The ancient Irish were accomplished goldsmiths and this tradition continues today. Introducing the Ring of Kerry, distinctive jewelery handmade in Kenmare, County Kerry.
The earliest golden ornaments discovered in Ireland date back as far as 2000 B.C. Lunulae were thinly beaten sheets of metal worn around the neck by our noble predecessors.
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Ancient Celtic Creative Skills
Celtic craftsmen from the first millenium created astonishingly beautiful artifacts like the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch, with an extremely high level of intricacy.
These ancient Celtic creative skills continue to flourish on our island to this very day. Paul F. Kelly, a master goldsmith working in County Kerry, creates distinctive pieces of jewelry, in gold and silver, often combining both materials with precious or semi-precious stones.
Today, I am delighted to publish a guest post by this accomplished artist, to introduce you to his wonderful work. His Ring of Kerry design is just perfect for anyone seeking a piece of Irish jewelry to mark a special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary.
The Ring of Kerry
Hi, my name is Paul Kelly. I'm a gold and silversmith living and working in the town of Kenmare, Ireland. I've been asked to share with you the story behind my latest jewellery creation, the Ring of Kerry.
Living as I do in the southwest of Ireland, I am constantly inspired by the beauty of the landscape around me. The greens and golds of the mountains, the silver and blue of the sea and sky, the fierce balance between the elements, all led me to create my Ring of Kerry.
The Ring of Kerry is actually two separate torc rings, that when worn together symbolize the connection between its owner and the Kerry landscape.
The bands are made of silver and 18-carat yellow gold, one set with a faceted green emerald, the other with a brilliant-cut white diamond.
Most people who come to Kerry enjoy a very happy and memorable time here, and my Ring of Kerry design captures that spirit and emotion.
Customers I have shown the ring to have had a very strong and positive reaction to it.
The special associations with the place are already there - through the time people have shared together, the landscape, the sea, the weather, the light, even the place they've stayed in and the food they've eaten. The Ring of Kerry symbolizes and encapsulates that experience; it genuinely seems to touch an emotional chord.
Even though I've lived in Kerry for many years now, I still occasionally have to stop my bike or pull over in my car and really take it all in. It can be a sunset or sunrise, the colors on the mountains, even simply the movements of the clouds on the water.
I hope you can come see me at my shop in Kenmare, or you can learn more about the Ring of Kerry at my website.
As a special gift to readers of this blog, you can use the Coupon Code IRISHMOM to receive a 10% discount off your order.
About Paul F. Kelly, Master Goldsmith:
Master goldsmith and jewellery designer Paul F Kelly produces handcrafted originals at his workshop in Kenmare. He works in gold and silver, often combining both materials with precious or semi-precious stones, to create one of the most distinctive and inspiring jewelry collections in Ireland.
A master traditional craftsman, Paul can be found working at his bench shaping and molding his designs or consulting with clients about a commissioned piece.
Wishing Paul every success as he continues to design and create such magnificent masterpieces, and a big thank you to him for so generously providing a discount for readers of Irish American Mom.
Exploring Irish Jewelry Designs
If you like Irish jewelry then you may wish to check out these other Irish jewelry makers and giftshops.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
P.S. My Disclosure: I do not have a business relationship with Paul F. Kelly and received no compensation for this post. I simply wish to spread the word about Irish and Irish American artists throughout the world.
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Maggie
What beautiful craftsmanship. I love this design. I had a little peak at Paul Kelly's website and loved all his pieces. Just gorgeous.
Irish American Mom
Maggie - All of Paul's jewelry is beautiful. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sheila
Just gorgeous.
Irish American Mom
I agree, Sheila. This ring is really beautiful.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Elizabeth O'Connell
This is for Paul F Kelly. My goodness Paul I find The Circle of Kerry to be brilliant.
I'm interested in getting a broche like that but for Belfast & Dublin. My great or great great grandmother was born in Belfast & my grandmother & mum were born in Dublin, so I feel that I have roots in both cities. Is there someway that you can help me out please. Thank you for helping. I'd do it myself & tried to 16 years ago but came up with nothing & with my mum, grandmother, granddad, aunts or anyone else that can help me with my family's past. Also I live in the USA & being single means I'm unable to come up with the funds that I'd need to fly and stay while I do the necessary research that I would need. Again I'd like to get a broche with the history of Dublin & Belfast. Thanks hun.
Irish American Mom
Dear Elizabeth - I agree with you wholeheartedly. Paul's work is simply brilliant. I have passed your message on to him, with your contact information. Your idea for a brooch connecting Dublin and Belfast is fantastic. Wishing you every success as you continue your creative journey.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
T.M. Johnson
Mairead, I'm not much of a jewelry fancier, but your post reminded me of a related subject. Years ago I became fascinated with Celtic knotwork, especially that featured in illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells. We visited a bookstore in Victoria, B.C. and found two wonderful books on the subject: Celtic Art: the Methods of Construction by George Bain (Dover Publications, 1973). Bain's is a "how-to" book, although one would have to be quite talented to reproduce most of the designs. The book's frontispiece has a drawing of the Tara Brooch, a rendering in which the author has completed the missing panels as they probably looked. Bain's book also covers zoomorphics and has several zoomorphic drawings one could copy. The second book is The Art of Celtia by Courtney Davis (Blandford Books, UK, 1994 reprint). This is a beautiful book with lavish color prints of a variety of Celtic subjects which are accompanied by text explaining Celtic motifs and beliefs rendered in twining artwork. I've tried my hand at knot drawing but with limited success which makes me appreciate the art form all the more.
Re: goldsmithery. Are leperchauns goldsmiths or are they just hoarders? TMJ
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much for letting us know about these informative books on Celtic knotwork. As for the leprechauns, my understanding is the wee folk are hoarders, not goldsmiths. They love to fill their pots with gold, rather than working it into special pieces of art.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
I bet this ring is stunning -- would love to see it in person in Ireland! 🙂
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - I too would love to see it in person - the two torc rings fit so beautifully together.
All the best,
Mairéad
Aimee
I love the symbolism and the connection to the land! I usually don't wear jewelry unless there is meaning behind it, and this piece is simply bursting with it!
Irish American Mom
Aimee - I like how you choose your jewelry based upon the meaning and story behind it. This ring is an amazing symbol for Kerry and Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, good job promoting the craftsmen of Ireland, we Americans love a connection to a piece be it jewelry or pottery. If Mr. Kelly is successful you'll know Solvar won't be too far behind with a copy.
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - Ireland has so many talented craftsmen. It always amazes me to visit artists' studios throughout Ireland and to see the quality of their work.
All the best,
Mairéad
Vito
10/22/18 We vacationed in Ireland 3 weeks ago and Drove the Ring of Kerry. My wife's name is Kerry and when we stopped at Morriarty's in Killarney, I bought The Ring of Kerry ring for my wife Kerry in County Kerry. Its a beautiful ring and became an instant heirloom.
Irish American Mom
How wonderful, Vito. What an amazing gift for your wife, Kerry, and it truly will be a family heirloom. I'm so glad to hear you got to visit Ireland and the county for which your wife is named. Thanks so much for checking out my website.
Best wishes,
Mairéad