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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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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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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argdagh challace, celtic jewelry, Irish symbolism, metalwork

Studio Tour at Walker Metalsmiths Studio to include demonstrations and presentation on Ardagh Chalice

Oct 17, 2014

Explore ancient Celtic metalworking techniques at the Allegany Artisans Studio Tour. Watch live lost-wax casting demonstrations at Walker Metalsmiths and discover Stephen Walker's research on historic Celtic treasures like the Ardagh Chalice—combining medieval mastery with modern craftsmanship. Continue reading

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celtic jewelry, Celtic Symbolism, Irish symbolism

Celtic Jewelry Set With Rare Green Tsavorite Garnets

May 06, 2014

Discover tsavorite garnet—a rare, brilliant green gemstone superior to emerald in clarity, durability and value. Learn why master craftsman Stephen Walker uses this May birthstone in his Celtic engagement rings, crosses, and modern jewelry designs. Continue reading

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artisan, Celtic Cross History, Celtic History, celtic jewelry, celtic revival, Celtic Symbolism, claddagh history, claddagh ring, claddagh story, claddagh symbolism, Irish symbolism, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, Symbolism, symbolism in art, triquetra

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The Modern History of Celtic Jewellery: 1840-1980

Dec 31, 2013

Stephen Walker and three co-authors chronicle 150 years of Celtic jewelry history in this definitive book—from the Victorian Revival in Dublin and Scottish Highlands, through the pioneering Ritchie family of Iona, to the modern Celtic Renaissance. Illustrated with 69 color photographs and 29 black and white images, this is the scholarly foundation for understanding contemporary Celtic design. Continue reading

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art, Celtic Cross History, Celtic History, celtic revival, Celtic Symbolism, chi-rho, claddagh meaning, dal-riada, Irish symbolism, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, symbolism in art, trinity knot, triquetra

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In Search of Meaning: Symbolism of Celtic Knotwork and Design

Dec 31, 2013

Explore the mystery of Celtic knotwork symbolism. Stephen Walker reveals what art historians say about trinity knots and interlace designs, examines how modern craftsmen created meanings like "endless paths" and continuum, and explains why Celtic art's greatest power lies in its ability to connect past and present through living tradition. Continue reading

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celtic jewelry, Celtic Symbolism, Irish symbolism, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, Symbolism

Celtic Design What does it mean?

Sep 20, 2013

What do Celtic knots mean? Discover how medieval symbols took on new meanings during the Celtic Revival, how the trinity knot became a symbol of the three ages of woman, and why George Bain's concept of "endless paths" representing eternity continues to inspire modern Celtic jewelry and personal symbolism. Continue reading