What Makes Celtic Jewelry so Special?

Celtic jewelry is some of the most distinctive and recognizable jewelry in the world. Rich in history, Celtic jewelry is both symbolic and meaningful to many people whether they are of Celtic heritage or not and allows the wearer of this jewelry to express their own unique personality. The Celtics were a society comprised of different peoples, including Scottish and the Cornish. The term Celtic is most often associated with the Irish.

Celtic jewelry is based upon a culture that existed many years ago. This society of people dominated both central and western Europe for approximately 1000 years. Because of the Celtic people of old never having developed a written language of their own, the majority of their history is known primarily through their drawings. As early as the 8th century, generations have continued to pass along their culture by word of mouth, having never written down any of their history or facts. These early Celtics left behind them, an enduring legacy of hypnotic knots and spirals. In fact, these knots and spirals were created so cleverly, that some people had called them the 'work of angels'.

During the age of the ancient Greeks and the Roman Empire, the Celtic society was in full bloom and had created a flourishing culture. Because of their significant emphasis on their drawings that they had created, the Celtics became a civilization possessing great artistic talent. Much of today's modern Celtic jewelry is based upon their abilities of such artistic talent, which created the many drawings and artwork. Many of the sophisticated and intricate ideas that were crafted from these Celtic craftsmen, were produced from very simple motifs (a dominant or centralized theme) using gold, silver and bronze.

A great deal of their design creations were further inspired from their exquisite design of Celtic knots. The Celtic knot (also known as the Celtic interlace), is comprised of a complete loop, one that has no beginning and no end. Celtic knots proved to be one of the best known motifs within the history of Celtic jewelry. They were used primarily to decorate monuments, Bible manuscripts, cross slabs and the notable Celtic crosses, which are older than Christianity itself. Because of it's unique beauty and craftsmanship, this intricate Celtic jewelry was greatly sought after and was traded across the Mediterranean.

The fact that people hold Celtic jewelry in it's highest esteem, is in it's own right, a wonderful way of honoring the ancient Celtics. Their work is treasured and embraced by all people. In recent years, the most highly prized Celtic jewelry of all are earrings, brooches, pendants and bracelets made of various types of metals, elements and gems.

Although this jewelry is some of the most traditional jewelry available, it is also considered to be some of the most modern and fashionable jewelry as well. It is available in many forms, metals and designs. Most notable is the knot work. For couples who desire unique engagement rings to symbolize their union to one another, silver engagement rings are a popular choice for couples on a budget.

Silver was one of the first metals to ever be used by human beings and is still among the world's most sought after looks. It is also extremely versatile in that it is more of a malleable metal that can be easily shaped and woven into the most intricate patterns. Since WWII, white gold has gained in popularity and often you will find Celtic jewelry made of a two tone, yellow and white gold combination.

Whether Celtic jewelry is given as a gift, or used in a wedding, the various symbols represent different meanings. In the medieval era, these symbols would represent the different time period, or region, or perhaps, celebrated gods. Regardless of ancient or modern times, the knot still signifies eternity. The Celtic knot design is the most ornamental pattern that is associated with the Celtic people.The idea incorporated into the loops or knots, symbolizes that life is never ending, people are reborn at death and that there is no beginning and no end.The continuing endless strand of the Celtic knot is a symbol of eternity and the crossing of the strands of the knot represents the woven and intertwining in our lives.

Perhaps the most popular piece of Celtic jewelry, is the ring. The Celtic wedding ring is designed of knot work and these rings can also be of several bands that intertwine within each other, so that they can move around as if they are one ring. When fashioned in the claddagh style, which is a friendship ring, it is symbolic of friendship, love and loyalty, and is considered a part of Irish legend and still remains as an important part of Irish history. This ring originated from the village of Claddagh, in Ireland, from which it get's it's name.

Claddagh rings are worn on the left hand and if your heart is spoken for, they will face inward. Both the Celtic rings and the claddagh style rings are most often used in special occasions, such as engagements, or in weddings.Traditionally, wedding rings are worn on the left ring finger because it was believed that the vein in that particular finger went straight to the heart.

Pendants are also popular and the featured pentagram is composed of a five pointed star encompassed by a circle. The five points represent either the five elements of earth, being, earth, air, fire, water and spirit, or they may represent the five different stages of life-birth, attaining youth, becoming an adult, becoming older with age and the final stage, dying. Pendants, earrings and brooches make excellent gifts to bridesmaids. They are particularly beautiful when a combination of white gold and precious stones are used.

Since WWII, white gold has gained in popularity and often you will find Celtic jewelry made of a two tone, yellow and white gold combination. Gold jewelry can be traced back to the ancient Egyptian artisans and even today, gold jewelry is still the most popular choice of all precious metals.
If you are indeed, truly serious about purchasing Celtic jewelry that will be adorned and treasured for many generations to come, you may want to seriously consider jewelry made of precious metals such as gold and platinum.