Celtic Eternity

History Behind the Design of Celtic Jewelry

The tradition of exchanging rings at a wedding came from the Romans. They took it to Britain when they invaded, and it took hold as Roman culture overcame the indigenous one. Rings back then were often made of yellow gold from the mines of Spain, later local mines in Britain. Celtic jewelry grew from there, taking the culture of Rome with the artistry of the Celts to become one of the most iconic design styles in the world.

Celtic design pervaded British culture until the dark ages, when all design and inspiration took a break for a couple hundred years. The resurgence came as Britain moved out the other side of the dark ages, and embraced creativity once more. Later, Oliver Cromwell’s Puritans banned wedding rings as “popish,” among many other things including colorful dresses and having fun.

Once the Royalists were reestablished in 1660, the wedding ring made a comeback, as did traditional arts and crafts. Celtic jewelry was again the prevalent design until trade with Europe brought more delicate arts to the fore. Celtic design also flowed outward throughout this time, with the artwork mingling across cultures in Europe.

While society moved on with fashion, Celtic design had left its mark and remained popular right up until present day. It is one of the few design schools that has spanned over thousands of years and still retains that authentic character. Many older art forms, such as hieroglyphics, Coptic and Latin can still be found today, but do not share the same popularity as Celtic jewelry.

The designs the Celts used reflected the way they lived through the ages. The thick, sturdy designs, with fine decoration reflect them as a people. Times were hard, and you had to be hardy to survive. Yet the tribes also liked art, things of beauty and had an extremely high standard of craftsmanship. This is reflected in the sinuous lines and bold decoration that adorns their pieces.

The Celtic spiral, used often in jewelry, is believed to reflect eternity. The Celts believed the spirit is eternal, and this theme pervades many Celtic jewelry designs. The Celtic cross also feature prominently, but mainly on architecture or stone remains. It does appear on jewelry, but not so often. It’s origins have been traced to long before the Christian version, and are believed to mean knowledge, wisdom and fortitude.

Celtic knots are one of the most famous designs still in use today. The true meaning has been lost to time, but we believe that they mean eternity, as the knot has no beginning, or end. There is also a theory that is symbolizes the cycle of life, from birth, life, death and round again to rebirth. Whatever the true origins, those meanings are poetic if nothing else.

With such a rich and colorful history, it’s no wonder this ancient art form has survived for so long. At face value, Celtic jewelry is a delight to own. Combined with a romantic and ancient history, it evokes wonder as well as delight.

About the Author

Leigh Maher researches and writes about Celtic jewelry, and specialises in Celtic wedding rings, Celtic engagement rings and Bridal Jewelry. He also writes about wedding traditions, Celtic culture, and Ireland.

http://www.online-shopping-blog.com/misc/history-behind-the-design-of-celtic-jewelry.html

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925 Sterling Silver Irish Celtic Knot Protection Charm $61.99 Give a gift that keeps on giving! Celtic Knots are representations of eternity. This knot represents the Ulbster Shield Knot for protection. Each knot is woven within another with no end in site, giving off the symbol of eternity. Keep this for yourself or give it as a gift, either way, this is one charm you definitely will want to add to your wardrobe!

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Simple Joy of Life $12.42 Twenty-five years in the writing, Simple Joy of Life is a tribute to optimism. The present life is spiced with laughter, and the future is salted with faith. Family includes sonnets that ring of eternity rather than finality. Home tributes the amazing state, Oklahoma. Simple Joy of Life, the signature poem of this book, describes the tragedy of the Oklahoma City bombing; it ends not with destruction but with hope and joy of today. Being deals with life, death, and politics. All the poems are full of hope and pride — except the one addressing the president. Faith includes original Celtic Music recorded by the author. ( God So Loved the World, a tome for the millenium, can be sung to Londonderry Air. ) Laughter is a collection of silliness that reflects joy in life. A performance of The Captured Cowboy (in German) opened an equine arena in Romhild, Germany. Merriment is its own excuse for being. Tears-laughter, love-hate, despair-hope: these are the meat of life. The contrasts glorify the joys of life. Simple Joy of Life relishes this bitter sweetness.

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Son of the Morning $10.2 A scholar specializing in ancient manuscripts, Grace St. John never imagined that a cache of old documents she discovered was the missing link to a lost Celtic treasure. But as soon as she deciphers the legend of the Knights of the Templar – long fabled to hold the key to unlimited power – Grace becomes the target of a ruthless killer bent on abusing the coveted force. Determined to stop him, Grace needs the help of a warrior bound by duty to uphold the Templar”s secret for all eternity. But to find him – and to save herself – she must go back in time . . . to fourteenth-century Scotland . . . and to Black Niall, a fierce man of dark fury and raw, unbridled desire. . . .

Son of the Morning $80.53 A scholar specializing in ancient manuscripts, Grace St. John never imagined that a cache of old documents she discovered was the missing link to a lost Celtic treasure. But as soon as she deciphers the legend of the Knights of the Templar – long fabled to hold the key to unlimited power – Grace becomes the target of a ruthless killer bent on abusing the coveted force. Determined to stop him, Grace needs the help of a warrior bound by duty to uphold the Templar”s secret for all eternity. But to find him – and to save herself – she must go back in time . . . to fourteenth-century Scotland . . . and to Black Niall, a fierce man of dark fury and raw, unbridled desire. . . .

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