Written by Gemma Butler on Apr 04, 2024 | 2 Comments
We're entering Communion and Confirmation season here in Ireland which got us thinking about rites of passage for young people. Whether they be religious ceremonies, like Christenings, Communions or Confirmations, or secular ones like birthdays and graduations.
In Ireland, spring is all about Communions and Confirmations, with the vast majority of young people in the country taking part in these coming of age ceremonies.
It is a common tradition to give the young person a gift to mark the day, something that is a keepsake to reflect on in years to come. A piece of fine jewelry has always been a traditional gift, as a well-crafted piece will last a lifetime.
Communions are still one of the big celebrations in Irish family life and many Irish children will receive their first piece of fine jewelry as a keepsake of the day. I still have a small cross given to me by my grandmother and that was quite some time ago!
A small Celtic cross is a gift of tradition with a timeless beauty, and an iconic Irish keepsake, perfect for sacred milestones like Communions. We have a range of quality Celtic crosses that would make a lovely gift for a young girl or boy on their special day.
There are plenty of other Irish symbols that are popular choices for a young person on their Communion day. The Claddagh is a traditional gift given to young people in Ireland to mark important events. We have a collection of lovely pieces suitable for girls or boys that they will delight in wearing on the day and as a keepsake they can treasure.
The shamrock makes for a thoughtful gift, representing growth, life, and luck. Our legends tell that St Patrick used the shamrock as a tool for teaching the Irish people about the Holy Trinity, so it is also an emblem of faith to many. A symbol of Ireland that can be worn on their Communion as well as proudly year round.
In Ireland, Confirmation is both a religious ceremony and a rite of passage; a significant step in becoming a responsible member of the community. Confirmations are usually marked by a day out with close family and, as with most celebrations, gifts are given.
When choosing a Confirmation gift, it is wise to keep in mind the religious significance of the event, but equally, consider pieces that reflect the wearer's personality, tastes, and the fact that they are maturing. Remember, these presents are often kept for a lifetime!
A sterling silver or gold cross is a fitting choice for a gift that represents faith and family with a wealth of designs to choose from.
A personalized piece engraved with their name and Confirmation date, or a word of significance would also be a fitting gift. Featuring the ancient Irish Ogham alphabet, our Ogham collection has several designs that would make a significant and substantial gift for a young person on their Confirmation day. It will be a gift they can wear and treasure throughout their life.
The iconic interwoven three-pointed shape of this knot is a symbol of the Holy Trinity for many, while others see it as a representation of interconnectedness, eternity, and faith. This versatility makes it a considerate and elegant gift to mark milestones. We offer bracelets, earrings, pendants, cufflinks, and more, all featuring this timeless design.
Sweet Sixteens and large graduation parties are not really on the radar here in Ireland with most young people celebrating such occasions by heading out to the disco or to the cinema with friends! But many young people will have a party with family and friends for their 18th or 21st birthday.
It is common to give more significant gifts for these “big” birthdays that mark a young person’s passage into adulthood. The newly minted adult is sure to appreciate a piece of fine jewelry! Understandably there are a wealth of jewelry options for a gift for a young woman.
A birthstone necklace or an elegant birthstone ring like this lovely Claddagh are ideal and will be treasured for years to come. Diamonds aren’t just for engagement rings: a tasteful pair of diamond set earrings like these two-tone Trinity Knot studs are a perfect starter for a young woman’s jewelry collection.
Jewelry can be a bit trickier to choose for the young person entering manhood, but what better way to celebrate the new man in your family than by presenting him with a piece personalized with his family crest. This substantial ring will become a family heirloom that can be passed down for generations.
Our Celtic Warrior range is also a powerful symbol to give a young man on his entry into manhood. He is sure to appreciate the significance of the design, and a pair of fine sterling silver and 18K gold cufflinks will be a wardrobe staple for him for years to come.
We understand that choosing the right gift for a young person can be tricky. I would be delighted to put my years of experience at your service, so please do get in touch by phone or email if you are looking for a memorable gift for the young person in your life.
Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Please reach out. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler.
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Gemma Butler
My Irish Jeweler
Gemma is our head jeweler. She is very passionate about jewelry and watches. Her favorite style is Tree of Life "because family and roots are so important to me".
Hi Catherine, Thanks for your question! Ogham, the ancient Irish "Tree" alphabet, makes an excellent choice for customizing a confirmation or indeed any gift. The linear alphabet allows you to code a name, phrase, or date between yourself and the wearer -- a special note from the heart, if you will!
Y are gifts for confirmation called of ham dealing with your alphabet