Irish Jewelry Online - Traditional Celtic Jewelry Handmade in Ireland

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