Celtic jewelry, like claddagh jewelry is rich in history and tradition. The term “Celtic” typically refers to people who are descendants of different provinces of western Europe, who lived during the time around the birth of Christ. Most Celtic history, legend & lore have been passed down from generation to generation via word of mouth, or through artwork and symbolism. Much celtic jewelry displays symbolism that represents life, death, the change of seasons, love and human spirit. Celtic jewelry is often embedded with many symbols that have been passed down from as early as the 8th century B.C.

Each of the symbols used in celtic jewelry have different meanings. Some were created by artisans, whereas others were created by tribal members.

Knotwork Designs

Celtic knotwork designs are perhaps the most well known celtic symbols; crafted by artisans these designs are woven into rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants and wedding bands. Symbols may reflect power and unity, and more commonly spiritual belief and kinship among people and eternity.

Other common designs crafted by Celtic craftsmen included:

* Triskeles – The Triskele represented the importance of the number three, which symbolized the Threefold Sister Goddess worshiped by the Druids.
* Spirals – This symbol was often found on Dolmans and gravesites; the true meaning of the symbol isn’t quite known though many believe it represents the outer soul or higher spirit forms, the idea of growth and expansion and higher energy. A double spiral represents equinoxes.
* Animal Motifs – Animal motifs represent a variety of different traditions; Birds were thought to represent death transitions; Boars symbolized masculine power; Bulls represent virility and wealth; Cats represented guardians; Cranes suggested punishment or deception; Deer represented profound changes in life; Dragons represent magic and power; Eagles were linked to God; Serpents the cycle of life, particularly when it shed its skin.
* Crosses – The cross evolved in the British Isles, with the earliest form dating from the 9th century. Legend has it that St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a traditional Latin cross. The circle is thought to represent eternity and God’s love which is endless. The four arms of the cross have been used by other cultures to denote the four elements and the four parts of man (mind, body, soul and heart).
* Chevrons – These symbols, resembling arrowheads linked together, represent power.

The oldest and most recognized of these symbols is the single spiral. Growth, expansion, cosmic energy, all of these ideas could be represented by the single spiral. The tightly wound symbol has been used by many other cultures since the time of the Celts. Many believe a spiral spinning in a counter clockwise direction is representative of the larger summer sun.

Celtic knots are considered the most ornamental pattern associated with the Celtic people. Celtic knotwork patterns were discovered all over Ireland in early settlements and at burial grounds. The idea that life is never ending, and that people are re-born at death is incorporated into the idea of loops or knots with no beginning and no end. One of the more well known celtic knots is the Trinity Knot, which is actually a combination of Celtic and spiritual heritage.

Whether purchasing claddagh jewelry or celitc jewelry, you can be assured that you are investing in gems that are rich in symbolism and tradition. Celtic and claddagh jewelry have been around for centuries, and will continue to be popular in many cultures and regions of the world.