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Jewellery Knowledge Centre
Jewelry Information
Discover everything you need to know about Claddagh rings, Celtic jewellery, birthstones, diamonds, precious metals and jewellery care. This comprehensive guide brings together centuries of Irish craftsmanship together with practical advice to help you choose and care for your jewellery.
Wedding Rings
1. Understanding Wedding Ring Profiles
Wedding rings are available in several different profile styles, each offering a unique appearance and feel when worn. The shape of the band, known as the shank, influences both the comfort and overall style of the ring.
D-Shaped
Traditional profile featuring a rounded outer surface with a flat inner face.
Court Shaped
Also known as Comfort Fit, rounded on both the inside and outside.
Flat Shaped
A contemporary design with clean modern lines.
Wedding Ring Profiles
Below are the traditional wedding ring shank and rim profiles commonly used in jewellery manufacturing.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Ladies & Gents Unisex Sizes
Ladies Unisex Sizes include the standard ladies’ ring sizes together with a selection of larger sizes, while Gents Unisex Sizes include the standard men’s sizes together with a selection of smaller sizes, making it easier to find the perfect fit for every wearer.
Irish Heritage
2. Origins of Celtic Jewellery
The origins of Irish jewellery making can be traced back thousands of years. Long before the ancient Egyptians completed their great pyramids, the Celts in Ireland were building remarkable monuments such as Newgrange while crafting some of the finest examples of early Celtic jewellery ever discovered.
From around 2000 BC to 500 AD, skilled Irish craftsmen worked extensively with gold and silver, creating beautifully detailed jewellery that reflected both artistic excellence and spiritual symbolism. Many of these extraordinary pieces have survived the centuries and are now proudly displayed in the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street in Dublin.
These ancient traditions continue to inspire Irish jewellery today, with iconic designs such as the Claddagh ring and Celtic knotwork remaining enduring symbols of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
Birthstones
3. Birthstones Through the Year
Every month has its own traditional birthstone, each carrying its own unique history, symbolism and anniversary associations. Whether chosen as a meaningful gift or as a personal keepsake, birthstone jewellery remains one of the most cherished traditions in jewellery.
January
Garnet
Dark Red
Symbolism: Protection, courage and guidance.
12th Wedding Anniversary
February
Amethyst
Purple
Symbolism: Intelligence, piety and sobriety.
17th Wedding Anniversary
March
Aquamarine
Light Blue
Symbolism: Harmony, peace and reconciliation.
19th Wedding Anniversary
April
Diamond
White
Symbolism: Love, strength and purity.
10th & 60th Wedding Anniversary
May
Emerald
Green
Symbolism: Eternal youth, healing and enduring love.
20th Wedding Anniversary
June
Pearl
White
Symbolism: Purity, wisdom and elegance.
5th & 30th Wedding Anniversary
Alternative June
Alexandrite
Green / Blue
Changes colour depending on the light.
55th Wedding Anniversary
July
Ruby
Red
Symbolism: Love, enthusiasm and strength.
40th Wedding Anniversary
August
Peridot
Light Green
Symbolism: Protection and positive energy.
17th Anniversary
September
Sapphire
Blue
Symbolism: Faithfulness, sincerity and wisdom.
15th, 45th Anniversary
October
Opal
Many Colours
Symbolism: Hope, imagination and eyesight.
6th & 14th Anniversary
November
Topaz
Golden Orange
Symbolism: Strength, prosperity and vitality.
23rd Anniversary
December
Turquoise
Light Blue
Symbolism: Prosperity and friendship.
11th Anniversary
Alternative December
Blue Zircon
Blue
Promotes wisdom, honour and restful sleep.
Zodiac Stones
4. Birthstones by Zodiac Sign
In addition to traditional birthstones, many gemstones are also associated with the zodiac. These stones have long been believed to enhance the qualities of each astrological sign and make thoughtful, meaningful gifts.
Diamond Guide
5. The 4 C’s of Diamonds
The beauty and value of a diamond are determined by four internationally recognised characteristics known as the 4 C’s. Understanding these qualities helps you choose a diamond that perfectly suits your preferences and budget.
Carat
Carat measures the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 0.2 grams.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the natural internal characteristics of a diamond, typically examined under 10× magnification.
Colour
Diamond colour is graded from colourless through increasingly noticeable colour, with fine gemstones generally ranging from D to M.
Cut
The cut determines how light reflects through the diamond, producing its brilliance, sparkle and the beautiful effect known as Fire.
