Irish Claddagh Shamrock Brooch

Beautiful Claddagh Pin with Shamrocks! Great for all occasions. It can be worn as a pendant or a brooch - so it is an extra special gift. It is very detailed and beautiful. Show your Celtic pride with this unique piece!

Pewter - 1 1/2" x 2"

So how did the SHAMROCK become an emblem of Ireland?

In the 17th century, the Irish began wearing the shamrock on St. Patrick's feast day. It was later adopted as an emblem by the Volunteers of 1777 and grew in popularity among Nationalist movements in the 19th century, despite being banned by Victorian England. Today, it is widely recognized as Ireland's national symbol.

For good luck, it's usually included in the bouquet of an Irish bride, and also in the boutonniere of the groom. And, it's also an integral part of an old tradition called "drowning the shamrock."

This takes place on St. Patrick's Day, when the shamrock that has been worn is removed and put into the last drink. A toast is proposed and then, when the toast has been honored, the shamrock is taken from the bottom of the glass and thrown over the left shoulder. Sláinte!

Pewter
Made of solid lead free pewter - Pewter has been used in jewelry making for pewter does not rust or tarnish and will last a lifetime. Pewter was used for decorative metal items in the Ancient World by the Egyptians and later the Romans, and came into extensive use in Europe during the Middle Ages - it was once considered the metal of kings because of its beauty and expense!