Dominating the Late Bronze Age through the Iron Age in Western and Central Europe, the Celts roamed the land. These tribal groups were all united by their Celtic language, though they had other similarities as well.
Among them, the Celts were fond of making and wearing jewelry. The jewelry they made represented much more than having something beautiful to look at. In fact, Irish jewelry has a rich history to go with those deeper meanings. This is why it is still a wonderful gift to give someone today.
What to Know About Celtic Jewelry
Celtic jewelry dates back from 2000 BC to 500 AD when craftsmen made intricate designs from gold and silver. These creations were beautiful though they represented Irish history and heritage.
Celtic jewelry uses symbolism that comes in threes. This is revealed in everything from knots to stones and leaves to corners. The Celts believed everything important happened in threes, hence this usage of it in crafting jewelry.
The Celts also had a deep passion for golden trinkets, and with their talent for metalworking and goldsmithing, they were masters of their crafts. The ancient people of Ireland wore some unique pieces of jewelry in their time.
Ancient Celtic Torcs
The torc was the most prestigious jewelry item, a heavy metal collar that symbolized wealth and status. They also had strong ritual associations, and Celtic deities were often shown holding or wearing them. Believed to have supernatural powers, the Celtic warriors would wear only torcs around their necks and nothing else, charging forth with their weapons.
Ancient Celtic Brooches
Brooches were also popular among Ancient Irish people. Men and women wore them, usually for practical applications to fasten clothing. Of course, they were also revered for their decorative appeal. These brooches came in two basic forms – the fibula and the hand pin.
The pins were long and thin, featuring finely decorated heads while the fibula more closely resembled a safety pin with an S-shaped design. The fibula was ideal for fastening a more substantial piece of material together.
Ancient Celtic Gold and Silver Rings
Unsurprisingly, with their abilities to craft beautiful things out of gold and silver, the ancient Celts made rings and bracelets of these things too. Their mastery of these crafts made them a constant target for plundering from the Vikings who would pillage the lands to take these immaculate creations back with them.
Ancient Celtic Symbols
Today, Celtic jewelry honors the traditions of the past by taking in the treasured symbols created by the ancient ones. Celtic crosses that represent strength, unending love, passion, and knowledge; Celtic knots that create an infinite loop of unity and unbreakable bonds; and the essential Celtic Claddagh with its crowned heart held in place by two hands each take the law of threes into their designs.
With such a storied past, Celtic jewelry is still as great a treasure in modern times. The modern creations of these symbolic designs are steeped in those traditions. This is what makes them such beloved gifts for the people in your life. It represents Irish heritage as well as makes a stronger statement about the depth of your feelings.
Traditional Celtic jewelry is as desirable and cherished now as it was then. These days, you do not need to go all the way to Ireland to find these beautiful treasures, making it easier than ever to celebrate your heritage.
