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Celtic Jewellery Symbology

Some jewellery designs forged through history have endured to modern times, and the Celtic design heritage may be one of the most significant.
Celtic jewellery dates back to around 2,000BC and the symbols used in their jewellery date back as far as 3,000BC. The Celts were among the first peoples on the planet to design and produce beautiful jewellery and their jewellery was ornate and rich with symbology of deep spiritual meaning. The Celts dominated western and central Europe for more than 1,000 years, but their descendants are now dispersed in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The ancient Greeks were the ones who gave this alliance of tribal nations the name Keltoi, known by us as Celtic.
The Celts used bronze, copper and gold to craft their jewellery pieces which were mainly used to fasten their clothes and well as for decoration. Hair-pins, buttons, brooches, necklaces, bracelets, sword belts and harnesses were crafted, adorned with the symbols which have endured through history. Carved stones survive today bearing the same symbology.
The symbols used in Celtic jewellery have links to paganism, early christianity and the Celts deep connection with nature. Links to Wicca such as the triquetra, the three goddesses, power of three and the phases of the moon were incorporated. Some of the best known Celtic symbols:
Tri-symbol – 3 circles, 3 knots representing mind body & soul, power of three, three goddesses, Holy trinity, land sea & sky, phases of the moon. Also the Triquetra – in Wicca representing the sacred feminine.
Cross with circle – the cross was introduced by St. Patrick when he introduced Christianity to the Celts. Celtic cross combines with the Christian cross, with a circle with four beams on it known as the sun-wheel.
Celtic Knots – Associated with the sacred writings done by the monks during the 7th Century, they have a deep spiritual meaning. The knot having no beginning and no end represents the eternal and the weaving of our lives with everything around us.
The recent revival in Celtic jewellery has resulted in the traditional designs being produced in lighter materials which are much more wearable in the modern age. Instead of the very heavy dramatic items the Celts wore, we can wear the same designs crafted in silver and pewter and in a scale and weight more suitable to our tastes and lifestyles.
Another modern twist is the upsurge in popularity of Celtic design in tattoos. A noticeable thing about Celtic design and symbology is that it is equally loved by male and female wearers, both in jewellery and tattoos. Celtic design and symbology simply does not portray gender! The symbology of the jewellery designs you choose to own and wear will, however, portray something about your personality. Research the symbols and choose carefully.
Ethnic, Tribal and Wiccan jewellery and new age products