Diamond Conversion
6. Diamond Millimetre to Carat Weight Guide
The following guide provides an approximate comparison between a round diamond’s diameter in millimetres and its corresponding carat weight.
| Diameter (mm) | Approx. Carat |
|---|---|
| 1.3 | 0.01 |
| 1.5 | 0.015 |
| 1.7 | 0.02 |
| 1.8 | 0.025 |
| 1.9 | 0.03 |
| 2.0 | 0.035 |
| 2.1 | 0.04 |
| 2.4 | 0.05 |
| 2.5 | 0.06 |
| 2.6 | 0.07 |
| 2.7 | 0.08 |
| 2.85 | 0.09 |
| 2.96 | 0.10 |
| 3.0 | 0.11 |
| 3.1 | 0.12 |
| 3.2 | 0.13 |
| 3.3 | 0.14 |
| 3.4 | 0.15 |
| 3.5 | 0.16 |
| 3.6 | 0.17 |
| 3.7 | 0.18 |
| 3.75 | 0.19 |
| 3.8 | 0.20 |
| 3.85 | 0.21 |
| 3.9 | 0.22 |
| 3.95 | 0.23 |
| 4.0 | 0.24 |
| 4.1 | 0.25 |
| 4.3 | 0.30 |
| 4.6 | 0.35 |
| 4.8 | 0.40 |
| 5.0 | 0.45 |
| 5.2 | 0.50 |
| 5.4 | 0.55 |
| 5.6 | 0.62 |
| 5.8 | 0.65 |
| 6.0 | 0.75 |
| 6.2 | 0.85 |
| 6.5 | 1.00 |
| 7.0 | 1.25 |
Jewellery Care
7. Gem Care & Handling
Although gemstones are among nature’s most durable materials, proper care will help preserve their beauty for generations. With a few simple precautions, your jewellery can continue looking as beautiful as the day you received it.
Regular Cleaning
Transparent gemstones can usually be cleaned by soaking them in warm (not hot) water with a small amount of mild soap. Rings in particular often collect soap and dust beneath the setting, so occasional cleaning helps restore their sparkle.
Special Care
Opaque gemstones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise and malachite should never be soaked. Instead, gently wipe them with a soft damp cloth. Organic gems including pearls, coral and amber should also only be cleaned with a moist cloth.
Avoid Chemicals
Perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics and household chemicals can damage delicate gemstones, particularly pearls. Always apply cosmetics before putting on jewellery and avoid direct chemical contact whenever possible.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners can safely clean some gemstones, including diamonds, rubies and sapphires, but they are not suitable for every stone. Many softer or more delicate gemstones may become damaged during ultrasonic cleaning.
If you are ever unsure whether your jewellery is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning, it is always safest to avoid using one or seek advice from a professional jeweller.
Special Care for Opals
Opals require particularly gentle handling. Never place opals in an ultrasonic cleaner and never clean them using ammonia or chemical cleaning solutions.
The safest method is simply wiping the stone with a soft, damp cloth before drying it gently with a lint-free cloth.
Precious Metals
8. The Virtues of 18 Karat Gold
18 Karat gold has long been admired for its exceptional balance of beauty, durability and value. By combining pure gold with carefully selected amounts of silver and copper, jewellers create an alloy that offers excellent strength while maintaining the rich colour associated with high-quality gold.
Rich Colour
18kt gold retains a deep, luxurious golden colour that closely resembles pure 24kt gold while offering much greater durability for everyday wear.
Excellent Durability
Modern 18kt gold alloys are exceptionally hard and durable, providing wear resistance comparable to many lower karat golds without sacrificing their beautiful appearance.
Timeless Luxury
Its combination of strength, colour and prestige has made 18kt gold one of the world’s most desirable precious metals for fine jewellery.
Gold Throughout History
Gold has played a central role throughout human civilisation for thousands of years. Because it naturally resists corrosion, remains highly workable and is exceptionally rare, it became the foundation for many early economies and international trade.
Its remarkable physical properties also make gold valuable beyond jewellery, with important applications in medicine, dentistry and modern technology.
Meaning & Symbolism
Gold is traditionally associated with the 50th Wedding Anniversary and the 1st Anniversary. Throughout history it has symbolised the sun, purity of spirit, prosperity and positive energy.
Many spiritual traditions also regard gold as a symbol of confidence, comfort and personal achievement, while modern jewellery lovers simply appreciate its enduring beauty and timeless elegance.
A Precious Metal That Stands the Test of Time
For thousands of years, gold has represented beauty, strength and lasting value. Its natural brilliance, exceptional durability and rich symbolism continue to make 18 Karat gold one of the finest choices for heirloom jewellery that can be treasured and passed down through generations.
