The Sea Queen of Connaught . Pirate Necklace

Description

Around the year 1530, Grace O'Malley was born into an unusual Irish noble family who were of the seafaring sort and taxed all who fished off their coast. Married to her first husband at 16, she led raids and plundered the Scottish coastlines and overthrew castles. In 1593 she met with Queen Elizabeth I to petition the release of her two captured sons and half brother. The Queen, who had taken to the Grace O'Malley, agreed to release the men from Sir Richard Bingham and remove him from his position in Ireland. In return the pirate queen would stop supporting Irish Lords' rebellions and piracy against England.

This tale has shaped my inspiration for this charm necklace. The chain is light weight with a brushed silver look. (Made in West Germany) The shape of the chain reminds me of a ship's rope. The little toy pirate gun is marked "ZEE toys" "FLINTLOCK". The embossed cameo represents Grace as a young woman before she cut her hair in order to embarrass her father into keeping his promise and allow her to sail to Spain on a trading expedition. The heart trio represents her three children, and also two husbands and a lover whom she rescued at sea who was later killed by the MacMahon clan (whom she sought revenge for by killing them.) The antique rhinestone button represents her meeting with Queen Elizabeth I. The four leaf clover with faux pearls and a rhinestone center is surely for good luck and all of this is brought and "held" together by a metal piece of a woman's garter.

Approx. Length ~ 18" w/4" Drop

(This piece is not recommended to be worn on airplanes or other places that at first glance it could be considered a threat.)

Re-Imagined Vintage Jewelry - Forgotten Authentic Vintage Pieces Re-created. All patinas are natural and created over time.

Artist Signed and Dated

Inspired by Grace O'Malley, The Sea Queen of Connaught

For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_O%27Malley

Added on Oct 13, 2009