The history of the Celts is filled with myth and mystery and the rich traditions are reflected in their beautiful Celtic jewelry designs. For thousands of years the designs have been admired and worn by the rich, made from gold and silver and the poor, made from bone or pottery. Designs of Celtic Knot jewelry include Celtic knot rings and crosses, pendants and necklaces worked in precious metals or increasingly today in titanium and stainless steel.
Celtic Knot Origins
The original Celtic Cross is thought to have been created by St Patrick who used a Latin cross on a circle. Some say that the cross represents the elements of earth, fire, water and air while others believe that the four arms are representative of the four compass points. Still others will tell you that they represent the four elements of our existence, namely mind, body, heart and soul. Whatever the original thoughts behind the Celtic cross design it is a lovely symbol and makes beautiful jewelry.
Celtic Knot Designs
Celtic knot designs are intricate patterns of knots that are well known and recognised worldwide. Although many people will tell you that they have particular meanings no one has been able to attribute these meanings to the Celts who left very little in the way of a written history. There were also many different tribes of Celts who may have had their own meanings which could also have changed over the years so assigning a particular meaning to a particular knot pattern is difficult, if not impossible.
Another belief is that the knots were used to ward off evil spirits. Many people believe that the knots, without beginnings or endings are symbolic of the eternal and also the interconnectedness of eveything in the world. No one however has found any written proof from the Celts of any of these beliefs and many may have been fabricated by merchants eager to sell their wares.
Claddagh Rings
A popular piece is a Claddagh Ring, said to have been created in the Galway town of Claddagh as a symbol of love and loyalty. The design encompasses a crown atop a heart, the heart symbolising love and the crown loyalty. They are held in two hands that are a symbol for friendship. The usual sentiment, often engraved on a Claddagh ring is “Let love and friendship reign”.
In Celtic times the rings were worn on the left hand as a wedding band with the heart turned inward to symbolise the attachment of the wearer for a mate. For those unattached the ring was worn on the right hand with the heart outward.
Images by A Mother’s Heart Photography and Royal Claddagh
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