The Fine Art of Celtic Jewelry

That jewelry was an important part of Celtic life is evident from the numerous articles of Celtic jewelry that have been discovered at important celtic burial sites and other sacred places. Obviously, both men and women loved adorning themselves in fine jewelry, and such was the skill of Celtic craftsmen that even today, there exists a thriving trade in jewelry based on ancient Celtic patterns and themes thanks to their immense popularity.

Perhaps the most popular item of Celtic jewelry is the Celtic ring. Many people across the world, especially the western world, still choose Celtic rings for weddings and engagements. These unique rings have been found in many sites of the ancient Celtic world and bear intricate patterns of knots, spirals, chevrons, and scrolls. These patterns obviously held some significance for Celts beyond the ordinary, so we might as well take a look at what they mean individually:

Celtic Knots: There is actually a disappointingly small amount of written material that explains the significance of these knots. Some of them are so finely etched that they seem almost divine in origin, but not too much is known about exactly what they stood for and what they meant to the wearer. However, some scholars have hinted that the knots ay symbolize the interconnectedness of all life forms that the Celts believed in and old Celtic myths and legends bear occasional references to certain knots, but no definite theme has emerged.

Claddaghs: Claddaghs are rings that express love and friendship, though their origins are not entirely certain. However, there is an endearing story that says that the first claddagh was designed by a young Irish jeweler to be presented to his beloved, from whom he had been separated. The ring comprised a heart to signify his love, a crown for his fidelity and hands to symbolize their eternal friendship. Eve since, the claddagh has been worn as a wedding ring, to be worn on the left hand, facing inward. If you are single however, you may wear the ring on your right hand, facing outward.

Celtic crosses: A lot of people think that a Celtic cross is any cross that has Celtic knot work on it, but that is not the case. Celtic crosses pre-date Christianity and they are equal-armed, enclosed or backed by a circle. The Celtic cross can symbolize either the four quarters of the earth, or the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire. The circle around the cross is a symbol of infinity and also represents the path of the sun in the sky.

Pentacles: Pentacles are composed of a five-pointed star within a circle. Pentacles can be said to represent either the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit, or the five stages of life -- birth, youth, adulthood, old age, and death. The pentacle, of course, is also well known as a pagan symbol, particularly popular with the Wicca.

Animals: Like many ancient peoples, Celts used animals to represent many aspects of life. A boar or sow, for instance, was a symbol of masculine power, while the bull symbolized virility, sovereignty, and wealth. A cat was associated with the netherworld, while a doe was associated with woodland goddesses such as Saba and Flidais. A dog was a noble figure while a dragon was related to the power of the land. In fact, Celtic druids viewed the earth as the body of a dragon. Then again, eagles were usually linked to death gods such as Beli, just as the crow was linked to death goddesses.

Geometric Motifs: These have always played a large part in Celtic jewelry. Some of these motifs date back to around 2000 BC and still exist today on stone carvings. Among the more popular motifs are single spirals, either clockwise or anticlockwise, dual centered spirals and triple centered spirals. Chevrons, resembling arrowheads used by hunters and warriors, were also popular.

Considering the immense variety, wouldn’t you just love to own a piece of Celtic jewelry?