissance Europe. Irish Claddagh rings are a version of the fede ring has roots deeply seeded in long standing Irish tradition.
So what do claddagh rings mean?
The Irish say if you want to give a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, the Claddagh rings may be the choice for you. Claddagh rings, are often mistakenly spelt Clatter Ring orClodagh Ring, like it sounds (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring. TheCladdagh ring literally meanseternal love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh ringconsists of a heart, for love with a crown, for loyalty held by two hands symbolizing friendship. Claddagh Rings have become a famous symbol of love treaured by Irish and non Irish all around the world.
A short history of the Claddagh ring.
Irish Jeweler crafting Irish jewelry on his workbench
Irish folklore says that long ago a young man was captured by Algerian pirates and sold into slavery from the small Irish fishing village of Claddagh. He was taught to be a goldsmith as a slave. Many years in servitude passed and he often wondered if his true love waited for him all this time. Over the years enslaved he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a special ring to convey his love. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. After many years had passed he finally released from his servitude and he returned home to the village of Claddagh. Upon his return to Ireland to his unbelieavable joy he discovered that his true love had waited for him. SSo he presented her the ring he made during his time away as a symbol of his enduring love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as theCladdagh. Do you have someone in your life to which you pledge your love, loyalty and friendship forever?
Traditional matching Claddagh wedding bands
Can a Claddagh Ring be an engagement or wedding ring?
Claddagh Rings are a universal token of love for lads and lassies. That’s means both men and women an wear Claddagh Rings as promise rings, or as wedding bands. They can also be given as an engagement ring as a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty.
Irish Wedding Bridal Tip…
The symbol of the Irish claddagh can be incorporated in many ways during the wedding ceremony. Brides can wear claddagh jewelry, give claddagh jewelry to the bridemaids and tie a claddagh charm to their bouquet. The claddagh can also be used in the design of the invitations, place cards and on the linens. The groom can also find grooms man gifts such as claddagh engraved flasks and claddagh cufflinks and so much more.
There are many unique styles of claddagh jewelry. Most claddagh styles basically have the hands, heart, and crown. However, the Fenian Claddagh, also known as the Dublin Claddagh Ring has two hands holding a heart and no crown was made in Dublin in the 1800’s. Then there is the Trinity Claddagh Ring, a modern twist on the combination of the traditional claddagh ring and trinity knot takes Irish jewelry to a new level of great design.
The claddagh ring is in its simplest form a true token of love. Whatever type of claddagh ring you choose or however your decide to incorporate it in your wedding day its is a symbol all of your guests are sure to recognize.
The History, Meaning and Symbolism of the Irish Celtic Cross …
The Celtic Cross often refereed to as the Irish High Cross is a renounced symbol of Celtic culture world wide.
What is a Celtic Cross?
The Celtic cross is one of the most revered symbols of Ireland and of Irish culture. Few symbols are as renowned as the embodiment of Celtic Christianity like the Celtic cross worldwide. TheCelticCrossis basically a Latin cross with a circle of light, or a halo intersecting it. This cross also known as the Irish cross or the cross of Iona is a famous Christian symbol that has its roots in paganism. The cross with a circle of light emerged in France and Britain in the middle ages and predates Christianity. It was adopted by Irish missionaries from the 9th through the 12th centuries.
Irish folklore says Saint Patrick introduced the Celtic Cross to the Celts when he was trying to educate and possible convert the pagan Irish hopefully to Christianity. The pagan Celts were said to worship the sun. Saint Patrick according to legend combined the image of the Christian cross with the circular to represent the sun to associate circle of light with the Christian cross as one in the same.
Another less popular story suggests that, by St. Patrick laying the symbol of the cross over the symbol of the sun he was showing them that Christ was a more powerful force then the sun god.
What is the High Cross or the Irish Cross?
An Irish Cross is a Celtic cross. It is also known as the Cross of Iona or the High Cross. They are all Celtic crosses often decorated with traditional Gaelic symbols or Celtic knots. These magnificent large stone crosses were typically erected to memorialize prominent people or places like churches or monasteries. One of the most famous crosses is at Clonmacnoise, Ireland. The Clonmacnoise cross is known as the Cross of the Scriptures. Large beautiful medieval stone Celtic crosses adorn the country landscape in Ireland ranging in sizes with the largest standing at 23 feet tall.
What is the Celtic Cross Meaning?
The Celtic Cross Meaning is a world known typically depicted and has become a traditional Christian symbol used by the faithful in Ireland for religious purposes. It is a tremendous symbol of Irish faith and Irish pride. Today Celtic crosses are worn by people worldwide. The Celtic Cross Meaning is one of admiration of Irish culture and Christian faith.
Celtic Crosses and Tattoos
CelticCrossTattoos are very popular design that represents the cross of Christ among those of Irish decent. A Celticcrosstattoo is one of the most meaningful body art designs that often commemorates the memory of a loved one or someone’s deep commitment to faith. This deeply spiritual tattoo is also a very gender-neutral. The Celtic cross tattoo design is also very popular among first responders. Irish firemen often use a Celtic cross design combined with a Maltese cross to represent their profession while Irish Police offers have it with a badge in the center.
