Three of Ireland’s greatest treasures are on display at the National Museum in Dublin. The Tara Brooch, Ardagh Chalice, and Cross of Cong are all ancient metalwork pieces created over a thousand years ago.

The Tara Brooch was created in 700 AD. It was found in 1850 by a peasant woman. She sold it to a dealer who named it the Tara Brooch after the Hills of Tara. It was likely made for a wealthy male to show off his status. The brooch is made of gold, silver, copper, amber and glass with intricate filigree patterns. The beading contains designs of wolves heads and dragons faces. This is one of the most spectacular and well preserved finds.

The Ardagh Chalice is considered Ireland’s foremost treasure. It is also the finest example of 8th century metalwork. It was found in 1868 by 2 men digging for potatoes at a ring fort in Ardagh. Made of silver, bronze and gold, the chalice also features filigree patterns and stonework. Below the horizontal band are the names of the 12 apostles. It is believed that the chalice, along with a few other items, was buried in 1740 in a hurry to hide it from approaching soldiers. The Ardagh Chalice is the inspiration for warrior shield jewellery.

The Cross of Cong was made in 1123 under order of the High King of Ireland, Turlough O’Conor. It was used as a processional cross. The cross is oak covered in bronze with interlacing animals, many of which are snakes. There is a large crystal in the center which one could look through and see what is claimed to be a piece of the true cross. There is an inscription that addresses the true cross. The Cross of Cong was hidden in an oak chest in a church during the Reformation, and was later discovered by a Priest.

These three pieces show the skills of the craftsman as early as the 8th century. The intricate designs and metalwork make them true Irish treasures.

Rauncie Kinnaird owns Celtic Jewellery Site specializing in Celtic Jewellery including Warrior Shield jewellery, Tara brooches, and Celtic Crosses.

Sign-up for free articles on Celtic history and events at http://www.celticjewellerysite.com

Coneflower Crystal Diamante Brooch Pin $28.95 Featuring a coneflower design, crafted in gold tone finish, decorated with sparkling crystal diamante/rhinestones and accentuated with a larger crystal in the center. This brooch measures 2.2 inches long by 1.6 inches wide and weighs 18 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf.

Rose Stem Crystal Diamante Brooch Pin – Gold $21.95 Featuring a classic rose stem design, crafted in gold tone finish and decorated with sparkling crystal diamante/rhinestones. This brooch measures 1.8 inches long by 1.1 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Floral Crystal Diamante Petal Brooch Pin – Gold $19.95 This lovely brooch features an adorable flower with elegant little petals covered with shades of gold Austrian crystals, offering a stunning sparkle look. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. Easily fastens to any bag, hat, coat or jacket with a heart-shaped clasp. Available in 4 colors: Purple, Blue, Gold, Pink.

Blooming Rose Flower Crystal Brooch Pin – Gold $16.95 This gorgeous blooming rose brooch features sparkling crystals center surrounded by colorful petal and gold-tone crystals studded loops. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Rose Stem Crystal Diamante Brooch Pin – Blue $21.95 Featuring a classic rose stem design, crafted in gold tone finish and decorated with sparkling crystal diamante/rhinestones. This brooch measures 1.8 inches long by 1.1 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Rose Stem Crystal Diamante Brooch Pin – Pink $21.95 Featuring a classic rose stem design, crafted in gold tone finish and decorated with sparkling crystal diamante/rhinestones. This brooch measures 1.8 inches long by 1.1 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Crescent Crystal Flower Venetian Pearl Brooch Pin – Gold $15.95 Featuring crystal centered flowers and Venetian pearls arrange in a crescent shape design in a gold-tone finished. This brooch measures 2.2 inches long by 2.2 inches wide and weighs 16 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Daisy Ring Crystal Brooch Pin – Gold $12.95 This adorable daisy ring wreath is constructed with cute daisy flowers and leaves decorated with authentic Austrian crystals. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 13 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. Easily fastens to any bag, hat, coat or jacket with a heart-shaped clasp. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Swarovski Crystal Sunflower Brooch with 24K Gold Plating $89 A gift from her mother for her 16th birthday. Jackie kept this brooch close to her heart always. It was her favorite custum piece. This Sunflower Pin is part of the Jacqueline Kennedy Collection. SKU: 84QG0163

Elegant Swan Diamante Gold-Tone Brooch Pin $21.95 The brooch features high quality sparkling crystal diamante/rhinestones neatly laid out on a gold-tone swan. This brooch measures 1.2 inches long by 1.2 inches wide and weighs 10 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf.

