When you long for the Norse winds, just put your hand on the hand-forged, magic-metal-necklaces and slip into the world that is rich with folklore and myths of the north men. A daring world of adventures and tales that to this day are still being told!
Bill has had more time on his hand this year, and so he has branched off into another passion - jewelry! He is introducing three new pieces to our Ironbound Jewelry line inspired by Celtic and Viking art, spiritual beliefs and mythology (and some Buddhist beliefs as well)!
And because this is a blog, Bill can give you the full tale behind each of his new pieces. So settle back, put your feet up, and enjoy his story.
The piece pictured here is the Infinity Triskelle. The triskelle design has been around since the time of the Celts representing a continuum of many different things. My favorite representation honors the Celtic belief in reincarnation; the three spiral arms representing life, death and rebirth in continuous succession. My version of the triskelle is set into a circle, representing eternity—together making it the symbol for eternal life. But wait, there’s more! I made this a universal symbol, including the Buddhist quest for enlightenment; escaping the life/death cycle of bodies. The forging process that I employed for the ring is called ‘forge-welding’ where the two ends of the ring are heated red hot and hammered until they fuse. The effect is a ring which is closed—apparently. Artistically, this makes it so that the cycle of eternal life could be broken, leaving the playing of the game of life, death, rebirth a choice one can play, or not play. Wear your hand-made triskelle necklace representing mindful living.
The Spirit Ring - he circle has always represented infinity in many cultures. Inspired by this idea of infinity, and my artist training to think and observe life like an artist, I looked at the ring not for the ring itself but for what it represents in its ‘negative space’, the empty or blank areas in and around a work of art. The center of the ring is devoid of any matter. It is the perfect portrait of a spiritual being which also is not ‘of’ the physical world; infinite in potential, and timeless. Wear your depiction of our innate spiritual nature with pride.
Troll Cross (Trolkors) - Trolkors is Norse for Troll Cross. It is worn in Sweden and Norway as a symbol of protection from evil forces such as trolls, but applies to any malevolent forces you wish to direct it towards. The first troll cross was made by a Swedish blacksmith, inspired by a rune of protection found at her grandparent’s farm in Sweden. The specific shape of ours was drawn by Bill and was forged by our blacksmith friend in Virginia.
All of these new pieces are cast in white bronze and hung on a leather cord.
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