Irish Celtic Jewelry

Celtic Wedding rings are becoming increasing popular and besides being beautiful pieces of jewelry they have an enduring symbolism.

The celts were actually a group of tribes who joined together and combined their culture in prehistoric times. Many believe they included shipwrecked sailors from far off lands. This explains the variety we see in Celtic jewelry - in addition to symbols like the cross which we widely recognise there are many intricate designs and patterns.

Celtic wedding rings come in a huge variety of styles, precious metals and colours. For many, the genuine Irish rings are the most sought after and cherished and one the World's leading suppliers is
Gillett's Jewellers.

Gillett's Jewellers

This long-established company are leaders in their field and specialise in had crafting the finest bands available. Each pair of rings is matched to perfection and should not be confused with mass-produced cheaper versions! These are fine examples of Celtic jewelry which will last forever.

The Celts had a frim connection with nature and believed in the interconnectedness of all life. This is reflected in the more complex examples of their art and jewelry which include symbols of animals and birds. Hearts of course also feature and are particularly special when used in the design of wedding bands.

Gillett's supply a wide range of wedding bands and is my number one recommendation

Gillett's Jewellers

The use of patterns as we see on teh Celtic Knot had its origins in the art work of the Roman empire. Knot patterns first appeared in the third and fourth centuries AD. Fine examples can be seen in Roman floor mosaics of that time. Further developments in the artistic use of interlaced knot patterns are found in Byzantine architecture, Islamic art, Medieval Russian book illumination, Ethiopian art, and of course Celtic art.

Plaitwork patterns - a woven, unbroken cord design - predate knotwork designs in several cultures around the globe. The broken and reconnected plaitwork that is characteristic of true knotwork began in Northern Italy and Southern Gaul and later spread to Ireland. The style is most commonly associated with the Celtic lands but it was also used in England and was exported to Europe. In modern times Celtic Art is popularly thought of in terms of national identity and therefore specifically Irish, Scottish or Welsh.

Early examples of the Celtic Knot in Jewelry can not surprisingly be seen from all over the world. However the firm association remains Irish and today we connect with Ireland when we see the beautiful jewelry designs developed by our Celtic ancestors.

The pattern has as many varieties as the types of jewelry we now see decorated with the famous Celtic design. Rings, brooches, pendants and in more recent years earrings. Instantly recognisable and although to many of us the symobolism may not be clear and we may not have firm religious beliefs the simple beauty of Irish Celtic jewelry appeals to all.

Animals feature heavily in Celtic art and appear in more intricate jewelry designs we see today. Some of the commonly seen animals and their symbolism are -

Deer. The deer was hunted by the celts for food. The female deer, or doe, had strong association with
woodland Goddesses, such as Saba. The stag was often seen in form of woodland Gods such as Cernunnos. White stags were considered to be Otherworldy and, in myth, their appearance always signified a profound change in the lives of those in the story.

Birds. Birds are usually associated with death in Celtic mythology and the transition beyond.

Bulls. Rarely seen in Celtic Jewelry but a long standing symbolism in the art of the people. Bulls figure heavily in Irish Celtic creation mythology. In the Celtic world, the bull was a symbol of virility, sovereignty, and wealth.

Dogs. Sacred to the Irish and Scotissh fairies many Celtic myths involve dogs or dog familiars, which belonged to heroic figures or deities. Great wars were often fought for and over them including one involving the legendary King Arthur. Examples of the importance of Celtic dogs are found in many of the great myths of the culture.

Dragons. Another mighty magical animal that appears in British and Welsh stories. A creature associated with fire but is also related to the Power of the Land. Interestingly another word for Ley Lines is Dragon Lines. You may also have heard of raising power by summoning the "Eye of the Dragon". The Earth was viewed by the Druids as the body of the Dragon. The Celts also called Dragons 'Fire Drakes'

Whether you are attracted to the symbolism of certain animals or just like them in the designs, they make an attractive feature of Celtic jewelry.


Men's 18kt Strength celtic ring