Here’s a quick primer on some of the more popular styles and designs of modern Irish jewelry.
Claddagh ring — The Claddagh design symbolizes loyalty, friendship, and love with its telltale Celtic knot. It is often used as a wedding ring. It features two hands holding a heart. Although Claddagh rings are commonly exchanged in Irish weddings today, this custom is actually relatively recent, according to leading historians.
Celtic Cross — This design — which is essentially a traditional Christian cross “gone Celtic” –dates back at least to the 500s if not earlier. In medieval times, the Celtic Cross served to commemorate public buildings and churches. Today, its design is used often in jewelry as well as in “workaday” items such as tattoos and T-shirts.
Other Celtic knots — Telltale Irish interlacing patterns — which have actually been around since Roman times, according to anthropologists — adorn many modern Irish jewelry pieces, such as necklaces, bands, and pendants. Motifs used in Irish art vary wildly. You can find spirals, woven bands known as plaits, and an endlessly bewildering array of other patterns.
Trinity knot — A simple woven knot that represents the holy trinity of Christianity. It symbolizes faith, love and commitment.
Shamrock — The shamrock is a traditional Irish clover symbol that is said to confer luck, love, and friendship on the wearer. Note that the shamrock design is a three-leaf clover (as opposed to the iconic four-leaf clover so often associated with Irish good luck in popular culture.)
Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd
Tags: celtic jewelry, celtic rings, claddagh rings, irish jewelry, modern jewelry