Reindeer Gold-Tone Diamante Brooch Pin $18.95 This reindeer brooch is adorned with crystal diamante/rhinestones in a gold-tone finish. This brooch measures 0.8 inches long by 1.6 inches wide and weighs 10 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf.

Teddy Bear Gold-Tone Diamante Brooch Pin $10.95 This utterly charming stylish teddy bear brooch is crafted in shiny gold-tone finish and decorated with tiny clear crystal rhinestone for a dash of sparkle. This brooch measures 0.9 inches long by 1.2 inches wide and weighs 13 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf.

Snowflake Crystal Brooch $14.57 crystal snowflake brooch, 1.5 x 1.5 inch

Simple Elegant Stem Flower Crystal Brooch Pin – Gold $10.95 Featuring a simple stem flower, crafted in gold tone finish, decorated with sparkling crystal diamante/rhinestones and accentuated with a crystal rhinestone in the center of the flower. This brooch measures 2.4 inches long by 0.6 inches wide and weighs 13 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 4 colors: Purple, Blue, Gold, Pink.

Rose Wreath Crystal Rhinestone Gold-Tone Brooch Pin – Gold $12.95 This adorable rose ring is constructed with a wreath of cute rose buds decorated with authentic Austrian crystals. This brooch measures 1.6 inches long by 1.6 inches wide and weighs 20 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Blooming Rose Flower Crystal Brooch Pin – Blue $16.95 This gorgeous blooming rose brooch features sparkling crystals center surrounded by colorful petal and gold-tone crystals studded loops. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Blooming Rose Flower Crystal Brooch Pin – Pink $16.95 This gorgeous blooming rose brooch features sparkling crystals center surrounded by colorful petal and gold-tone crystals studded loops. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Floral Crystal Diamante Petal Brooch Pin – Blue $19.95 This lovely brooch features an adorable flower with elegant little petals covered with shades of blue Austrian crystals, offering a stunning sparkle look. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. Easily fastens to any bag, hat, coat or jacket with a heart-shaped clasp. Available in 4 colors: Purple, Blue, Gold, Pink.

Floral Crystal Diamante Petal Brooch Pin – Pink $19.95 This lovely brooch features an adorable flower with elegant little petals covered with shades of pink Austrian crystals, offering a stunning sparkle look. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. Easily fastens to any bag, hat, coat or jacket with a heart-shaped clasp. Available in 4 colors: Purple, Blue, Gold, Pink.

Floral Crystal Diamante Petal Brooch Pin – Purple $19.95 This lovely brooch features an adorable flower with elegant little petals covered with shades of purple Austrian crystals, offering a stunning sparkle look. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. Easily fastens to any bag, hat, coat or jacket with a heart-shaped clasp. Available in 4 colors: Purple, Blue, Gold, Pink.

Rose Wreath Crystal Rhinestone Gold-Tone Brooch Pin – Pink $12.95 This adorable rose ring is constructed with a wreath of cute rose buds decorated with authentic Austrian crystals. This brooch measures 1.6 inches long by 1.6 inches wide and weighs 20 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Rose Wreath Crystal Rhinestone Gold-Tone Brooch Pin – Blue $12.95 This adorable rose ring is constructed with a wreath of cute rose buds decorated with authentic Austrian crystals. This brooch measures 1.6 inches long by 1.6 inches wide and weighs 20 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Crescent Crystal Flower Venetian Pearl Brooch Pin – Pink $15.95 Featuring crystal centered flowers and Venetian pearls arrange in a crescent shape design in a gold-tone finished. This brooch measures 2.2 inches long by 2.2 inches wide and weighs 16 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Crescent Crystal Flower Venetian Pearl Brooch Pin – Blue $15.95 Featuring crystal centered flowers and Venetian pearls arrange in a crescent shape design in a gold-tone finished. This brooch measures 2.2 inches long by 2.2 inches wide and weighs 16 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Daisy Ring Crystal Brooch Pin – Blue $12.95 This adorable daisy ring wreath is constructed with cute daisy flowers and leaves decorated with authentic Austrian crystals. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 13 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. Easily fastens to any bag, hat, coat or jacket with a heart-shaped clasp. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Daisy Ring Crystal Brooch Pin – Pink $12.95 This adorable daisy ring wreath is constructed with cute daisy flowers and leaves decorated with authentic Austrian crystals. This brooch measures 1.4 inches long by 1.4 inches wide and weighs 13 grams. The brooch has a heart-shaped snap clasp with a back pin on the side. Easily fastens to any bag, hat, coat or jacket with a heart-shaped clasp. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

