When people talk about Irish gifts, they often use the phrase ’40 shades of green’. If you’ve ever flown over Ireland during the day and gotten a glimpse of the patchwork of fields dotted with sheep, you know exactly what that means. But it isn’t only the fields that are green. Irish jewelry features a glorious, gorgeous range of greens. Here are some of the most stunning, perfect if you’re planning to get your green on for St. Patrick’s Day in March.
Emeralds
This is known as the emerald isle and green is our color, so it only makes sense to use this exquisite gem in Irish jewelry. Sparkly and elegant, it’s ideal for a formal occasion such as a ball, dinner or wedding.
The poem ‘When Erin First Rose’ written by William Drennan in 1795 is the first known source comparing Ireland to an emerald, and it isn’t hard to see why that phrase stuck. We don’t have emerald mines here, but our lush, green fields sparkling with dew on a bright spring morning certainly call this gorgeous gem to mind.
Emerald Jewelry
Connemara Marble
Rugged Connemara along the Atlantic coast is the quintessential image of rural Ireland. Connemara marble is a stunning stone, with a range of greens and greys woven together. It pairs perfectly with a silver setting with Celtic knotwork.
The result of pressure on limestone beneath the Earth’s surface more than 500 million years ago, this metamorphic rock boasts some pretty deep Irish roots.
Both beautiful and earthy, Irish jewelry featuring this distinctly Irish marble goes equally well with blue jeans and ball gowns. Whatever you are wearing to the parade or party on Paddy’s Day, Celtic jewelry with Connemara marble is a perfect accessory.
Connemara Marble Jewelry
Malachite
Found in copper ore that has oxidized, raw malachite is formed by the chemical reaction when water containing carbon dioxide or dissolved carbonate minerals meets rocks containing copper ore. Soft enough that jewelers have an easy time designing with it, malachite features a range of deep greens in rings or bands. No two pieces are the same.
10k Gold Malachite Shamrock Stud Earrings
This gorgeous green stone has become very popular for Irish gifts of jewelry, especially Celtic pendants and earrings. Like Connemara marble, it goes from casual to classy and looks right with everything.
Green Crystal
Like the raindrops that fall endlessly on Ireland, this gem reflects the light. It shines and sparkles to brighten any look. It offers the elegance of emeralds at a more affordable price, making it perfect for everyday Celtic jewelry you can wear to a party or parade.
Green crystal is used in pieces as diverse as costume jewelry for young people to stunning pieces anyone of any age would be proud to show off anywhere, and, along with Emerald is the Irish birthstone for May. If you’re looking for Irish gifts for the Irish dancer in your life, green crystal jewelry is a perfect choice.
Green Crystal Jewelry
When you’re picking out the perfect Irish gifts for a loved one or searching for just the right finishing touches to celebrate your love of Ireland, it helps to know these four shades of green.