Early Irish jewellery was hammered out of gold and shaped like a crescent Moon and known
as a “Lunula”. These were popular in the bronze age no doubt to show status and wealth.
Later in Ireland the penannular brooch developed and was used as a cloak fasteners in
Medieval times. They were often very ornate and consisted of a semicircular body with a
sliding pin for fastening robes. This design was inspired by the late Bronze Age gold collar
from Gleninsheen, in the Burren region of Co. Clare, which dates from around 900-700
BC which is on display at the National Museum Ireland. Given the ornamentation and
weight in gold, it must have been intended as an ornament for a high-ranking warrior.
This pendant measures 28mm long and 25mm wide.