Cruinne - Irish bog oak pendant with 23.75kt gold leaf
Cruinne - Irish bog oak pendant with 23.75kt gold leaf
These pendants are all part of the Cruinne collection - it is the Irish word for round or spherical and can refer to the shape of a globe or circle. It can also mean the universe or cosmos!
Formed by time and finished by hand, this Irish bog oak pendant is a small world of its own. They are carved into a smooth, planet-like spheres which are made from ancient bog oak that has rested beneath the Irish wetlands near Athenry, Co. Galway for approximately 5,000 years. Over millennia, the oak absorbed minerals from the bog, deepening into its distinctive dark tone and gaining remarkable density and character.
Delicate 23.75kt gold leaf has been carefully applied to the surface, creating organic patterns that resemble continents and oceans when viewed from different angles. No two pieces are ever the same — each pendant has its own natural “map,” shaped by the the wood patterns and the placement of the gold.
Suspended on a fine chain, this piece balances earthy history with subtle luxury. It is lightweight, tactile, and quietly striking — a wearable fragment of Ireland’s ancient landscape.
Materials used:
- Bog oak estimated to be approximately 5000 thousand years old sourced near Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
- 23.75kt gold leaf
- 9kt Yellow gold on silver Belcher chain necklace 18"/45cm or black 1mm cord (adjustable length)
Please feel free to contact me with any requests regarding customisation, silver leaf version or alternative necklace options.
- This one-of-a-kind piece is presented in a matte black jewellery box made from FSC®-certified materials, chosen to support responsible forestry where forests are carefully managed and regenerated. The box is free from tarnish-accelerating chemicals, helping to protect your jewellery naturally over time.
- It will be accompanied by a card sharing the story behind the work, along with a care card to help keep it at its best.
- If you’d like to include a handwritten note for the recipient, simply leave your message in the “ Special request, order notes etc.” box at checkout and I’ll add it on your behalf.
- Your item will be shipped in an eco-friendly, recycled plastic mailer designed to provide strong protection while reducing waste. I recommend picking Tracked/Registered post but Standard post is also available.
- To care for your jewellery, handle gently and keep it away from water and damp conditions. Store it in a dry place, avoid sharp surfaces, and occasionally refresh the wood with a small amount of linseed oil using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, as they can damage the natural wood and other materials.
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What is this bog oak and is it old?
Irish bog oak is a type of wood that comes from oak trees that have been preserved in the peat bogs of Ireland for thousands of years. I estimate the wood I use to between 3 and 6 thousand years old!! The anaerobic environment of the bog prevents the normal decay process, allowing the oak wood to be preserved intact. The preservation process makes bog oak particularly dense and stable, which contributes to its durability and suitability.
Why do you do this?
Growing up in the wilds of the west of Ireland surrounded by this wonderful material and being exposed to alternative lifestyles has left an impact on me. I am going back to a time of my youth when everything was so much more relaxed and simpler. The process of creating these pieces is a form of meditation.
Also, my father used to make fantastic and crazy sculptures out of bog oak and other woods. I guess now that he has passed I am continuing what he started in a way.
How do I care for the jewellery?
To get the most out of your jewellery we recommend that you handle it with care - some pieces can be fragile. Please also keep it away from water and dampness if possible and store it in a dry place. Sharp objects or surfaces can mark them. We finish the jewellery with some linseed oil and if the item has lost some of its spark you can use this or similar to freshen up the colours. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can damage the finish of the wood.