Celtic people resided primarily in Europe during pre-Roman times. Celtic jewelry is identifiable by it's elliptical curves, opposing curves, spirals and chevrons. Additionally, geometrical patterns and plant or animal motifs are also popular styles used to mark Celtic jewelry. As their traditional designs began to gradually fade during the period of Roman domination, a new tradition began to come forward as the Celtic people of Ireland incorporated Christian motifs with their own unique style. One of the results were carved crosses made from stone, which still serve as inspiration for many of the Celtic jewelry designs that we see today.
One of the most common pieces of Celtic jewelry is that of the cross. In addition to wearing this symbol as a celebration of faith, many enjoy wearing a cross because it makes them feel protected. Cross jewelry is also a very popular design in jewelry, which makes it a wonderful choice for those who want to look fashionable and still showcase their faith. Because this type of jewelry knows no season and never goes out of style, wearers will be investing in something that's sure to wear well every day and for every occasion.
Celtic jewelry is available in precious metal, including sterling silver. When purchasing any piece of jewelry, the fact that it is created in sterling silver makes it both affordable and durable. Sterling silver contains at least .925 pure silver content and is a metal that can last a lifetime with the proper care. With the exception of gold, silver is the easiest to be shaped without damage and can be formed without compromising it's strength. The hardness level of sterling silver is estimated to be between 2.5 and 2.7, which makes it stronger than some types of gold.
If you're in the market for Celtic jewelry, you can enjoy wearing a piece that reflects early tradition with a modern touch of design. Upon first glance, Celtic jewelry is distinctively different from any other. Even if you don't realize what you're looking at in the beginning, you will instantly know that its unusual design and intricate details are unlike any other jewelry style. If you want to showcase your faith in a way that also showcases your exquisite taste in accessories, Celtic jewelry is one option to consider.
Jewelry has existed since prehistoric times, probably originating as a method to fasten clothes together (such as a Celtic kilt clasp, brooch or buckle) and as a way to store and later display wealth. Although some jewelry still has functional purposes, now it is most often worn in order to enhance a person's appearance.
But in addition to personal adornment, certain types of jewelry are able to convey a particular symbolic meaning about the people who wear them.
For example, wearing a piece of Celtic jewelry is almost always intended to signify that the person wearing it traces his or her ancestry to the Celts.
Celtic jewelry is often worn to indicate that a person is proud of being a Celt. The design of Celtic jewelry is often intricate and almost always steeped in the past.
Wearing these beautiful pieces of jewelry is an effective but easy way for people to signify the importance to them of their Celtic heritage and culture, while at the same time allowing those people to carry on and continue Celtic traditions. The Celtic cross that incorporates both Christian and ancient Celtic pagan design elements is a popular example.
Types of Celtic Jewelry.
Celtic jewelry can be made out of almost anything, including precious metals such as gold, sterling silver and platinum. Precious and semi-precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and topaz, can be incorporated into almost any design. Celtic jewelry can also be made from lesser metals such as silver plate, vermeil, brass or pewter, which are sometimes set with synthetic gems such as cubic zirconia.
Since ancient times, Celtic jewelry has been famous for its beauty and its fine craftsmanship. Many different types of Celtic jewelry incorporate "Celtic knots," the beautiful, stylized representations of endless knots that were used by ancient Celts to symbolize their pagan religious beliefs.
A Celtic cross, encrusted with diamonds, is a particularly striking piece. But many other well-known Celtic design elements, such as the Tree of Life, the Trinity Knot, dragons (especially Welsh dragons) and the Claddagh design can be incorporated into Celtic jewelry.
Clasps, pins and brooches, buckles, rings, bracelets, necklaces, hairpins, and, most notably, torcs, are classic, traditional pieces ofCeltic jewelry. Other types of Celtic jewelry include tie tacs and tie pins, lockets, cuff links, earrings and even watches. Many pieces of Celtic jewelry are made by gifted artisans, and almost all exhibit fine craftsmanship and intricate detail.
Back to the True Purpose of Celtic Jewelry.
People who are able to trace their ancestry to one of the "Six Celtic Nations" - Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany - have a proud and honorable heritage, one that can be nurtured by wearing Celtic jewelry. A large part of the popuations of Ireland and Britain, together with their relatives who live elsewhere, are of Celtic ancestry. And almost all Celts celebrate and honor Celtic traditions and the Celtic heritage. Celtic jewelry is a way, a very visible and beautiful way, to honor, celebrate and revel in Celtic culture.
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