Celtic jewelry dates back thousands of years, to around 2,000 B.C. as a matter of fact. Spectacular Celtic rings, shields and other metalwork have been discovered all over Europe and are celebrated examples of this rich culture. One of the most evident themes in Celtic culture is a constant tribute to nature. Celtic clans would emblazon symbols onto their swords, clothing and even on their bodies that reflect a kinship with the land, people and God. Craftsmen of Celtic jewelry also adopted these symbols and incorporated them into rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and charms. In order to truly understand the rich history of Celtic jewelry, however, you must understand the history of the Celtic people.

Celts ruled lands throughout Central and Western Europe for thousands of years, although today’s population is centered in parts of Ireland and the highlands of Scotland. The Celts became proud warriors, merchants and rulers. They were nomadic in nature, so they learned much from other cultures, including the Druids. Celtic lore was passed down through legends and oral traditions. Many timeless stories of battle, romance and mischief are the chief underpinnings of Celtic jewelry symbols such as the Claddagh and the Trinity Knot.

The art of Celtic jewelry craftsmanship is a time-honored one that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a mystical craft that incorporates intricate knots and geometric symbols with the precious metals of gold, silver and bronze. Some of the earliest (between 200 BC and 500 AD) bracelets, dress fasteners, discs and gorgets can be found today in the National Museum of Ireland. Later, Irish monks would hone the tradition further, creating the revered Celtic Cross that is prominently featured in so many ancient illuminated manuscripts such as the Books of Kells and Durrow.

Traders soon became interested in the unique style of Celtic jewelry and began to offer it to foreign buyers. Today, Celtic jewelry continues to hold special meaning for people the world over. Whether you’re looking for a Celtic engagement ring, a wedding ring or bracelet, there are many options to choose from online and in stores.

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Celtic jewelry has been around for thousands of years. Originally crafted to adorn warrior’s shields, armor and clothing adornments, Celtic symbols have significant meaning and plentiful history. It’s no surprise, then, that these symbols found their way onto Celtic rings, bracelets, pendants and other pieces of jewelry. Some of the earliest pieces (200 B.C.) bear the traditional symbols still used widely today: the Claddagh symbol, the Trinity Knot (Triquetra) and the Celtic Cross.

The Claddagh ring is forged as two hands holding a heart that bears a royal crown. Each element of this symbol has significant meaning in Celtic historic and religious beliefs. The two hands symbolize friendship, a bond and cooperation. The heart symbolizes love, mutual adoration and an undying commitment. Lastly, the crown symbolizes a dedication and loyalty unmatched.

The Trinity Knot (Triquetra, or “Three-Cornered” in Latin) can hold different meanings. Most traditionally, the Trinity Knot symbolizes a religious connection to the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It can be found not only in Celtic jewelry, but also in Celtic architecture, on ancient manuscripts and on shields of war from battles past. It can also be used to represent the bond of generations, such as daughter, mother, grandmother or even parents and child. The beauty of Celtic symbols is that they can be employed to signify many different themes and expressions of love.

St. Patrick is credited with creating the original Celtic Cross symbol. It is believed that he combined the traditional Christian cross with sun symbols used by Druids as a way to bridge the two religions to convince them to convert to Christianity. This blend of Christian and pagan symbols was controversial at the time, but has since come to mean much to the Celtic people and traditions.

Celtic wedding rings and engagement rings that bear these and other time-honored symbols are timeless tokens of your everlasting love. Buying a Celtic ring for your loved one is a reflection of your culture as well as your devotion. Many options are available and you can even create your own design from the symbols, stones and metal choice that mean the most to you and your relationship.

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When you decide that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, it’s a major commitment. That’s why it’s so important to find the perfect ring for your special lady. For many people, Celtic wedding rings and Celtic engagement rings are the perfect options. Choosing just the right piece of Celtic jewelry, though, involves considering your soul mate, what she means to you and how you truly want to say “I love you” with the ideal Celtic wedding ring.

Celtic wedding rings and other Celtic jewelry have been handcrafted for centuries as timeless tokens of true love. They are most often made from sterling silver and can include diamonds or other precious stones as a way of demarcating special meaning between lovers. When you’re shopping for an engagement ring, you should begin by thinking about your partner and your relationship.

Traditionally, Celtic wedding rings include a Claddagh symbol of two hands holding a heart topped with a royal crown. This symbol was first crafted in the 17th century to represent love (heart), friendship (hands) and loyalty (crown) between partners. Today, this design is just as significant and is a treasured sign of true dedication.

If you have children together, you may consider a Celtic wedding ring that is made with the gemstones of your children’s’ birth months to include them in the love that you share. Or, you might add an inscription on the inside of the band that holds special meaning to the two of you.

It’s the special touches that make buying the perfect Celtic wedding ring so unique. You may even try designing a ring yourself, with all the elements that mean something to your relationship. If spirituality is important to you, adding a design element to celebrate your relationship with God can also be especially meaningful. A Trinity Knot, also known as a Triquetra, is often used to symbolize the Holy Trinity of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Its simple, yet elegant triangular design is clear evidence of your dedication to each other and to your religious and moral beliefs that are the foundation of your future marriage.

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