Saint Columba of Iona Catholic Rosary

Saint Columba of Iona Catholic Rosary, Maple Wood Prayer Beads, Bronze Celtic Cross, Handmade in Scotland
 
Handmade in Scotland, this five-decade Saint Columba of Iona Catholic rosary combines dark maple prayer beads with our own original bronze metalwork.
 
Every rosary is hand-knotted and completed in our Paisley workshop. The reversible Saint Columba centre and the Iona cross are entirely our own designs, developed for Paisley Honey rather than assembled from standard catalogue components.
 
This is a rosary about prayer, pilgrimage, belonging and beginning again.
 
THE STORY OF SAINT COLUMBA AND IONA
 
In AD 563, the Irish monk Saint Columba crossed the sea to Iona. The community he founded on this small Hebridean island became one of the most important centres of Christian worship, learning and pilgrimage in Scotland.
 
That meeting of Ireland and Scotland makes Columba’s story especially personal to us. I am an Irish maker living and working in Scotland, and I grew up around the Kells-inspired art and carving of my father’s workshop. Early Christian interlace, island crosses and the visual world connecting Ireland with western Scotland are not decorative themes added to our work later. They are part of the craft language I grew up with.
 
This rosary carries that inheritance into an object intended for prayer today.
 
OUR ORIGINAL SAINT COLUMBA MEDAL
 
The front of the bronze centre depicts Saint Columba surrounded by symbols of his life and calling.
 
The book represents Scripture, scholarship and the learning nurtured by the monastic community. His crozier speaks of spiritual guidance and pastoral care. The bird recalls Columba’s name, associated with the dove, while the boat, church and moving water evoke his sea journey, the island of Iona and a life shaped by pilgrimage.
 
A small bee appears beneath the scene. It is both our maker’s mark and a reminder of patient work, shared purpose and the strength created by a community working together.
 
On the reverse, a raised map of Scotland is surrounded by flowing interlace, botanical forms and another small bee. It roots the rosary firmly in the landscape where it was designed and made.
 
THE IONA CROSS
 
The long bronze cross was inspired by Saint Martin’s Cross, one of the historic high crosses standing at Iona.
 
This is not a miniature replica. It is our own interpretation, developed through drawing, modelling and original metalwork. Its ringed form, sculpted bosses, figures and interlaced panels reward close attention while remaining strong and tactile in the hand.
 
The unbroken patterns suggest continuity, eternity and lives bound together through faith. Repeated bead by bead, the prayers of the rosary echo that same movement: returning, continuing and beginning again.
 
MAPLE, BRONZE AND CORD
 
Maple and bronze were chosen deliberately.
 
These are humble, honest materials rather than showy ones. Maple is warm, light and comfortable to hold. Bronze has an ancient depth and will gradually develop more character through handling. The hand-knotted cord gives the rosary flexibility and allows it to rest naturally in the hands during prayer.
 
At approximately 50 g, it has a reassuring presence without feeling unnecessarily heavy. It is made to be handled, carried, prayed with and allowed to become personal through use.
 
DETAILS
 
• Traditional five-decade Catholic rosary
• Dark oval maple wood prayer beads
• Original bronze Saint Columba of Iona centre
• Original double-sided bronze Iona cross
• Hand-knotted brown cord construction
• Main prayer-loop circumference: approximately 70 cm / 27.5 inches
• Weight: approximately 50 g / 1.8 oz
• Cross length: approximately 6 cm / 2.4 inches
• Handmade in Paisley, Scotland
• Presented in a gift box
 
OPTIONAL ENGRAVING
 
Engraving is available as a paid option, with a maximum of 20 characters.
 
Please select the paid engraving option before adding the rosary to your basket and enter the wording exactly as you would like it to appear. Spelling and capitalisation will be followed as submitted.
 
Entering text in the personalisation box without selecting the paid engraving option does not purchase engraving, and the rosary will be supplied without it.
 
MATCHING BRACELET
 
A matching maple and bronze prayer bracelet is available separately in our shop.
 
Our standard bracelet size is made for a 16 cm wrist. If you require a different size, send us your wrist measurement before dispatch and we will make the bracelet to fit at no additional charge.
 
CARE
 
Keep the rosary dry and avoid direct contact with perfume, lotions and household chemicals. Do not soak the maple beads or knotted cord.
 
Bronze naturally deepens and changes with handling. This developing patina is part of the material’s character. The metalwork may be gently wiped with a soft, dry cloth.
 
SAFETY
 
This rosary is a devotional item and is not a toy. It contains small parts and cord and is not suitable for babies or very young children.
 
Adult supervision is required when used by children. Do not wear while sleeping. Never place it around a baby or young child’s neck or leave it in a cot or crib.