Celtic Jewelry Buying Guide

The traditional crafting of Celtic jewelry dates back for centuries. The intricate designs found on many of these intriguing pieces of art were largely influenced by designs found in ancient Celtic manuscripts and feature symbols representing ideals such as love, loyalty, friendship, and fortitude. Thus, this ancient art of the Celts is not only steeped in history but meaning as well.

The prices ranges of these Celtic art pieces start from low double-digit dollar amounts for mass-market silver jewelry to several thousand for high-quality, handcrafted Celtic jewelry made with precious metals and precious stones. Like most things, the more unique or rarer it is, the pricier it gets.

A fine jewelry lover can choose from several forms of Celtic jewelry available. One can find popular items such as Celtic crosses, Celtic rings, Celtic pendants, and Claddagh earrings.

Celtic Crosses - These beautiful crosses predate the Christian cross by about two centuries. While the Celtic cross is believed to bring greater knowledge, understanding and the fortitude to the wearer, the Christian cross, on the other hand, is believed to protect the wearer from harm.

Celtic Pendants - Aside from the enduring Celtic cross, the other popular pendant design involves the Claddagh design. Celtic pendants may contain precious stones. These make wonderful gifts to friends and is especially popular as Mother's Day gifts.

Celtic Rings - Another piece of Celtic jewelry chosen by jewelry lovers are Celtic rings. These rings commonly incorporate the Celtic knot design. Celtic knots are believed to be symbols that represent eternity and undying love Celtic rings are increasingly used as engagement rings and wedding rings since they represent fidelity and commitment. Such rings are also exchanged between friends because they denote loyalty and friendship among good friends.

A form of Celtic ring design is the Claddagh. These wonderful rings incorporate a design that is well documented in history. The first Claddagh ring was made over 300 years ago in Claddagh, a small village in Ireland. A fisherman in this village, Robert Joyce, was captured by pirates and was later sold as a slave to a wealthy goldsmith. While working for the goldsmith, he learned the trade and used it to make a beautiful ring for his love back in Claddagh. After being released from slavery several years later, he returned to his old village and presented his handcrafted ring to his beloved. They were married soon after.

Claddagh rings use three important symbols in the design: Two hands representing friendship, a crown representing loyalty, and a heart representing love. The symbolism contained in the ring design makes it great as Celtic wedding rings or Celtic engagement rings.

Claddagh Earrings - Another great use of the Claddagh design comes in the form of earrings, another wonderful accessory for a discerning woman's wardrobe. Celtic earrings may be studded with precious stones such as Emeralds or diamonds.

The growing demand worldwide make Celtic jewelry great gifts even among the non-Irish. Anyone can appreciate and enjoy the beauty Celtic jewelry offers when the meanings and the traditions are clearly understood.

Tim O'Malley writes for Shanore.com, a leading Celtic jewelry design company based in Dublin, Ireland. They create handcrafted Celtic engagement rings, Claddagh rings, and other Celtic jewelry. All jewelry purchased get free FedEx shipping for additional peace of mind.

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