Jewelry held a place of importance in Celtic life. The various jewelry items that have been discovered at the important sacred places and places of burial related to the Celtic life bears testimony to this. Both men and women were fond of adorning themselves with fine jewelry. The Celtic craftsmen were indeed very skilled. Based on the popular ancient Celtic patterns and themes as used by such craftsmen a thriving trade in jewelry has become established.

The Celtic ring occupies a special place among the popular Celtic jewelry articles. Weddings and engagements around the globe and especially in the western world still make use of the Celtic rings. The Celtic rings, as discovered, bear intricate patterns of knots, spirals, chevrons and scrolls- all of which hold some special significance.

The Celtic knot's significance is hidden in obscurity. This is because of the lack of relevant material providing information about it. Some scholars however opine that the knots may be symbolizing the interconnectedness of all forms of life that the Celts believed in. It is also known that these are occasional references made about certain knots in old Celtic myths and legends though no clear theme has emerged from this.

Celtic crosses are unique jewelry pieces. They are not just any crosses with Celtic knot work and they date back to pre-Christian times. These crosses have equal arms that are enclosed or backed by a circle. This can act as a symbol representing either the four corners of the earth or the four elements- earth, air, water and fire while the circle that is present around the cross can symbolize infinity and also represent the path of the sun in the sky.

The pentacle featuring in Celtic jewelry is composed of a five-pointed star within a circle are considered to be representative of five elements- earth, air, fire, water and spirit or five stages of life- birth, attaining youth, becoming adult, aging and becoming old and finally dying. There is also the popularity of the pentacle as a pagan symbol and its particular association with Wicca.

Celts have used animals for representing various aspects of life. These have found a place in jewelry too. Similarly, geometric motifs have also been playing a major part in fashioning Celtic jewelry ever since its inception thousands of years ago. Single spirals, dual centered spirals, triple centered spirals and Chevrons that are quite akin to arrowheads used by hunters and warriors have been immensely popular as jewelry to opt for.

Gay Wedding Ring: Symbol of Love and Equality

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for many people, although for an increasing number of persons, it has become a several-in-a-lifetime event. In any case, it is still a very special ceremony that binds not only a man and a woman together; today, gay male couples and gay women couples also observe the ceremony to affirm their lifelong commitment to each other. In such ceremonies, the gay wedding ring takes center stage.

Same-sex marriage is still illegal in the majority of U.S. states and in countries all over the world, so what gay couples opt for is to participate in a ?commitment ceremony,? where the exchange of gay wedding rings also takes place. A gay wedding ring most often resembles the traditional gold or platinum wedding band. Of course, the couples are free to have the designs or the metal they wish for their gay wedding ring. Gay-related symbols are often engraved on the rings, and various textures and effects are available as well. Irish and Scottish rings, multicolored rings, woven rings ? a wealth of options is available.

Homosexual and lesbian couples who have exchanged or are planning to exchange gay wedding rings in commitment or blessing ceremonies include Rosie and Kelly O'Donnell, and actress Sophie Ward and Rena Brannan. British musician Sir Elton John and David Furbish have also talked about getting married as soon as gays are legally allowed to join together in matrimony in Great Britain.

Jewelry designers such as Udi Behr are recognizing the need of ?unconventional? couples to affirm their commitment to one another. Behr created a collection of gay wedding rings and gay engagement rings called ?Love and Pride? in support of the gay rights movement. Behr, who is himself straight, is a popular designer among celebrities; famous people who buy his work include Sharon Stone and Britney Spears.

As with heterosexual couples, gay couples see their weddings bands as a tangible symbol of their love and commitment to one another. Notwithstanding governmental indifference to or disapproval of their needs and wishes, gay people will go on standing for what they believe is their right. The gay wedding ring, aside from its romantic connotations, has also become a symbol of the large part of homosexual culture in today's society.