Considered to be one of Orkney’s most iconic landmarks as well as part of the island’s UNESCO world heritage site, the Ring of Brodgar is as enchanting as it is intriguing.

Comprised of 27 standing stones (and a further two that now lie flat following lightning strikes), The Ring of Brodgar forms a familiar silhouette against the rugged Orcadian landscape.

brodgar

Shrouded in mystery, the Ring of Brodgar is thought to be some 4,000 years old and although the exact age and purpose of this beautiful circle of standing stones is unknown, archaeologists and Orcadian residents alike haven’t been shy to come up with their own theories.

Thought of by some as a Neolithic place of ritual worship or an ancient calendar for tracking the movements of the sun and moon, there are even theories that suggest the Ring was in fact the result of friendly competition between villages and communities; each vying to source and deliver these impressive megaliths to the chosen site.

brodgar 2

Regardless of its origin, the Ring of Brodgar makes for a marvellous visit, especially at sunrise and sunset when the stones cast their longest shadows and the different surface textures, weathered edges and shapes seem the most striking.

It is this focus on the stones’ inherent features that inspired the collection Standing Stones.

Sheila Fleet at the Ring of Brodgar

From necklets to earrings, bracelets to rings, each piece includes carefully textured precious metals and delicate enamelling that pays homage to the surfaces and edges of the Brodgar stones.

Brodgar standing stones necklace

Exploring the stones’ recognisable slanted outline, the result is unique pieces of jewellery that connect us to the mysterious lives of our ancient ancestors in Orkney and beyond.

If you’re a visitor to the island be sure to visit the Ring of Brodgar, even just for a whistle stop visit and for more information on the Standing Stones collection, don’t hesitate to contact us.