Celtic Cross Pendants by The Irish Jewelry Company
Our Celtic Cross pendants and Irish Cross necklaces are inspired by the brilliant history and cultural symbolism of the standing stone crosses of Ireland like those at Clonmacnoise monastery. Crosses inspired by beautiful Irish crosses reproduced in Silver and Gold with elaborate inscriptions like the ones on ancient Irish high crosses all over Ireland. Their crosses are world renowned by those who love all things Irish and Irish culture.
family, motherhood, children, parenthood and people concept – happy mother kissing her baby over green natural background
Many if our Irish American readers were probably raised by an Irish Mom or an Irish American Mom Irish, even an Italian mom if you Dad was the Irish one. Irish Moms and Italian Moms are pretty much the same. It hard not to recognize those enduring traits that make them both great moms. They are both their children’s number fan. They are encouraging, caring, and show unconditional love and devotion for us in their own special ways. Both moms have the power to make you cry in fear object fear of a simple cooking utensil, known as the dreaded wooden spoon.
You know you were raised by either an Irish mom or an Italian mom if you know all the important Saints by heart.
Every time you lose something, and you searched high and low for it without success and you just happen to mention it to mom she will undoubtedly say “Have you said a prayer to Saint Anthony yet?”. Rest assured, without fail good old St. Anthony usually comes through with finding your car keys. Every Irish mother or Italian mother has a favorite saint that they prayer too repeatable that they insist have never let them down.
Shop Irish gifts for mom
“I have eyes in the back of my head you know.”
Were we all just stupid kids but for years we really thought our mothers had eyes in the back of their heads? Mom ALWAYS knew when you were up to no good or lying.
“Don’t make me get the wooden spoon….”
Oh, those dreaded words… even the sound of the draw where it was kept opening was enough to put the fear of God in you. You ran at the sight of a wooden spoon. No matter what the issue was you were battling her over, just when you thought you had her she would start counting to three. Knew the wooden spoon was coming out next.
Mom always slipped you some extra money
If you had an Irish mom, she is good for about a spare 20 quid until you are about thirty. If you had an Italian mom, it was you cannot go out without any cash and you always left Nona’s side $20 richer. It was for candy or ice cream when you were a little kid and later as you got older is was probably gas money.
Let’s face it, motherhood is not easy, but mom always made it seem like it was her greats priority and we were her greatest achievement. Whether you had an Irish mom or an Italian mom her enduring love is a true testament to the enduring bond between a mother and child. Remember to honor her on Mother’s Day with a special Mother’s Day gift like a piece of motherhood Jewelry to show your appreciation for all she has done and continues to do for you. I mean really , what mom wouldn’t want a beautiful piece of mother’s jewelry from her baby.
The Irish Jewelry Company is announcing its redirecting its focus to work on strengthening its online presences to accommodate the shifting shopping habits due to Covid-19. The pandemic has changed many peoples shopping habits and has officially solidified people’s confidence in eCommerce
The Irish Jewelry Company is announcing it is redirecting its focus to work on strengthening its online presences through blogging, social media and creating better user experience by updating its website to accommodate the shifting shopping habits due to Covid-19. The Irish Jewelry Company will be officially launching its blog, Irish Culture and Traditions in September. The pandemic has changed many peoples shopping habits and has officially solidified people’s confidence in eCommerce. Economic concerns continue to be widespread among small businesses like The Irish jewelry Company. To survive any future closures due to Covid-19 in the future its clear every jewelry business needs a greater web presence with a great blog, and an improved user-friendly website with fabulous product. Today more people are turning to online shopping for their purchases at stores like, The Irish Jewelry Company for that unique piece of sentimental jewelry for that special occasion during these difficult times when people can get out as usual to shop.
The Irish Jewelry Company blog will focus on the meaning and symbolism behind Irish jewelry. It will also have articles on Irish heritage revolving around customs, folklore, and superstitions.
A strengthened focus on original design, high perceived value, brand recognition, and customer experience to garner more online market share will continue and accelerate in the upcoming months.
Designing Jewelry for today’s savvy customer who shops online and enjoys good value is becoming more and more challenging. Today’s customer wants a modernistic and trendy look that reflects their personality either their beliefs, heritage, or personified sense of style all at an affordable price with fast flat rate shipping practically shipped yesterday thanks to Amazon. They are also looking for that piece that shares a story or has a significant meaning. The customer is looking for a more modern look then the traditional claddagh ring with a clean design that offers real value.
The Irish Jewelry Company’s collection of Irish jewelry is high quality and handcrafted and thankfully sells itself virtually. “For the company to compete online the website needs to be on par with the competition and to regain lost traffic due to google algorithm changes through grass roots marketing.” says owner, jewelry designer Jennifer Derrig.
It is important to make the online shopping experience a simply and convenient check out process with multiply streamlined method of payments like Amazon pay and PayPal. Upgrading our site will improve our speed both on desktop and mobile. A fast loading website and mobile shopping site is especially important. Offering a quality assortment of styles with beautiful signature gift wrap is important for the company’s brand. Customers can recognize the brand instantly by our signature white box, emerald green ribbon, and gold seal.
Beautiful jewelry is not enough on its own these days with the online competition from big box sites like Amazon and Etsy and recent Google algorithm changes. The product must be the highest of quality, and a great value rich in tradition. The website must be mobile friendly and offer great content. The plan is to provide customers with awesome content and blog, excellent service, improved check out and website speed, affordable prices, and branded presentation upon delivery. Especially during a pandemic when many people have more time to focus on the small details. Design, service, affordability, ease of shopping and fast shipping is their key to future success. The Irish Jewelry Company is directing its focus to work on strengthening its online presences to accommodate the shifting shopping habits.
