OUr History
Founded in 1987 and nestled in the picturesque town of Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, our company has proudly established itself as a leader in the crafting of high-quality bespoke sterling silverware. With over three decades of experience, we have built a reputation for excellence, working with a diverse clientele that includes the Government of Ireland, renowned jewellers, and many prestigious businesses.
Each of our sterling silver pieces are meticulously crafted and hallmarked by the Dublin Assay Office, a mark of authenticity and superior craftsmanship. Our dedication to quality and tradition ensures that every item we produce is not just a product, but a legacy.
Design & Production
We appreciate your trust greatly. Our clients choose us and our products because they know we are the best.
Before the first frame was produced many Irish artists and ancient artefacts were explored. In fact the first Celtic frame was designed by Aileen MacKeogh the Irish Artist, a sister of Don's wife Maura. Aileen was the first director of Arthouse in Temple Bar. The frame she designed depicts the trinity knot from the book of Kells and this knot has been adapted into most products Celtic Frames produces. The Celtic knot is a symbol of eternity, as it has no beginning and no end. To produce a Silver frame from the design stage to the metal form a Repousse Artist is needed, this is a very skilled profession and fast becoming a lost art, Repousse involves the artist hammering copper from the reverse side to create the frame’s intricate design, thankfully being involved in the jewellery business over a long period of time they had the most highly skilled Repousse artist working with them.
Development
Celtic Frames grew rapidly and in 1990 Don's sister Aileen took responsibility for growing the business, while her husband Ian Kirker, focused on perfecting the manufacturing operation. The company grew year on year dealing with many famous Irish companies such as Weirs, Keanes of Cork, House of Ireland, while also establishing long lasting relationships with government departments, offering customised Sterling Silver products for foreign dignitaries and to commemorate special occasions. In 2004 whilst Ireland held Presidency of the E.U. the Taoiseach presented each Head of State with a Silver frame produced by Celtic Frames. As the company expanded the product range diversified, including items such as napkin rings, butter knives, book markers, also adding Sterling Silver to items of glass and wood, such as decanters and wine coasters. Celtic Frames became a household name in many parts of Ireland, with people using the hallmark on Celtic Frames products to represent some of the most important occasions in their lives. The Irish hallmark is one of the oldest forms of guarantee dating back to 1637, the hallmarks represent who made it, when it was made, where it was made and what the item is made of. An explanation of these hallmarks which all our Sterling Silver products bear can be viewed in our hallmarking section of the website.
