Celtic Cloak Clasps
Penannular Clasps,used as cloak pins and kilt pins, were worn by the Celts in Britain from about the third century into early Christian times. Worn at the shoulder, breast or waist, the brooches ranged in size from an inch in diameter to eight inches in diameter. Some were plain bronze, iron or copper, and some Silver or Gold, jewelled and decorated with gilt, but all had one thing in common: a long loose pin that could slide around the perimeter of the ring.

Penannular means almost a ring. Some were pseudo-penannular, not having the functionality of a true penannular, yet made to resemble them.

    To use a true penannular brooch:
  1. Swing the pin to the outside of the penannular
  2. Insert it through a fold of fabric, so the pin pops out on the other side.
  3. Swing the penannular over the pin.
  4. Pass the pin through the opening.
  5. Turn the ring to keep it on firmly.


Sounds complicated? It isn't, and besides, six centuries of Celts did it to keep their cloaks on, I think you can manage.

My Penannular clasps are custom hand made. They can be of almost anysize, can be hammer finnished, or mirror polished. I can add details, ending patterns, or stonework. If you have a design that you would like, or just have a size, or a purpose in mind, drop me a note and I will work out the cost for you.


Price Starts at $40 + shipping and handling


(The First piece depicted above is made to hold on a kilt. It is 2.5" in diameter, is 1/4" thick and is hammer finnshed. The ends are made of hand tied sterling knots in 18ga wire. Price = $85)

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