Walker Metalsmiths Blog

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irish, irish heritage, irish history, irish holiday, irish jewelry, Irish Saint, irish shamrock, Irish symbolism, Saint Patrick, Shamrock, st patrick coin, st patrick half penny, st patricks day

What is a Shamrock?

Mar 12, 2024

The simplest answer to what is a shamrock is is actually not that simple. At its essence it is a three-leaved groundcover plant found in Ireland and across the globe. Are true shamrocks wood sorrel or common clover? The jury has been out since before St. Patrick first held up the shamrock as an example of the Holy Trinity. Continue reading

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Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, celtic crosses, irish, irish heritage, irish holiday, irish jewelry, Irish Saint, St. Brigid, St. Brigid's Cross, sterling silver cross

Celebrating the coming of Spring with the St. Brigid's Flower Cross

Jan 25, 2022

Discover the St. Brigid's Flower Cross—a stunning new Celtic design inspired by the Anemone coronaria that bloomed near St. Brigid's Church in County Kildare. Learn the flower's origins, St. Brigid's patronage of metalworking, and how our designer Lindsey created this unique cross to celebrate Imbolc. Continue reading

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art, book of kells, celtic, celtic brooch, Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, Celtic designer, Celtic Festivals, celtic heart, celtic heritage, Celtic History, celtic jewelry, celtic jewelry for the holidays, celtic jewelry pieces, celtic pendant, Celtic Pendants, celtic revival, Celtic Symbolism, celtic traditions, half penny, handcrafted celtic jewelry, handcrafted cross, handmade jewelry, History, irish, irish art, irish heritage, irish history, irish holiday, irish jewelry, Irish Saint, irish shamrock, Irish symbolism, jewelry, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, Shamrock, st patrick coin, st patrick half penny, st patricks day, St. Patrick, St. Patrick's cross

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Embracing Shamrockery

Mar 10, 2021

Master craftsman Stephen Walker shares his transformation from dismissing shamrocks as kitsch to embracing them as authentic symbols of Irish heritage. Discover the shamrock's journey from 1641 coins to famine-era emigration, and why it crosses cultural and sectarian divides as a true emblem of Irish identity. Continue reading

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art, artisan, Celtic History, celtic jewelry, Celtic Symbolism, craftsman, History, irish jewelry, Irish symbolism, Symbolism

Celtic Art: The Local Tradition

Sep 11, 2018

I am pleased to announce an exhibit in Andover NY this September 21 to 29 will display locally produced Celtic art and design from the past fifty years. This special event honors the local tradition of Celtic art as lived by my teachers, students, my friends and apprentices.

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artisan, bagpipes, celtic brooch, celtic earrings, celtic heart, celtic jewelry, celtic pendant, Celtic Symbolism, claddagh history, claddagh jewelry, claddagh meaning, craftsman, custom jewelers, custom jewelry, diamond pendant, engagement ring, engagement rings, History, irish jewelry, Irish symbolism, jewelry design, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, Scotland, scottish, sterling silver, Symbolism, symbolism in art, tradition, trinity knot, triquetra, wedding, wedding planning, wedding rings

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5 Celtic Traditions for Your Wedding

Jun 30, 2017

Whether you're looking to infuse a bit of your family's heritage into your special day or just love the design and symbolism of Celtic knots, these traditions are unique and memorable touches that you may want to include in your wedding whether you're of Celtic ancestry or not! In case you need a little help figuring out what's best for you, here's just a little background on five of the most popular Celtic wedding traditions to help you decide what feels most authentic culturally and appropriate spiritually. Continue reading

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Celtic Cross, celtic jewelry, Celtic Symbolism, claddagh, craftsman, culture, gold, handcrafted cross, irish jewelry, jewelry design, meaning, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, necklace, pendant, scottish, sterling silver, Symbolism, symbolism in art, trinity knot, triquetra

Congratulations Graduates!

Jun 05, 2017

As Steve and Sue prepare to celebrate their youngest child's high school graduation, we thought we'd look back at some of the special gifts Steve created for his children plus a few staff favorites to give you some graduation gift ideas for your own family and friends. Continue reading

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argdagh challace, art, artisan, Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, Celtic History, Celtic Symbolism, handcrafted cross, history, irish jewelry, Irish symbolism, kerbschnitt, meaning, Meaning of Celtic Symbols

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A Project for Lent- Cross of Cong Research

Mar 01, 2017

Stephen Walker's experimental project to recreate a lost medieval panel from the 12th century Cross of Cong using traditional Celtic casting techniques. Discover how he applies archaeological research to duplicate intricate bronze decorative panels using clay and cow dung molds—a methodology he'll present at the International Insular Art Conference in Glasgow. Continue reading

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art, artisan, celtic jewelry, craftsman, custom jewelers, custom jewelry, engagement ring, goldsmiths, irish jewelry, jewelry design, metalwork, one of a kind, ring, sapphire, studio, trinity knot, triquetra

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Custom Celtic Rings — How Does It All Work?

Apr 11, 2016

Handcrafted custom Celtic rings in gold with gemstones — buy in stock, customize a previous design, or work with our designers to create something entirely your own. Continue reading

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celtic brooch, Celtic Cross, History, irish jewelry

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Antique Irish and Scottish Jewelry Exhibit in Andover

Mar 18, 2016

Victorian Celtic Revival jewelry from Ireland and Scotland, featuring the Tara brooch, Scotch pebble jewelry, and War of Independence artifacts. Continue reading

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Celtic Cross, Celtic History, celtic revival, custom jewelers, History, irish jewelry

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The Walker's Trip to the British Isles

Feb 01, 2016

Join the Walker family on a two-week journey through the British Isles: London museums, Scottish Celtic scholars, the Banchory Brooch, Dublin trade shows, and reconnecting with fellow metalworkers. A blend of family, scholarship, and business in the heart of Celtic heritage. Continue reading

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