Many people of Celtic origin are intrigued by the history and meaning of the symbols found on Celtic jewelry designs. If you share this very natural curiosity about your ancestry, you may be interested in starting a Celtic jewelry collection of your own.
It can be difficult to choose from the many stunning choices currently available in the marketplace. I've compiled a comprehensive guide to the common symbols found on today's special pieces. With this useful outline, you can begin to decide on what means the most to you.
The Insular Art Period -
The Insular Art Period was a rich period in Celtic art. During the post-Roman era in Great Britain, starting around 600 AD, Celtic artisans crafted unforgettable designs out of precious metals. Each piece was rife with intricate knot work, zoomorphic (animal) symbols, and delicate spirals.
As well as metal work, artisans also carved stone crosses and drew rich, illuminated texts, such as the Irish Book of Kells. The Insular Art Period lives on today in the spirit and quality of modern-day Celtic jewelry designs. For a truly authentic piece, look for jewelry that is handcrafted by the master artisans of Ireland itself.
Today's designers take their cue from the Insular Art Period, referencing the High Crosses and Celtic crosses that stand in the churchyards of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They use the influences of the past to create timeless symbols of spiritual faith and dimensional beauty.
Some Irish craftsmen spend years in apprenticeships before they are ever permitted to finish traditional jewelry designs. Their skill and passion add an heirloom quality to today's collectible rings, pendants, and earrings.
Knot Work In Past And Present -
Knot work is a common feature on today's Celtic and Irish jewelry - but what does it mean? The hidden symbolism inherent in the curving, never ending lines of traditional knot work has a mysterious quality that leaves us curious.
Celtic knot work is used to symbolize the interconnectedness of all things, and the eternal nature of God's own love. It is a feature on many art treasures, such as the Book of Kells, which features rich, gilded borders. The Book of Kells now rests at Trinity College in Dublin, where onlookers can enjoy its pictorial depictions of the four Gospels of the New Testament.
Celtic knot work is also known as interlace, and it is used to great effect in the Book of Kells. Rich, bold colors make the beauty of the interlace come to life.
On today's rings, pendants and earrings, knot work is a common feature. It can flank engagement stones, or be found in the careful engraving on Celtic Cross pendants. Its beauty and versatility give great individuality to modern Celtic jewelry.
All over the world, the delicate, interwoven lines of interlace are recognized as uniquely Celtic. By choosing a starter piece of Celtic jewelry that features knot work, you will be choosing an ancient symbol that may have also been worn by your ancestors, thousands of years ago.
Zoomorphic (Animal) Symbols -
On ancient Celtic instruments, such as the Irish bodhran, there are often painted animal symbols that pique the imagination. But what do they symbolize? You may also have wondered at the zoomorphic symbols that appear on today's Celtic jewelry designs.
Zoomorphic symbols have been used for centuries to illustrate the sacred animal symbols of Great Britain's most illustrious families. The Clans of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales used animals because of the traits they were thought to possess. For example, the Book of Kells features both a winged lion and a winged bull.
Giving spiritual, magical qualities to animals is a tradition in Celtic art and mythology. Serpents are also a common zoomorphic symbol. The serpent was thought to be a facet of Pagan worship in the ancient times before Christ, when Druid beliefs were commonplace.
Animal symbols are often carved in interlace fashion, combining two time-honored symbols of Celtic history. Jewelry may feature interlace birds, reptiles, or other animals that underscore the Pagan belief in uniting with nature itself.
Shamrocks - The Shamrock is found throughout Ireland, on objects as diverse as beer bottles, national flags, and gold and diamond pendants. The Shamrock is a symbol of the Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick grew up in the Pagan faith, but in his teen years he converted to Christianity. His life was spent in the service of Christ, and he spent thirty years building schools, monasteries, and churches that celebrated the power of the Gospel.
Saint Patrick used the trefoil, or three-leaf, design of the Shamrock to convert Pagans to Christ in Ireland. He felt that the three leaves were a natural symbol of the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit). The dedication of Saint Patrick is celebrated each year on March 17th, as Saint Patrick's Day parades and festivals are held.
