If you’re not familiar with Savannah, Georgia, you may not think of it as a major destination for St. Patrick’s Day. But I’m here to tell you - and any Savannahian will agree - Savannah is the St. Patrick’s Day capital of the South! Each year, tens of thousands flock to our little gem of a city to witness the Greening of the Fountains, cheer on the massive parade, and partake in some green beer. Sláinte!
Even more importantly, St. Patrick’s Day is a day for giving thanks and giving back to the community. (More on that later, or skip to the end to see how I’m giving back this March!)
The Savannah celebration has a rich history dating all the way back to colonial times when a huge population of Irish immigrants arrived in the area. In 1824, the president of the Hibernian Society invited the whole city to join him on a walk through the streets of Savannah to hear a speech from the Bishop. The parade has been growing ever since!
A true Savannah girl always goes over the top for St. Patrick’s Day. So, with the help of some leprechaun friends, I’ve created a few Irish treasures to pair with my favorite traditions. How would you like to find these at the end of the rainbow?
For The Shamrock Run: The Shamrock Pendant
Our family loves to go running! (Drew and I actually met as part of the Savannah Striders.) So it’s no surprise that we always kick off St. Paddy’s with the Shamrock Run. This incredible 5K takes you on a magical nighttime tour through the heart of downtown Savannah. You’ll see Irish Stepdancers on Forsyth Park and bagpipes at City Market. There’s also a kids’ run around Ellis Square, which Paxton completed for the first time last year. So proud!
What could be better to commemorate a race well run than the Shamrock Pendant? This gorgeous silver and lab-grown emerald pendant was created especially for St. Patrick’s Day and is sure to keep Irish eyes smiling all year long!
For The Greening of the Fountains: Festive Cuff Stack
The Greening of the Fountains is one of the most iconic and over-the-top elements of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah. Every year, various Irish families and organizations take responsibility for one of the many squares in downtown Savannah… and turn the water in the fountain green! Many of these families go back generations, and they take their celebration very seriously.
You can join in the fun with a one-of-a-kind Splash Gem Cuff that celebrates the Greening of the Fountains. This bejeweled beauty perfectly imitates the bubbling water, with pops of green onyx, chrysoprase, green amethyst and chrysocolla to get those colors just right!
For ready-to-ship pieces, look no further than the Splash Gem Cuff in chrysoprase or green onyx or the Mini Splash Gem Bangle in green chalcedony or green onyx.
For The Parade: Grand Orbit Earrings
One of my favorite parts of St. Patrick’s Day is walking through the city in the early morning before the parade begins. The morning haze has yet to burn off, and you can hear the bagpipe troops warming up in every square. The excitement builds as we make our way to the cathedral to catch the start of the show.
Then… boom! The band turns up, the crowd cheers, and suddenly the sun is hot and we’re swept up in the excitement. Plus, it wouldn’t be a parade in the South without someone tossing beads! Normally, I’m more of a gemstone girl, but when it comes to St. Paddy’s plastic beads do just fine! But I also like to have something a little snazzier to pair them with (and keep the sparkle going once the beads come off!)
Step up your parade game with some Irish Statement Earrings! The Grand Orbit Earrings in dark green come with peridot, green onyx, and chrysoprase. For something a little more understated, try the Drop Earrings in green onyx. With all that green on, you can be sure no one’s going to pinch you today!
For St. Paddy’s Brunch: Irish Ring Trio
After the parade, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite. It’s time for a hearty Irish breakfast with some bacon, eggs, and soda bread. (And perhaps a cocktail or two!)
You can fit right in at your favorite Irish pub with a classic ring trio in the colors of the Irish flag. Try the Bubbling Brook rings in green onyx, peridot and deep yellow citrine (or choose carnelian for that true orange pop!)!
The Spirit of Savannah: Giving Back
St. Paddy’s Day in Savannah is all about community and love, so it’s important not just to celebrate and have a good time, but also to give back. That’s why I’ve decided to donate 15% of the sales of all green jewelry sold during the month of March to Tharros Place. This incredible charity, run by a close friend of mine, is making a vital difference in the lives of survivors of human trafficking. I highly recommend visiting their site to learn more about their life-changing work.
So what counts? Every single piece included in this post, as well as any jewelry made with emerald, green onyx, peridot, chrysoprase, green amethyst, and/or chrysocolla. The Shamrock Pendant is included as well. If it’s green or a shamrock and sold within the month of March, 15% goes to charity. Simple as that! I’ll be keeping track of our total donations to share at the end of the month!
No matter where you’re from, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah. I hope you enjoy these festive creations and feel inspired to dream up a few of your own! Erin go Bragh!
