Vest, 1850-1880

Bogwood Pendant, about 1865

Bog wood is petrified wood found in Irish bogs, and is generally pine or oak. Jewelry made of bog wood was exhibited at every major exhibition in Great Britain throughout the nineteenth century.Such pieces generally include Celtic or Irish motifs, like the Irish harp or lyre in this piece, or symbols or monuments found at early Christian sites in Ireland. They areparticularly popular with those of Celtic or Irish descent. These pieces are similar to the Scottish pebble jewelry that was popular i…

Bogwood Brooch, about 1865

Bog wood is petrified wood, usually oak or pine, found in Irish bogs. It was carved into trinkets and jewelry in the mid-late nineteenth century.Because of its association with Ireland the jewelry often includes Celtic or early Irish Christian references.Bog wood jewelry was shown at most of the exhibitions of the nineteenth century. This piece is part of a large collection given to the institution by Susan Stark of Lansing, MI.