- Jewelry
- Crosses
- Rings
- Mens
- Claddagh
- Wedding
- Personalized Jewelry
- Sale
- Gift Certificates
- About Us
📚 Stephen Walker is co-author of the definitive book on this subject — bringing scholarly expertise to every piece we create.
From the recovery after the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s to the booming Celtic Tiger of the 1990s, a revival of the ancient traditions of Celtic jewelry has become a part of how the Irish, as well as the Scots, Welsh and other Celts have expressed their cultural identity. Usually the story of this tradition focuses on very old prototypes—the museum pieces turned up by archaeologists or the legend of the original Claddagh ring. In our imagination, we connect the popular Celtic jewelry of today with the distant past. But that link with the ancient style was very much influenced by what others had done in more recent history.
The story is told by four authors, each bringing unique expertise to this comprehensive history:
Writes of the early Celtic Revival manufacture of facsimiles of medieval Irish metalwork in Victorian Dublin and how that enterprise led historical Celtic jewellery to become iconic symbols of Irish identity.
Tells the story of Alexander and Euphemia Ritchie who created the foundation for modern Scottish Celtic jewellery on the Isle of Iona in the early 20th century.
Himself a pioneer of the late 20th century Celtic Renaissance, recalls his career beginning with an apprenticeship with Dublin silversmiths which trained him in the traditions of the older Celtic Revival.
Craftsman and collector, brings the story together as it spans 150 years—from Scottish pebble jewellery to the innovative modern Celtic creations of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
69 color photographs and 29 black and white illustrations
Available on Amazon →
Understanding the history of Celtic jewelry isn't just academic interest—it directly informs the work we do at Walker Metalsmiths. When Stephen designs a new Celtic cross or trinity knot piece, he draws on decades of research into how these traditions evolved. This scholarly foundation is what separates authentic Celtic jewelry from mass-produced imitations.
The Celtic Revival masters like George Bain and the Ritchies of Iona established the visual language that contemporary Celtic artists like John Urban and Stephen Walker continue today. This unbroken lineage of craft knowledge is what we mean by "Celtic Renaissance."
Each piece we create carries 150 years of Celtic Revival tradition—informed by scholarship, executed with master craftsmanship.
Shop Celtic Jewelry Meet the Walkers
Stephen Walker is co-author of The Modern History of Celtic Jewellery: 1840-1980, serves on the advisory panel for the George Bain Collection at Groam House Museum in Scotland, and has been handcrafting Celtic jewelry in Andover, NY since 1984. His scholarly research directly informs every piece created at Walker Metalsmiths.
Wow, a whole book dedicated to Irish and Celtic Jewelry. Is this widely available?
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Prints of Michael O’Conner’s illuminated Saint Patrick’s Breastplate, one of his greatest masterpieces, are now available to the public for the first time.
Many people don’t understand that this kind of small-town life still exists in America. You might think in stereotypes like Mayberry, but there aren’t really towns like that anymore, are there? Not Mayberry exactly, but yes, something similar and half a century later.
Monday-Friday 9-5
Saturday 10-3
Sue
April 18, 2014
David the book is available on Amazon and we do sell them. The paper back $12 plus shipping. I will try to get it online in the next day or so. Or you can just call to order
800 488 6347