The Meaning Behind the History of Ireland Collection

Carry Ireland’s Story Close to Your Heart: The Meaning Behind the History of Ireland Collection

At Fallers Jewellers, we believe jewellery should be more than beautiful — it should tell a story. The History of Ireland collection does just that. Each piece captures Ireland’s spirit, struggles, and legacy through powerful symbols that honour our nation’s past.

Originally designed in 1970 by Irish silversmith Michael Hilliar, the collection was inspired by 5th-century carvings found on Ireland’s Celtic High Crosses. In 2025, this treasured collection was relaunched, bringing the original artistry into a modern light — while staying true to its deep cultural roots. Each piece in the collection is crafted in sterling silver and engraved with 12 distinct symbols. Together, they form a timeline of Ireland’s most significant historical milestones — from Saint Patrick to the unknown future still ahead.

 

A Piece of History, Worn Every Day

The History of Ireland collection is more than just a keepsake. It’s a way to carry your heritage with you, wherever life takes you. This timeless range includes:

 

These versatile designs suit both everyday wear and special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating your Irish roots or gifting a meaningful piece to a loved one, there’s something in this collection for everyone.

The 12 Symbols of the History of Ireland Collection

Each symbol in the collection has been thoughtfully chosen to represent a pivotal chapter in Irish history. Together, they create a powerful timeline of resilience, identity, and pride.

 

 

SAINT PATRICK

Saint Patrick – Ireland’s patron saint, in the 5th Century, helped transform Ireland from a land of pagan illiteracy into one known as a haven of learning, culture and Christianity. A heritage we are known for to this day and which is celebrated internationally every year on the 17th March.

 

 

 

 

 

ROUND TOWERS

These magnificent stone structures proudly stand as enduring images of the Christian faith in Ireland, having provided refuge from invaders for the religious community and their precious relics between the 9th and 12th centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

VIKINGS

A race known for their plundering sprees across the high seas. Viking raids (first recorded in 795) were at first small and intermittent, but over the following decades they intensified in number and ferocity until the invaders found permanent settlements that irrevocably changed the landscape and society of Gaelic Ireland.

 

 

 

NORMAN INVASION

Our history of invasion continued, albeit at the request of an exiled King of Leinster, who sought assistance in regaining his throne. And while the Norman-French army landed in Ireland and were soon victorious ultimately Henry II fearing this rival Norman state may threaten the English throne, led his troops into Ireland in 1171, forcing the Irish Kings to submit to his authority.

 

 

 

 

 

DUBLIN CASTLE

Dublin Castle was built on the orders of King John (“for the custody of our treasure… for the administration of justice, and if need be for the defence of the city”) between 1204 and 1224. It became the centre of Anglo-Norman, and later, English power, and a symbol that increasingly provoked the hostility of the native Irish. Nowadays, it is the scene of important state and international functions.

 

 

 

 

BATTLE OF THE BOYNE

The Battle of the Boyne was fought in 1690 between Catholic King James II and his nephew and son-in-law, the Protestant King William of the Dutch House of Orange. There were three issues at stake at the battle: the Throne of England, French dominance of Europe, and power in Ireland. This battle is regarded as central to the struggle between Irish Catholic and Protestant interests in Ireland for centuries to come.

 

 

 

 

DIRECT RULE

In 1800, the Irish Parliament was abolished and direct rule from London began. All Ireland had benefited from a modest prosperity under Grattan’s Parliament, and nobody wanted union. It was forced through by bribery on a grand scale because England feared French invasion through Ireland.

 

 

FAMINE

19th Century Ireland was no stranger to hunger, but between the years 1845 – 1852 the country saw mass starvation on a scale never witnessed before. It is estimated that in Ireland during the Great Famine approximately one million people died and over a million more emigrated. Such widespread hunger was the result of the total dependence of one third of the population on the potato for food.

 

  

 

FAMINE SHIPS

The famine was a watershed in the history of Ireland. It was at this stage that the great ‘Irish Emigration’ began (especially to America). The Famine Ships offered hope for a better future, and many left Irish shores, facing the unknown. Those attempting to escape the horror of famine were herded onto crowded, filthy, disease-ridden ships and left with little access to even the most basic food and water supplies. Sadly for many, the dream of a new life turned into a horrible nightmare as hundreds died on the overcrowded and poorly provisioned ships

 

 

 

EASTER RISING

The Easter Rising of 1916 was organised by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, with the aim to end British rule in Ireland and to form an Irish Republic. Among the key buildings seized in Dublin on the morning of 24th April was the General Post Office (GPO) which was chosen as the headquarters of the military operation. It was at this location that the Proclamation of the Republic was declared by senior members of the Military Council. After days of relentless shelling by the British forces, the Republican Military Council was finally forced from their headquarters when the GPO caught fire. The GPO building has become synonymous as a symbol of the rising.

 

 

PARTITION

The subsequent declaration of independence from British rule led to the break out of the War of Independence between rival republican groups. The treaty which ended this conflict established Southern Ireland and Northern Ireland as independent self-governing states.

At this time, Northern Ireland was populated and governed predominantly by protestants loyal to the crown and the parliament there opted to remain as part of the United Kingdom. The turmoil that has followed is well documented but while the geographical split still exists today, relations between North and South are now peaceful.

At Fallers we offer a great range of jewellery including claddagh jewellery, celtic jewellery, birthstone jewellery, claddagh birthstone jewellery and much more. Browse our jewellery online or shop our jewellery in Ireland today.