The Ogham Alphabet

The name Ogham is derived from Oghma, the Celtic God of elocution or fine speech. Ogham is an ancient linear script and is the first known written language of Ireland. The Ogham alphabet consists of groups of lines from one to five, set across a vertical stemline. Each group represents a different letter.

Ogham was used mainly for commemorative inscriptions. Ogham probably originated and was certainly most predominant in southern and southwestern Ireland - the modern counties of Kerry, Cork and Waterford - and this area remained the focal point for Ogham to the end.

Illustration of Ogham Alphabet

Many Irish names make their first appearance in history on the Ogham stones. By having your name inscribed in Ogham you can share a piece of Ireland's heritage as 2000 years later, this ancient script is still in use. You may have the letters of your choice engraved in sterling silver, 10K, 14K or 18K Gold.

Give us the name you would like inscribed and using the ancient Ogham alphabet shown below we will fashion a personalised piece of jewellery from the Ogham Collection just for you.

Ogham Stones and Ogham Jewellery

The Ogham stones that punctuate Ireland's wild places are the writing tablets of Celtic antiquity. The marks they bear are our earliest calligraphy. The names of saints and warriors are spelt out in bare symbols, tranverse lines against vertical stems. The alphabet is primitive, yet elegant and full of power.

Ogham's stark beauty is inherent; a matter of internal proportion and purity. It is also enduring, it adapts to precious gold and silver in modern jewellery.

Irish goldsmiths have taken up the challenge of Ogham and respectful of ancient tradition employ the symbols in stylised form. And so the name pendant or other piece inscribed for the wearer carries rare value. It is personal and individual, and is a real link to Ireland's past.

Ogham stone - ogham script visible at angle of shadow and light