Connemara Marble Penal Rosary

The Irish Penal Rosary (An Paidrín Beag) is unique to Ireland, dating back to penal times when the Catholic religion was outlawed in Ireland and it was forbidden to have religious objects. The one-decade Penal Rosary was concealed in the hand or up a sleeve allowing Catholics to pray without being detected. The ring of the Rosary Beads was moved from thumb to finger to finger to keep track of the decades prayed. The Penal Cross is replicated from an original dating to c.1722, when the characteristic short-arms were developed to due to the tendency of the standard long armed cross to break off.

Connemara Marble is Ireland’s national gemstone and is a traditional gift of friendship. Connemara Marble is one of the rarest marbles in the world and is found exclusively in the West of Ireland. Connemara Marble is the world’s finest green marble varying in colour from creamy pale green to shades of sage and moss.