Celtic And Claddagh Jewelry Is Full Of Symbolism...

Celtic jewelry, associated with Ireland and Scotland is a symbol of continuity. Interlacing knot work by one continuous line symbolizing the hope of eternal life, this symbol has come to be accepted as a talisman of longevity.

Though most often associated with Ireland, the word "Celtic" (from the Greek, keltoi) actually refers to the larger, dominant pre-Christian culture of Europe north of the Mediterranean. The Celts were immigrants who molded the Irish nation. Since no soft "c" exists in Greek, Celtic and Celt should be pronounced with a hard "k" sound.

There are many variations of beautiful Celtic Irish jewelry. For instance, a "Celtic cross" is not just any cross that has Celtic knot work on it. Celtic crosses are, in fact, much older than Christianity. They are equal-armed crosses, enclosed or backed by a circle. The cross can symbolize the four quarters of the earth, and/or the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water). The circle is a symbol of eternity and the path of the sun in the sky.

Another very popular form of Celtic jewelry is the Claddagh.

Traditionally, Claddaghs are expressions of love and friendship. Like most traditional symbols, the origin of the Claddagh has been obscured by the passage of time. Some stories say that a Claddagh ring was found on the hand of a sailor of a Spanish galleon that went down near the Irish coast. Others say the design was brought back from the Crusades by a young man captured by the Saracens.

Whatever its history, the Claddagh has become
an enduring symbol of affection.

The heart in the center of the design represents love, the hands that surround it represent friendship, and the crown at the top (if present) is symbolic of fidelity. Claddaghs are worn on the left hand, facing inward, if your heart is spoken for. If you are unattached, wear the ring on your right hand, facing outward.

Also see: [ Mens Jewelry ] [ Native American ] [ Gold Jewelry ]

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