This Celtic Knotwork Penannular is expertly crafted with beautiful Sterling Silver.   This outstanding piece of Celtic art features the classic trinity or triquetra style knot; representing mind, body and spirit. The trinity knot has also been known to symbolize life, death, and rebirth.

This penannular measures approximately 31.00mm (1.22 inches) in diameter with the pin measuring 44.00mm (1.73 inches) This brooch is offered in two styles; as a pin back brooch or as a true working penannular.   Please make your selection when ordering.

This handcrafted Penannular will become family treasures that will last through the ages!

Perfect for any occasion. This is a gift that will be proudly worn by any member of your family. 

Questions welcome at anytime, my door is always open for assistance.

A History of Penannulars

The very first brooches of this kind date back to the eighth century. The ancient Celtic people were the first to devise a way of pinning garments together. The Penannular or open ring brooch is among the most ancient of jewellery worn with articles of clothing. In ancient times, brooches were merely used as fasteners to hold clothing together, the Celtic people used them to fasten their cloaks. 

The original brooches were used much like the modern day safety pin. Penannular brooches, used as cloak pins, were worn by the Celts in Britain from about the third century into early Christian times. Worn at the shoulder or breast, the brooches were as small as an inch in diameter, or quite large. 

Some were plain bronze, iron or copper, and some jewelled and decorated with gilt, but all had one thing in common: a long loose pin that could slide around the ring. Penannular means almost a ring. Some were pseudo-penannular, i.e., made to look like true penannulars, except that the opening, although indicated, was closed.

To use a true penannular gather a fold of fabric, bring the pin through from back to front through the opening, and then turn the ring to keep it on firmly. Sounds complicated? It isn't, and besides, six centuries of Celts did it to keep their cloaks on.

These brooches eventually developed into the great Irish pieces, of which the most famous is the eighth-century Tara brooch, often shown in books on Celtic art.

The sterling true penannular brooch is especially nice for ladies" dress wear, on a sash at the shoulder, on a fine scarf or shawl, or on a kilted skirt (instead of a long pin).