Gold Jewellery
9. Why Can Gold Blacken the Skin?
Although uncommon, some people may occasionally notice dark marks on the skin after wearing gold jewellery. This does not usually indicate poor quality gold. In most cases it is caused by natural chemical reactions or external environmental factors rather than the gold itself.
1. Natural Skin Chemistry
Skin naturally contains salts, chlorides and perspiration which can react with the small amounts of silver and copper used in gold alloys, creating harmless dark deposits on the skin.
2. Environmental Factors
Living near the sea or in humid climates can expose jewellery to higher levels of chlorides, increasing the likelihood of temporary skin discoloration.
3. Tarnish Before Wearing
Exposure to sulphur compounds, pollution or certain fuels can lightly tarnish jewellery before it is worn. This surface film may transfer to the skin during normal wear.
4. Cosmetics & Dust
Fine cosmetic powders, dust and dry skin can act like extremely fine abrasives, causing microscopic particles of gold alloy to rub away and appear as dark marks on the skin.
5. Metal Allergy
The rarest cause is an allergy to one of the alloy metals, most commonly nickel. Gold itself, together with silver, copper and zinc, rarely causes allergic reactions.
Good News
In almost every case these temporary marks are harmless and do not indicate poor quality jewellery or impure gold.
Sterling Silver
10. Sterling Silver & Its Attributes
Sterling silver has been treasured for thousands of years for its beauty, versatility and timeless elegance. By definition, sterling silver contains at least 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining metal added to improve strength and durability for everyday jewellery.
A Rich Irish Heritage
Silver has been used in Ireland since ancient times and has been mined here for more than 4,000 years. In Celtic mythology, the warrior Nuada of the Silver Hand became one of Ireland’s most celebrated legendary figures after receiving a beautifully crafted silver hand from Dian Cécht, the Irish god of healing.
Among Ireland’s greatest treasures is the magnificent Ardagh Chalice, regarded as one of the finest examples of early medieval silver craftsmanship anywhere in the world.
Hallmarking & Tradition
Irish silver has been officially hallmarked since the 17th century. Following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, many highly skilled European goldsmiths settled in Dublin and greatly influenced Irish silversmithing.
Today, Irish hallmarking continues to guarantee the purity and authenticity of sterling silver jewellery crafted in Ireland.
92.5% Pure Silver
Sterling silver is internationally recognised as containing at least 92.5% pure silver.
25th Anniversary
Silver is the traditional gift for celebrating a 25th Wedding Anniversary.
Symbolism
Traditionally associated with the moon, silver has long symbolised intuition, wisdom and the flow of positive spiritual energy.
The Timeless Beauty of Sterling Silver
For centuries sterling silver has been admired for its brilliant shine, exceptional craftsmanship and enduring value. Whether worn as a treasured family heirloom or given as a meaningful gift, sterling silver remains one of the world’s most loved precious metals.
Silver Care
11. Preventing Silver Tarnish
Sterling silver naturally develops tarnish over time through a harmless chemical reaction with sulphur compounds found in the air and certain everyday materials. Tarnish does not damage the silver itself and can easily be minimised with proper care and storage.
Handle with Care
Whenever possible, handle sterling silver using soft cotton gloves. This helps prevent the natural oils and acids from your skin reacting with the silver over time.
Store Correctly
Keep silver jewellery in an airtight jewellery box or sealed container when not being worn to minimise exposure to air and moisture.
Use Anti-Tarnish Protection
Store silver with anti-tarnish paper or a sachet of activated charcoal, replacing it approximately once each year for continued protection.
Keep Silver Away from Sulphur
Avoid storing silver jewellery alongside materials that naturally contain sulphur. Common examples include rubber, latex, elastic, horn, tortoiseshell, certain glues and some sealing materials. These substances can significantly speed up the tarnishing process.
Regular Wear Helps
Interestingly, sterling silver jewellery that is worn regularly often stays brighter for longer than jewellery left unused. Gentle wear naturally helps reduce tarnish build-up while regular cleaning maintains its beautiful shine.
Quick Reference
Jewellery Care at a Glance
Wear Often
Regular wear helps keep precious metals looking their best.
Clean Gently
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth whenever appropriate.
Avoid Chemicals
Remove jewellery before swimming, cleaning or applying cosmetics.
A Lifetime of Irish Craftsmanship
Whether crafted in sterling silver or 18 karat gold, every piece of Claddagh jewellery carries centuries of Irish tradition, exceptional craftsmanship and timeless symbolism. With the right care, your jewellery will continue to celebrate life’s special moments for generations to come.
