Shamrock Jewelry

Many people associate the shamrock with Saint Patrick’s Day and leprechauns, but it is much more than that. It is a symbol of faith, pride, rebellion, and the spirit of Ireland. Revered by the ancient Druids, then used as a tool for the conversion of the Irish to Christianity, the shamrock represents the deep spirituality of many Irish people. The shamrock’s connection to Irish nationalism led to the British banning their display, only to later use them as a way to honor Great Britain’s Irish soldiers. 

Shamrocks in Pre-Christian Ireland

In Druidic culture, three was the perfect number, representing the elements of earth, air, and water, the characteristics of faith, valor, and love, and triune deities such as the Moríggana (goddesses of war, death, and victory) and Brigid (three sisters of the same name who represented poetry, blacksmithing, and healing). The little shamrock was a reminder of the importance of these deities, and of the number three. 

The Legend of Saint Patrick

According to legend, when Saint Patrick arrived in Ireland, he used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the people. Since they were already familiar with the concept of a triune deity and held the number three to be sacred, the people more readily converted to the new faith. Patrick eventually became Ireland’s patron saint, and during the 17th century, people began wearing shamrocks to Mass on Saint Patrick’s Day as a way of honoring him.

The Shamrock is the National Plant of Ireland

By the late 18th century, the shamrock had become a symbol of Irish nationalism. After the failed Irish Rebellion of 1798, the British banned “The Wearing Of The Green” as a symbol of rebellion. However, in 1900, Queen Victoria declared that Irish soldiers who fought for England would be presented with sprigs of shamrock on Saint Patrick’s Day, beginning a tradition that continues to this day.

Today, the shamrock, like Scotland’s thistle, is used as the logo of multiple sports clubs and businesses – including the Irish airline Aer Lingus – and is used by Irish communities around the world to honor their ancestors’ ties to the Emerald Isle. 

Shamrocks vs. Four-Leafed-Clovers 

Shamrocks are by nature three-leafed. Four-leafed clovers are rare mutations, occurring in about one out of 10,000 instances. Due to their rarity, they were perceived as protection from evil spirits by pre-Christian Druids, and today are associated with luck in general because it takes luck to find one! This is why our stock of shamrock jewelry predominantly consists of three-leafed shamrocks, with a few select four-leafed clovers waiting to be discovered.

A piece of shamrock jewelry is the perfect choice for anyone who loves Ireland. At Celtic Crystal Design Jewelry, we have a lovely selection of shamrock jewelry for men and women. Choose a simple shamrock of silver, or a piece incorporating other Irish symbols such as the Celtic harp, Claddagh, or Celtic Cross. Your pride in Ireland will be clear for all to see. Éirinn go Brách!