Irish Harp Jewelry

In early Irish society the harper was an important figure, second in stature only to the poet. Harpers were members of the chief's household and provided music as required. The harp has been recognized as an emblem of Ireland since the thirteenth century and was officially adopted as Ireland's national symbol following the foundation of the Free State in 1922.
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The harp itself varied in size from knee-high harps to those over 5 feet tall. Strings were of brass, or steel wire. The harps were of hard wood - solid, heavy instruments, often intricately carved and painted, sometimes inset with precious stones.