"May the morning sun awaken your soul, May the pearl of night illuminate the path before you." – Old Irish Blessing

Colombian Emerald and Australian White South Sea Keshi Pearl Drop Earrings, 6.30cttw, 18K Gold

Pure says: Modern and Mesmerizing

Jewelry by Jessica McCormack

 

 

SHAMROCKS & PEARLS

It's that time of year again - the time for Irish blessings, corned beef and cabbage and of course, all things green! For those who don't know, my last name is McNamara, and "the Clan" is pretty large, with extensive old ruins in Ireland ... it's considered tradition to go take "The Tour" and that is definitely on my bucket list! For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with all things Irish; from sprites and fairies to the castles, to Ireland's famous foggy, rainy days and slick cobblestone streets to the long, and rather bloody history of the Irish people.

Previously I've featured collections of Pearls and Emeralds in celebration of St. Patrick's Day; this year I decided to go for something much more specific: Pearl and Shamrock Jewelry.

The gorgeous, sparkling confection above is an Emerald, Diamond and Pearl Necklace with detachable pendant and a sparkling Pearl and Diamond Shamrock removable centerpiece. The pearls are certified natural saltwater pearls, and they can either be worn as a necklace, or broken into two bracelets. Pendant signed Tiffany & Co., 1880. Photo credit Regent Jewelers

 

 

The Shamrock is the national symbol of Ireland, and is usually characterized with three lobes or leaves on the Shamrock ... but it's the Shamrocks with 4 leaves that are considered lucky. 

Shamrocks weren't always so lucky in real life however. The "Wearin' O' the Green" was forbidden by English law starting in 1798, and the Irish were not allowed to both wear the Shamrock nor anything even green-colored. In fact, if one were to be found with Shamrocks growing anywhere in your yard, it was punishable by hanging.

The prohibition was not lifted until Queen Victoria allowed Irish Regiments fighting for her army in South Africa to wear a sprig of Shamrock on their headdress "in honor of their gallantry". Ever since, we've celebrated St. Patrick's Day with wearing green clothing and Shamrocks. Photo credit Lang Antiques

 

 

I love how pearls seem to be used so often to adorn Shamrocks ... like lustrous drops of dew. This brooch doubles the pleasure with two four-leafed Shamrocks accented with two pearls and mounted on branches of 14K Yellow Gold. This pin dates back to 1910, and is signed Bippart & Co., of Newark, NJ. Love the detail on the Shamrock leaves! Photo credit Etsy

 

 

I have a great love for Opals, and what better than to combine Opals and Pearls together? This unusual antique Opal and Pearl Tie Pin in a Shamrock design definitely caught my eye! It dates from the Edwardian era (1901-1914) and is English in origin. Photo credit: The Antique Jewellery Company

 

 

Terrible picture but a gorgeous piece! This Shamrock pin is decorated with natural Grey and Lavender saltwater pearls, mounted in 14K Yellow Gold with an Asscher Cut, Baby Blue Ceylon Sapphire mounted in the middle. 

This Shamrock brooch dates back to the 1890's Victorian era, crafted in Sri Lanka. Photo credit 1st Dibs

 

 

I am loving this incredible vintage costume jewelry bracelet featuring seed pearl accented Shamrocks and green Rhinestones, created circa 1920 ... even though I have made my career in genuine high-end jewelry design, I still enjoy some of the fun, dress up stuff from time to time. ;)  Photo credit: Go Antiques

 

 

Double the luck! Here we have a seed pearl accented Shamrock centered under a lucky wishbone, all set in a 14K Yellow Gold pendant. Cute! Photo credit: The Antique Parlor

 

 

This hyper-realistic Shamrock pendant might just be my absolute favorite of the bunch! This is actually a Pendant / Brooch, meaning that you can take it off its chain, and use the hidden pin in the back to wear it on your chest or a scarf. Ghrá! Photo credit: Aspire Auctions

 

 

One of the more expensive Shamrock brooches I've come across, this cultured South Sea Pearl and diamond pin features 3 South Sea pearls measuring between 11.2 and 11.8mm (nice!), surrounded with sparkling diamond accents weighing 1.80cttw approximately. Love how beautifully the Orient is showing up on the pearls here - that's so hard to capture! Photo credit: 1st Dibs

 

 

Another favorite, this Shamrock, Pearl and Diamond Ring is an Art Nouveau treasure! Crafted in Spain, the 18K Yellow Gold ring features a delicately formed 3-leaf Shamrock with a tiny sparkling diamond accent and branded with jewelry manufacturer Masriera. Photo credit: 1st Dibs

That's all for today. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I will leave you with this Irish Blessing:

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

XO,

 

Ashley

 

 

WRIST CANDY

This White Freshwater Double-Strand Pearl Bracelet is compiled of gorgeous AAA or AAAA Quality pearls with matching luster. All of our pearl bracelets are made on site, and our experienced staff of GIA certified specialists pay careful attention to all pearls in order to create a truly beautiful piece.

The pearl bracelet comes affixed with our standard Sterling Silver clasp, and a selection of premium clasps are also available. The pearl bracelet is strung and double-knotted with silk thread and comes in a beautiful pearl jewelry gift box. Please view the options in order to customize your product further.