Walker Metalsmiths Blog

Learning the Art and Mystery of the Craft; Newest Jeweler Sydney Gallo Graduates Apprenticeship

Jun 26, 2023

Sydney Gallo has completed her apprenticeship at Walker Metalsmiths and has graduated as a full-fledged jeweler. The timing of her graduation enabled her to have the opportunity to exhibit her thesis jewelry at the 2nd International Day of Celtic Art Conference in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland in early June. Continue reading

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Brennan's Hill Quebec, Celtic Art, celtic jewelry, celtic rings, John Urban Rings

John Urban passes the torch; Walker Metalsmiths acquire legacy jewelry designs

May 20, 2022

Celtic jewelry pioneer John Urban, age 76, entrusts his lifetime work—350 molds, designs, and copyrights—to Walker Metalsmiths to continue his legacy. Discover how two masters of Celtic ring design became friends and collaborators in the Celtic Renaissance of the 1990s. Continue reading

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Celtic Art, Celtic designer, Celtic Hunting Rug, celtic revival, Celtic Symbolism, George Bain, Groam House Museum, Pictish art, Scotland

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George Bain Hunting Rug at Walker Metalsmiths

Apr 22, 2022

Discover the rare George Bain Hunting Carpet displayed at Walker Metalsmiths in Andover, NY. Learn about the father of the Celtic Renaissance, the symbolism in his masterwork, and Stephen Walker's research into the George Bain Collection at Groam House Museum in Scotland. Continue reading

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cast chip-carving, celtic brooch, coherent geometry, handcrafted celtic jewelry, Insular Art, kerbschnitt, lost-wax casting, Medieval metal work, metalwork, Robert Stevick, Stephen Walker, Tara brooch

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Coherent Geometry; Carved Molds and Ancient Methods

Mar 30, 2022

The great masterpieces of Celtic metalwork that inspired me were done with even less than the basic tools I had in the 1970s. 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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celtic, Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, celtic crosses, Celtic Festivals, Celtic History, celtic jewelry, celtic jewelry pieces, celtic pendant, Celtic Pendants, Celtic Symbolism, celtic traditions, handcrafted celtic jewelry, handcrafted custom Celtic jewelry, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, St. Brigid, St. Brigid's Cross

Celebrating St. Brigid's Day Traditions

Jan 27, 2021

Discover the ancient Celtic tradition of St. Brigid's crosses, woven from grass and reeds to invoke Brigid's blessing on the home. Learn about the saint herself—one of Ireland's three patrons—and how Walker Metalsmiths honors her February 1st feast day with handcrafted jewelry designs. Continue reading

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Celtic heritage, Celtic New Year, Day of Buttered Bread, good luck, Irish traditions, Lá na gCeapairí, New Year traditions, shamrock

Happy New Year’s Sounds Much Better Than Happy Day of the Buttered Bread

Dec 28, 2020

Discover the Irish New Year tradition of Lá na gCeapairí, the Day of Buttered Bread, and how Celtic families celebrated with bread, butter, and good wishes. Continue reading

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candle in the window, Celtic Christmas, Celtic heritage, Celtic jewelry for the holidays, Christmas traditions, holiday gifts, holly, Irish traditions, Laden Table

Discussion 1 comment

Many Christmas Traditions Can Be Traced Back to Celtic Roots

Dec 09, 2020

Discover Irish Christmas traditions rooted in Celtic culture, from holly decorations and the candle in the window to the Laden Table and handcrafted holiday gifts. Continue reading

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celtic jewelry, thanksgiving

The Celtic Influence on the Thanksgiving Holidays

Nov 25, 2020

Thanksgiving is an holiday favorite for the Walker Metalsmith's family. It’s a time for us to celebrate old traditions and make new memories with family and friends. Continue reading

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