Our Designs

The plant motif is much in evidence in Celtic works of art across Europe and Asia. It has been called the tree of life and is thought to be symbolic of life itself. On the other hand it may have been purely decorative. Its classic style has been copied by many artists and craftsmen, including those of Hebridean Jewellery.

Interlacing knotwork is one of the main features of Celtic art, often seen as a centrepiece, decorative borders and to intertwine creatures. It is believed to be symbolic theologically or philosophically. This fascinating style of design is put to good effect in Hebridean Jewellery's Celtic range of quality silver and gold jewellery.

The Luckenbooth is a style of brooch which came from France and became popular in Scotland from about the middle of the sixteenth century, through the Auld Alliance and is associated with Mary Queen of Scots. It is basically a heart or two hearts entwined, surmounted by a crown. There is a wide spectrum of style within the basic idea, some very ornate and featuring the Fleur de Lis, down to a very plain style, some even without the crown. There is some conjecture on the derivation of the name; Luckenbooth. One theory is that they take their name from the stalls or booths, where they were on sale, near St. Giles, in Edinburgh, the luken from locking or else look (luk) in. They were usually given as a token of love, much as an engagement ring is today and often used as a talisman to ward off evil or bad luck.

Penannular Brooch is an ancient style of brooch with a primitive but effective method of fastening, as used by the Picts , Norse and Celts. The pin is attached to the brooch by a little bridge at the blunt end which allows it to swivel round the narrow part of the brooch. The point of the pin, having passed through the fabric twice, is brought through the gap and the brooch is turned 90۫.

The Thistle of Scotland is used in many of our designs. The Scotch thistle comes from a legend that the plant's thorny thickets helped protect Scotland from the Vikings. Folklore holds that as Vikings attempted an attack at night and raid Scottish villages, they were stung by the thistles' thorns and cried out in pain, alerting the villagers to the attack and allowing them to fight back and drive back the invaders. Following this the Thistle was adopted as the floral emblem of Scotland it dates back to the late 1200's.