Jim Ball Designs Brooch BR034 $15 Stunning prom and pageant jewelry featuring Swarovski crystals. Beautiful colors as well as crystal and iridescent AB give you the perfect touch to your prom or pageant gown. Crown Brooch with Swarovski AB crystals in a gold setting.

Jim Ball Designs Brooch BR052 $30 Stunning prom and pageant jewelry featuring Swarovski crystals. Beautiful colors as well as crystal and iridescent AB give you the perfect touch to your prom or pageant gown. Brooch with Swarovski crystals in a gold setting.

Jim Ball Designs Brooch BR053 $30 Stunning prom and pageant jewelry featuring Swarovski crystals. Beautiful colors as well as crystal and iridescent AB give you the perfect touch to your prom or pageant gown. Brooch with Swarovski crystals in a gold setting.

Daisy Bouquet Diamante Gold-Tone Brooch Pin – Gold $11.95 Featuring a classic daisy bouquet design, crafted in gold tone finish and decorated with sparkling crystal diamante/rhinestones. This brooch measures 2.4 inches long by 0.8 inches wide and weighs 15 grams. This cute brooch will add a sparkling flair to your jacket lapel or scarf. Available in 3 colors: Blue, Gold, Pink.

---

Pink Elephant Pin 24K Gold Swarovski Crystals Brooch Jewelry GOP Republican Pink Ladies $1 Shipping $29.75 Who wouldn’t love this pink Elephant Pin? We’ve hand enameled the pewter base in a glossy finish. Then we meticulously set this treasure with lots of sparkling, Deep Pink, Swarovski Crystals. We even set his eye with an Emerald Green Swarovski Crystal! Enchanting and Whimsical! Height: 1 Inch Width: 1 Inch Each of these items has been hand enameled by skilled artisans, and set with genuine, …

24K Gold Mouse Swarovski Crystals Pin White Bejeweled Rat Brooch Rodent Jewelry Raton Oro $1 Shipg $29.00 You’ll love this mouse pin! First, we fashioned the base from fine pewter. Next, we dipped the head, ears and tail in 24 Karat Gold. Finally, we hand stipled and set this enchanting piece with sparkling Swarovski Crystals! An enchanting and elegant brooch. Height: .75 Inch Width: 1.5 Inch Each of these items has been hand enameled by skilled artisans, and set with genuine, Swarovski Crystals. …

Large Green Leaf Pin Brooch 24K Gold Swarovski Crystal Jewelry Green Alfiler Hoja Verde $1 Shipping $29.00 This large, Green Leaf Pin would be realistic if it weren’t for the dazzling sparkle created by the dozens of Swarovski Crystals set in it! This stunning brooch has been meticulously detailed in 24 Karat Gold and hand set with emerald-hued and golden-green Swarovski Crystals. A splendid addition to any ensemble. Width: 2.5 InchesHeight: 1.5 InchEach of these items has been hand enameled by skill…

Collectible Wishbone Lapel Pin Brooch with Rhinestone GOLD / BLUE GREEN TURQUOISE – Decorative Accessory $4.95 …

Ivory Pearls Simulated Jewels Crystals on Genuine Gold Plated Pin Brooch $13.99 Ivory Pearls Simulated Jewels Crystals on Genuine Gold Plated Pin Brooch…

---