Built firm as Barrule
Over recent years we have been fortunate to work on a number of commissions presented to the reigning British monarchs, Queen Elizabeth the Second and King Charles the Third.
As the Manx National Anthem explains, the Isle of Man is "Built firm as Barrule, Thy Throne of Home Rule", where the British Monarch isn't recognised as King or Queen, but instead as The Lord of Mann.
We were so incredibly honoured to have been asked to create the 'Infinity Isle of Man' brooch which was sent to the Her Majesty The Queen in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.
From design conception to completion, every step has taken place right here (with the exception of Hallmarking which can only take place outside the Island) in our workshops at Tynwald Mills, in St Johns.
The brooch was accompanied by a letter of congratulations from Chief Minister Hon Alfred Cannan MHK on behalf of the Government.
Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK wrote:
‘It is an honour to be able to send the Island’s well-wishes and this token of our respect to Her Majesty The Queen, Lord of Mann, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee. The brooch, handcrafted here on the Island, is a unique piece of jewellery that is unmistakably Manx. I hope it rekindles fond memories of Her Majesty's visits to our Island nation throughout her long reign.'
The ‘Infinity Isle of Man’ brooch design outlines the Island with four gems (Blue Topaz, Citrine, Amethyst and Emerald) representing the towns of Ramsey, Peel, Castletown and the city of Douglas, with each colour of gemstone selected to represent colours of the Manx Tartan.
Crafted in recycled White Gold (with yellow gold settings), it holds firm with our values of sustainability and ethical handcrafting, especially important with our nation as a Unesco Biosphere. A replica of the brooch is now on display in our Tynwald Mills shop.
In 2023, the sale of 20 Silver Replica Brooches raised £6,000 for local Isle of Man Charities.
In early 2023, we were deeply honoured to participate in a prestigious project: crafting two solid silver peregrine falcons as part of a unique coronation gift for King Charles III.
This extraordinary endeavour was a collaboration with talented local artist Graham Hall, who skilfully fashioned a stunning wooden bowl from a fallen elm near Tynwald Hill.
Our falcons, meticulously designed and handcrafted from recycled sterling silver, not only reflect our commitment to sustainability but also continue a tradition that dates back over 600 years.
In 1405, King Henry IV granted the Isle of Man to Sir John Stanley with a unique condition: the presentation of two peregrine falcons to every future English monarch at their coronation.
This tradition continued until the coronation of George IV in 1821. The peregrine falcon, prominently featured on our coat of arms, remains a proud symbol of our heritage.
Notably, during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the Isle of Man gifted two silver peregrine falcons, which are now housed at Balmoral.
To honour this rich history, we are delighted to offer replica silver brooches featuring both falcon designs. Each brooch comes with an information card detailing the significance of the pieces.
This project was a great privilege, allowing us to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistry, all while paying homage to the Isle of Man's storied past.