It can be difficult to choose from the many stunning choices currently available in the marketplace. I've compiled a comprehensive guide to the common symbols found on today's special pieces. With this useful outline, you can begin to decide on what means the most to you.
The Insular Art Period -
The Insular Art Period was a rich period in Celtic art. During the post-Roman era in Great Britain, starting around 600 AD, Celtic artisans crafted unforgettable designs out of precious metals. Each piece was rife with intricate knot work, zoomorphic (animal) symbols, and delicate spirals.
As well as metal work, artisans also carved stone crosses and drew rich, illuminated texts, such as the Irish Book of Kells. The Insular Art Period lives on today in the spirit and quality of modern-day Celtic jewelry designs. For a truly authentic piece, look for jewelry that is handcrafted by the master artisans of Ireland itself.
Today's designers take their cue from the Insular Art Period, referencing the High Crosses and Celtic crosses that stand in the churchyards of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They use the influences of the past to create timeless symbols of spiritual faith and dimensional beauty.
Some Irish craftsmen spend years in apprenticeships before they are ever permitted to finish traditional jewelry designs. Their skill and passion add an heirloom quality to today's collectible rings, pendants, and earrings.
Knot Work In Past And Present -
Knot work is a common feature on today's Celtic and Irish jewelry - but what does it mean? The hidden symbolism inherent in the curving, never ending lines of traditional knot work has a mysterious quality that leaves us curious.
Celtic knot work is used to symbolize the interconnectedness of all things, and the eternal nature of God's own love. It is a feature on many art treasures, such as the Book of Kells, which features rich, gilded borders. The Book of Kells now rests at Trinity College in Dublin, where onlookers can enjoy its pictorial depictions of the four Gospels of the New Testament.
Celtic knot work is also known as interlace, and it is used to great effect in the Book of Kells. Rich, bold colors make the beauty of the interlace come to life.
On today's rings, pendants and earrings, knot work is a common feature. It can flank engagement stones, or be found in the careful engraving on Celtic Cross pendants. Its beauty and versatility give great individuality to modern Celtic jewelry.
All over the world, the delicate, interwoven lines of interlace are recognized as uniquely Celtic. By choosing a starter piece of Celtic jewelry that features knot work, you will be choosing an ancient symbol that may have also been worn by your ancestors, thousands of years ago.
Zoomorphic (Animal) Symbols -
On ancient Celtic instruments, such as the Irish bodhran, there are often painted animal symbols that pique the imagination. But what do they symbolize? You may also have wondered at the zoomorphic symbols that appear on today's Celtic jewelry designs.
Zoomorphic symbols have been used for centuries to illustrate the sacred animal symbols of Great Britain's most illustrious families. The Clans of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales used animals because of the traits they were thought to possess. For example, the Book of Kells features both a winged lion and a winged bull.
Giving spiritual, magical qualities to animals is a tradition in Celtic art and mythology. Serpents are also a common zoomorphic symbol. The serpent was thought to be a facet of Pagan worship in the ancient times before Christ, when Druid beliefs were commonplace.
Animal symbols are often carved in interlace fashion, combining two time-honored symbols of Celtic history. Jewelry may feature interlace birds, reptiles, or other animals that underscore the Pagan belief in uniting with nature itself.
Shamrocks - The Shamrock is found throughout Ireland, on objects as diverse as beer bottles, national flags, and gold and diamond pendants. The Shamrock is a symbol of the Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick grew up in the Pagan faith, but in his teen years he converted to Christianity. His life was spent in the service of Christ, and he spent thirty years building schools, monasteries, and churches that celebrated the power of the Gospel.
Saint Patrick used the trefoil, or three-leaf, design of the Shamrock to convert Pagans to Christ in Ireland. He felt that the three leaves were a natural symbol of the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit). The dedication of Saint Patrick is celebrated each year on March 17th, as Saint Patrick's Day parades and festivals are held.
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→Collecting Celtic Jewelry - A Beginner's Guide
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