Brooches:EROL

Penannular Kilt Pin~One of Ritchies finest pieces, this heavy pin is decorated with serpents and bosses, typical of Pictish art. The style of the open circle is influenced by historical pieces such as the Hunterson brooch from Scotland and the Tara brooch of Ireland. The secure method of fastening makes this an ideal kilt or shawl pin. The penannular measures 2¼" x 2½".~~Penannular Kilt Pin|IB01|~640~641~~

Tree of Life Kilt Pin~Decorated with foliage and trinity knots, this design was inspired by carvings from decorated columns in the Abbey, thought to depict the 'Tree of Life'. The Tree of Life was probably originally a pagan symbol, later adapted by Christianity to represent the seven beings of created life. The style of this pin is traditional and the secure method of fastening makes this an ideal kilt or shawl pin. The Tree of Life measures 2" in diameter.~~Tree of Life Kilt Pin|IB02|~640~642~~

Serpent Kilt Pin~This unusual pin is an early Ritchie design and shows two entwined serpents. The serpent is thought to symbolise renewal of life and rebirth. The style of this pin is traditional and the secure method of fastening makes this an ideal kilt or shawl pin. It measures 2¼" x 2".~~Serpent Kilt Pin|IB03|~640~643~~

4 Boss Brooch~This richly decorated brooch features interlacing foliage and knot work around four bosses or raised circles. The pin has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 2¼" in diameter.~~4 Boss Brooch|IB04|~640~644~~

Targe & Claymore Brooch~A mix of periods and styles blends in this pin, showing the Highlanders shield and claymore, or 'claidheamh mor', literally 'great sword'. It is decorated with an interlaced pattern, typical of Celtic art. The pin has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 2½" x 1¾".~~Targe & Claymore Brooch|IB05|~640~645~~

Z-Rod Brooch~This design was inspired by the carvings found on the Pictish Abelermno symbol stones of north east Scotland and Pictish silver jewellery discovered at Norrie's Law, Fife. The symbolism of the z-rod and double disc is largely a mystery, however it could possibly be heraldic in nature. The pin has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 2" x 1¼".~~Z-Rod Brooch|IB06|~640~646~~

Crescent & V-Rod Brooch~Like the z-rod, this design was inspired by the carvings found on the Pictish Abelermno symbol stones of north east Scotland and Pictish silver jewellery discovered at Norrie's Law, Fife. The symbolism of the crescent and v rod is largely a mystery, however it could possibly be heraldic in nature. Both sizes have a modern fastening with safety catch. The large pin measures 3" x 1¼" and the small 1¼" x ½".~~Crescent & V Rod Brooch, Large|IB07|Crescent & V Rod Brooch, Small|IB17|~640~656~~

Pike Brooch~This more traditional kilt pin has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 3" long x ¾" at the widest point.~~Pike Brooch|IB08|~640~647~~

Galley 1 Brooch~Possibly based on the Maclean of Duart galley this brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 1¼" x 1".~~Galley 1 Brooch|IB09|~640~648~~

Galley 2 Brooch~Possibly based on the Macdonald Lord of the Isles galley, this brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 1¼" x 1 1/8".~~Galley 2 Brooch|IB10|~640~649~~

Iona Galley Brooch~This brooch shows a galley a Celtic sea beast or possibly the Celtic sea God, Manon and is entwined by two birds. This brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 1 1/8" x 1½".~~Iona Galley Brooch|IB11|~640~650~~

Round Galley Brooch~This galley is depicted sailing west to Tir-nan-Og and is surrounded by knotwork, a Celtic symbol of eternity. This brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 1½" in diameter.~~Round Galley Brooch|IB12|~640~651~~

Small Galley Brooch~This small galley is probably based on the Maclean of Duart or Macdonald Lord of the Isles. This brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures ¾" x 1".~~Small Galley Brooch|IB13|~640~652~~

Peace to Thee Brooch~This simple brooch shows the dove of peace, synonymous with St. Columba, surrounded with the text 'Peace to thee Iona' and decorative knotwork. This brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 1" in diameter.~~Peace to Thee Brooch|IB14|~640~653~~

Interlaced Birds Brooch~Two entwined birds face each other in this simple brooch. Semi realistic and mythical, zoomorphic designs such as this are to be found in the Book of Kells and on the carvings of the Pictish symbol stones. Birds are thought to symbolise flight between this world and the next. This brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 1½" x ¾".~~Interlaced Birds Brooch|IB16|~640~655~~

Celtic Dolphins Brooch~Two entwined sea creatures face each other in this simple brooch. Semi realistic and mythical, zoomorphic designs such as this are to be found in the Book of Kells and on the carvings of the Pictish symbol stones. This brooch has a modern fastening with safety catch and measures 1" x ¾".~~Celtic Dolphins Brooch|IB15|~640~654~~