Celtic Jewelry
Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.
Celtic Cross Jewelry
One of the most enduring, and coveted "gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.
For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God's love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ.
Some say the four "arms" of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.
Celtic Knots
The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design?and the debate as to the meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.
Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.
Claddagh Rings
Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let love and friendship reign."
It's not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she was "spoken for." If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.
Celtic Then and Now
At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England.
Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived?and continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a huge resurgence in their homelands and with "ex-pats" around the world, as people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.
Learn How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off. This informative Special Report reveals little-known facts and insider trade secrets that many jewelers would prefer you didn't know. To get your FREE copy please go to http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.
Latest News
 Oneindia | Looking fashion-backward at the year's style moments Fort Worth Star Telegram, TX - "Washington politicos have not been especially high on the style radar since the Kennedy years," said Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor for ... Video: Michelle Obama: First Lady and Fashion Icon Fashion's new first lady: A fave of Obama, Maria Pinto eschews ... US Fashion’s One-Woman Bailout? |
 Stuff.co.nz | Critics' Choice: Red Carpet Bests and Busts FOXNews - ... it comes to fashion, was no laughing matter. Virginia Madsen can still wow a room in floor-length blue velvet David Meister style and long blond waves, ... Fashion wrap: Critics Choice red carpet fizzles Critics' Choice Awards cap hectic week for the stars Stunners unite to Critics' acclaim |
 The Canadian Press | Warm winter hats offer cool style this winter The Canadian Press, NEW YORK - Connor envisions the hat worn with oversized sweaters, leggings and boots, while Ann Watson, fashion director at Manhattan's Henri Bendel, lately has been ... |
Skin Deep A Hollywood Classic Enjoys a Revival New York Times, United States - More Articles in Fashion & Style » A version of this article appeared in print on January 8, 2009, on page E3 of the New York edition. |
 Los Angeles Times | SELLING AN IMAGE: New York-based John Varvatos, who hopes to go ... Los Angeles Times, CA - Let the rockers be the fashion leaders -- it's enough to be fashion-conscious and pick up a few style tips from them along the way. ... |
PGA Show's Fashion Gallery features full schedule of special events PGA.com - --"Fresh Faces in Fashion" reception featuring hot new designers of golf fashion. --Daily Presentations of "Elements of Style" by Annmarie Dodd and Argy ... |
Shopaholic dies, buried beneath her purchases. Take this test to ... Los Angeles Times, CA - Melissa Magsaysay is the Fashion Market editor and assistant style editor for Image. She covers trends in fashion and accessories and produces and styles ... |
Power, style -- and still the height of fashion Vancouver Sun, Canada - Now at least 18 months old, it is still the very height of automobile fashion. Even the decidedly awkward paint job of my tester -- navy blue with a white ... |
A look back at 2008 home trends San Jose Mercury News, USA - Old wingback chairs can be spiffed up with fashion-forward fabrics. "They're great to read in and lean back in," Henderson said. "They're fun, and they'll ... |
 Washington Post | Style Battle: Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson FemaleFirst.co.uk, UK - They may be starring alongside each other in their latest film, Bride Wars but which one can really pull it off on the fashion stakes? ... Video: Kate Hudson Shines Red Carpet Wrap: Hathaway, Hudson Fashion Battle At ‘Bride Wars ... "Bride Wars": All dressed up and going nowhere |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time