Celtic Jewelry: Everything from Claddagh Rings to Celtic Knots

The Celtic cross is composed of three pieces, the vertical access, the horizontal access and a circle of oneness. The pieces represent a crossing of the spiritual and earthly worlds. A perfect balance is attained where the two worlds intersect creating a complete sense of wholeness. The circle encompassing this crossing represents this occurrence and blends the traditional christian cross with Celtic beliefs.

An intricate or interlaced piece of knotwork is symbolic for for a person's eternal growth and continuous journey to a complete sense of self. In ancient times, knotwork was often used during meditation to help achieve a person's oneness within themselves or, as is the case in with the Love Knot, help two people come together as one. Flowing Knotwork, similar to the Celtic knot pendant in the picture, is also symbolic for eternal life.

Designed during the coming of Christianity, religious undertones appear throughout Celtic jewelry and serves as a large inspiration for many of its designs. The trinity knot represents the Holy Trinity as well as the triple gods/goddess of the ancient Celts.

Celtic Spirals are a beloved design and huge part of Celtic culture. There are many kinds if Celtic spirals, each representative of a more specific symbolism, but are all generally interpreted spiritually. Spirals with ornate and delicate swirls represent a person's beauty inside and out: physical attractiveness vs. inner beauty. The famous triskel, which often appears as three legs running in a continuous circle, is thought to represent earth's three major elements(fire, water and air) as well as the unending or "continuous" ongoing of life.

Claddagh rings are a timeless treasure and a sentimental accessory. Each claddagh ring is composed of three main parts: the hands, the heart and the crown. It represents friendship, love and loyalty which the Celtics believed where the three elements of an ideal relationship.

Traditionally the claddagh ring is worn on the left hand as both an engagement and wedding band. When the heart is facing out it signifies the wearers engagement. Upon getting married the ring is flipped and the loyalty crown capping the heart is symbolic for a happy marriage and a loyal commitment to the relationship. Claddagh rings used for this purpose are often decked out in diamonds or feature a heart gemstone between the hands, similar to the emerald ring pictured.

Today claddagh rings are worn around the world as an everyday right hand ring. If the ring is facing outward it symbolizes a searching heart, when the heart is facing the wearer is shows their heart is taken. Simply put, for all you single ladies, (or gents) the crown should be facing you until you find that special someone to flip it around.