Like Celtic oral history, the art of Celtic jewelry craftsmanship has been passed down for centuries. Refined and detailed, Celtic jewelry is uniquely distinguishable with its knots, spirals, interlace and religious motifs. Originally, Celtic design elements were used in battle, on shields and clothing adornments. Throughout time, though, these same symbols were employed in the creation of intricate jewelry pieces such as rings, brooches, bracelets, pendants and earrings. Celtic jewelry is traditionally crafted completely by hand, even to this day. Because of the level of intricacy and attention to detail, many of the designs cannot be adequately duplicated by machine.
History of Celtic Jewelry Making
Nature has always been a large part of Celtic culture, so it’s no surprise that Celtic jewelry designs are rooted in the same ideals. Between 2,000 BC and 500 AD, Celtic craftsmen used their beliefs about the land, their religion and stories of devotion among lovers to design motifs using gold, bronze and silver. Knotwork, spirals, interlace and crosses are common elements of Celtic jewelry, as well as animals and triskeles (a special type of spiral design). After this period, Celtic jewelry was widely traded across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Irish monks adopted early Celtic symbols and embellished them into designs like the Celtic Cross, or “high cross.” This symbol can be found throughout Celtic culture, from gravestones and churches to ancient manuscripts such as the famed books of Kells, Lindisfarne and Durrow. Additional handiwork can be found on the monk’s chalices, crosiers and religious jewelry as well.
Today, Celtic jewelry craftsmanship is second to none. With rich history and tradition wrapped into each design, Celtic jewelry offers the owner a special connection to timeless fantasy, religion and tradition. There is meaning behind every element of Celtic symbols and the pieces you choose to wear and gift to others will always hold significance because of the history each provides. In particular, Celtic wedding rings and Celtic engagement rings are profound examples of jewelry items that exemplify timeless connection with the past and with hope for the future. These are more than just rings; they are pieces of art.
