Celtic Brooches are assocated with Medieval Ireland and Britain, a time when metalsmiths had achieved a high skill level in the crafting of celtic jewelry. Today's handcrafted versions evoke this period. It was a time when an ornate brooch signified wealth and importance.
The iconagraphy is typically Celtic featuring shamrocks, harps, Claddagh rings, triskels and such. Our Celtic brooches are commonly worn decoratively to fasten capes, cloaks, shawls and scarves. Celtic brooches are normally circular in shape, feature a long pin attached by its head to a ring and can be either enclosed or open.
The recovery of the Tara brooch in 1850 fueled a revival of interest in Celtic brooches. It is on display in the national muesum and considered a national icon in the same vein as the book of Kells.