Penannular Brooches
and other Cloak Pins
Penannular brooches, used as cloak pins, were worn by the Celts in Britain from about the third century into early Christian times. Worn at the shoulder or breast, the brooches were as small as an inch in diameter, or quite large. Some were plain bronze, iron or copper, and some jewelled and decorated with gilt, but all had one thing in common: a long loose pin that could slide around the ring. Penannular means almost a ring. Some were pseudo-penannular, i.e., made to look like true penannulars, except that the opening, although indicated, was closed.
To use a true penannular brooch, you insert the loose pin through a fold of fabric, bring the pin through from back to front through the opening, and then turn the ring to keep it on firmly. Sounds complicated? It isn't, and besides, six centuries of Celts did it to keep their cloaks on.
These brooches eventually developed into the great Irish pieces, of which the most famous is the eighth-century Tara brooch, often shown in books of Celtic art.
The penannular brooches below are a mixture of true penannulars and modern adaptations of pseudo-penannulars; the latter have a pin on the back. It should be noted that the penannular brooch can be worn pointing in any direction.
We have added other (nonpenannular) cloak pins to this page; there are some pins on other pages, especially the miscellaneous jewelry page, that could also be worn as cloak pins.
Please check the size of each piece carefully against a ruler before ordering. We give measurements of all jewelry pieces on this site so that you will know their size in advance; this will save disappointment, returning pieces, etc.
PB2:
This decorative brooch looks stunning on a cloak or plaid. The faux cabochon gemstones are
set in Celtic-design filigree. The measurement given is the overall length of the
long pin. The outer diameter of the round circle is 2 1/8". A Miracle
brand piece. Striped amethyst stones/antiqued silvertone, 3 1/4" long. $33
PB3. This high-quality sterling true penannular brooch has a loose pin in the traditional style. Overall pin length is 2 7/8" and outer diameter of the circle is 1 3/4". Presented in a nice hard blue box lined in black satin and velvet. Made in East Kilbride, Scotland. $84
This
filigree-design brooch is a nicely wrought design. It comes in two sizes, both in
choice of three colors. Measurements give overall length of pin. Stones are faux. Miracle
brand pieces.
PB4A. Large size:
Traditional topaz
stones/antiqued gold (shown), 2 3/4" long. $23
PB4C. Large size: Amethyst
stones/antiqued silver (shown), 2 3/4" long. $23
PB4D. Small size: Topaz
stones/antiqued gold, 2" long. $18
PB4E. Small size: Amethyst
stones/antiqued silver, 2" long. $18
PB4F. Small size: Emerald
stones/antiqued gold, 2" long. $18
PB6A (far left): Solid pewter true penannular
brooch has two animal heads, narrow noses almost meeting. 3" pin length.
Made by St. Justin of Cornwall. $34
PB6B (immediate left): Solid pewter true penannular brooch,
similar in style to PB6, with a different shape of animal head at the terminals. 3" pin length.
Made by St. Justin of Cornwall. $34
Please note that pewter is somewhat pliable, and the above brooches can be bent so that the terminals are closer together or farther apart.
PB7. The sterling true
penannular brooch at left is especially nice for ladies' dress wear, on a sash at
the shoulder, on a fine scarf or shawl, or on a kilted skirt (instead of a long pin). The
outer circle of the pin is about 1 1/2" across. Comes in a nice gift box. $52
Triskel shield cloak pin. This is a strong raised
design, guaranteed to show well on your cloak. Two sizes:
PB8A. Large size, 3" across. $33
PB8B. Small size, 2" across. $22
These polished
pewter penannular brooches have a sleek, modern look to them, but have a traditional
Celtic knot motif on the stippled background.
3 1/2" long overall; the pin on the back is about 1 3/4" long.
PB10A. Faux emerald stone. $30
PB10B. Faux amethyst stone. $30
PB14. Filigree penannular-style brooch has a
standard pin on the back. Made of solid sterling. This is a small, lightweight piece that
would look really nice on a blouse or dress, as well as a jacket lapel. The circle has an
outer diameter of 1 3/16". $29
The
polished pewter knots cloak pin at left is called Lugh's knot by its
maker. Can't you see this piece fastened on your cloak at the shoulder? Made in Cornwall
by St. Justin. Three sizes; please specify size when ordering.
PB16A. Large size, with a nice long pin on the back. 2 3/4" across. $34
PB16B. Medium size, 2" across. $27
PB16C. Small size, 1 5/8" across. $25
These pins
were inspired by the Ballyspellan Brooch, found in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. The circle is 1
1/2" across; the pin is 1 3/4" long overall.
PB26A. Silvertone. $15
PB26B. Goldtone. $15
PB27. Sterling Tara penannular is a solid
silver piece with good detail. Made in Ireland, modern pin on back, 2" long overall.
$37
These
antiqued penannular-style pins
are really nice! They are also a
buy, because if we bought them in now they would sell for at least $30. Faux stones. 1 34" in
diameter, 2 3/8" overall. These are Miracle brand pieces.
PB28A (far left): Lapis (blue) and malachite (striped green) stones, antiqued
silver setting. $21
PB28B (immediate left): Amber and brown stones, antiqued gold setting. $21
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The Harp and Dragon
25 Madison St, Cortland, NY 13045 USA
Tel 607-756-7372 Fax/Ans mach 607-756-0366