Irish Silver Necklace

Description

Pendant after a harness mount of Irish manufacture found in a grave in Gausel, Norway. It shows two stylized animals above two birds. Each of the animals and birds are intertwined. The two animals are each holding one end of a snake, which entwines itself amongst the beasts and birds. Many Irish objects have been found in  Norway, having been looted by the Vikings during their espansion into Ireland.

Aidan Breen is an Irish Goldsmith and Silversmith, a Dublin native and pioneer of the Renaissance of Celtic jewellery. He specializes in items of jewellery and silverware using the techniques of Repousse and Chasing. The inspiration for his designs come from Nature and his Irish Cultural Heritage. Each Piece is individually hand-made in Ireland.

Breen whose work has been recognised widely, has created jewellery and other fine pieces for many famous people, including Presidents. Breen’s fine work and standing is such, that he was recently recognised and honoured by being commissioned by the Irish Assay Office to create a piece for their permanent collection at Dublin Castle – the ultimate accollade in this profession.

Design from a reconstructed carved stone fragment in the insular or Irish style. It shows two Peacocks, representing the early Christians, feeding on a stylized vine (The Tree of Life). The vine symbolized the Eucharist, which promised eternal life.