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Kilkenny Marble Jewelry
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Kilkenny marble is a beautiful dark limestone that is dotted with the light colored remains of fossilized sea shells from the geological period known as the Carboniferous over 350 million years ago when warm bodies of water covered the area which is now Ireland. The shell remains of sea creatures settled to the sea floor and over millions of years became compressed into this strikingly mysterious stone.
In time the waters receded and this black marble has been quarried in the Irish city of Kilkenny since the 17th century. In addition to the jewelry that is made from Kilkenny marble, it was used to pave the city steets and subsequently Kilkenny is often call The Marble City.
The black Kilkenny limestone is found in the east of Ireland while its green cousin, the Connemara marble, is only found in the west of Ireland.
The Irish Gift House has an abundance of Irish jewelry that is enhanced with what is often referred to as Ireland's gem stone; you may view the many selections in our Connemara marble jewelry section where we have included Connemara marble Celtic crosses along with necklaces that include the Claddagh, shamrock or Celtic knots. You will also find Connemara marble earrings and bracelets among the wide selection of choices along with rings and rosary beads.
This Irish jewelry, with the stone that is exclusive to Ireland, features pieces with inlaid or accented Connemara marble.