Caoilfhionn - Irish bog oak necklace with 23.75ct gold leaf
Caoilfhionn - Irish bog oak necklace with 23.75ct gold leaf
Caoilfhionn - meaning "slender" or "fair, white, blonde" is a pendant made from bog oak found in the Sliabh Augthy Mountains on the Clare/Galway border. It is estimated to be between 3,000 and 6,000 years old and I have finished it with a little 23.75ct gold leaf. This piece of bog oak is rather unique as it has some light coloured wood along the usual dark wood. Perhaps these parts of the wood were not exposed fully to the bog and peat which has resulted in this special colouring. It comes with various options of chains:
- Black 1mm cord - adjustable length
- Antique Black 2.0mm Trace Chain 18"/45cm - flash plated brass
- 9ct Yellow Gold on Silver Belcher Chain Necklace 16"/40cm,
- 9ct Yellow Gold on Silver Belcher Chain Necklace 18"/45cm
- 9ct Yellow Gold 1.2mm Trace Chain 20"/50cm
*Our model in the picture is wearing a similar sample pendant.
This one of a kind piece will be presented in matt black cardboard jewellery box which is made from material sourced from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests as well as other controlled sources. I have chosen these so we can support responsible forestry - in this case where no more trees are cut down than the forest can reproduce. The box doesn't contain tarnish-accelerating chemicals which will help keep it as when it arrives for longer!
It will be packed in a matt black eco friendly shipping bag (60 µm thick which provides your precious with ultimate protection) made out of recycled plastic. It will be shipped with standard post but just contact me if you would prefer to have it registered and we can arrange.
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, gold and necklace.
Further necklace/chain upgrade options?
Further necklace/chain upgrade options?
Yes, I can supply real gold necklaces at an additional cost. Please note that this will add about 2 weeks to the processing time in most cases. As the cost of gold fluctuates so much I can not give a price until you contact me. In the past I have had the option of 9ct Yellow Gold 1.2mm Trace Chains (40/45/50cm). The cost of these on December 1st 2025 are €28.27/€32.52/€35.34 plus post. If would like to add something like to an order please order the pendant with black 1mm cord and message or email me after you place the order and we can go through options.
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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.