For more than four thousand years ago, Irish metalsmiths have been creating celtic jewelry in gold and silver and other precious metals. Decorative Irish jewelry examples date from the bronze age, some four thousand years ago. Many of these jewelry pieces were functional in nature and formed decorative features to everyday items such as clothes brooches and fasteners, weapons and eating and cooking utensils. Celtic metalwork formed the basis of much of the artwork from this period. Prized by men and women alike, Celtic jewelry is a treasure among possessions because of it's uniqueness in beauty and symbolism.
Silver and gold were used by Celtic craftsmen between 2000 BC to around 550 AD silver to make outstanding Celtic jewelry. Celtic symbols were inevitably the subject of the Celtic jewelry craft, and evident in the final products as evident in modern-day examples.
Ornate, symbolic, and enchanting, Celtic jewelry was (and still is) highly coveted. In fact, Celtic jewelry such as rings, bracelets, pendants, and brooches were so sought after for their beauty and style that the trade of Celtic jewelry across the Mediterranean was quite successful.
Celtic Cross
When one thinks of Celtic jewelry, the Celtic cross may come to mind first. The Celtic cross had it's start in the British Isles, appearing primarily in Ireland. This Celtic symbol has long represented the bridge or passage between heaven and earth. The four arms may also be connotative of the four elements; fire, earth, air, water.
The ring in the center of the Celtic cross is a Celtic symbol of infinite love, specifically, the endlessness of God's love. The center ring may also represent a halo emanating from the Christ. Given the power represented in this Celtic symbol, it's easy to see why Celtic jewelry makers were so dedicated to the pristine perfection in crafting the Celtic cross. This symbol represents the very highest ideals and aspirations of the Celts, and this piece of Celtic jewelry is one of the most timeless.
The Claddagh
Another timeless piece of Celtic jewelry is the Claddagh ring.
Claddagh (pronounced klada) is an ancient village just outside Galway City in Ireland. Althought the Celtic Tiger has left its ugly mark on the village it still retains much of its original charm
The Claddagh ring gets its origin from Richard Joyce. Captured and taken from his homeland, Joyce was held as a slave in the West Indies. Eventually, he was sold to a Moorish goldsmith, where Joyce learned the art of jewelry making. Joyce eventually gained his freedom, and upon doing so, returned to Ireland and settled in the fishing village of Claddagh. Here he continued his goldsmith practice by making Celtic jewelry.
He produced the Claddagh ring to celebrate his return home and to have a symbol for his love of kin and country. As seen today, the Claddagh has become quite popular as a sign of betrothal as well as friendship and love.
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