The Story of the Tara Brooch.

Along with such treasures as the Ardagh Chalice and the Derrynaflan Paten, the Tara Brooch dating back to the 7^th century can be considered to represent the pinnacle of medieval Irish metalwork. The brooch has had a massive revival in the last few years as a fashion piece. Some will say that the film “Banshees of Inisherin” can take some credit for this as one of the main characters “Siobhan” wore this piece through out the film. Filmed on Achill island here in Ireland we were so proud as the movie won four Bafta Awards and received nine Oscar nominations!

Where does the Tara Brooch come from?

Although the brooch is named after the Hill of Tara (the seat of the High Kings of Ireland) in fact it was found not at Tara but near the seashore at Bettystown, Co. Meath, in 1850 by two peasant farmers. It was possibly buried originally to protect it from a Viking or Norman invasion. What a discovery!

They claimed that it was found buried in a box in the sand near the seashore. Most likely it was found inland but the finders would not have wanted the landowner to have any legal claim to the treasure. They sold the brooch onto a Dublin Jeweller called G. & S. Waterhouse who renamed it “The Tara Brooch”  to increase its appeal.

The design and construction.

The original seems to have been made in many pieces with “panels” which were then fixed into place within cast and gilt silver. When it was found only one panel was missing which is just extraordinary when you consider how old the piece is. The front depicts animal and abstract motifs that are separated by studs of glass, enamel and amber. The back is flatter than the front, and the decoration is cast. The motifs consist of scrolls and Celtic spirals.

A silver chain made of wire is attached to the brooch using a swivel attachment. This is formed with animal heads framing two small cast glass human heads.

We have chosen to use our Connemara Marble within the panels. Each element of decoration is perfectly executed, and the range of technique represented on such a small object is astounding. Remember this was the 7^th century!

Today this very brooch can be viewed in the National Museum of Ireland so do check it out if you visit.

How to wear the Tara Brooch?

There is no particular rule around how or which side to wear the piece. In times gone by there was a practicality to the brooch as it could be used to tie clothes together such as a scarf around your neck or attached to your coat. Nowadays it is worn as a fine example of Celtic Jewelry steeped in heritage and lore.

We have made the symbol even more wearable as we have adapted the design into a pendant. Decorated with interweaving Celtic knot work and inset with our unique gemstone Connemara Marble. A halo of marcasite gemstones run along the bridge of the pendant adding to the vintage style of the piece. Of course we still have the traditional brooch available also and if you would like to take a closer look you can click here.

I love the stories behind all our Irish Jewelry and I hope you enjoy hearing them too. If you would like to stay up to date with all our news you can join our newsletter. Here you will also receive a code which gives you a 15% discount off your first order!

Have a lovely day,

Denise xxx

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