Silver Celtic Jewellery

posted on 9 July 2011 | posted in Ceirys Celtic Silver Jewellery

The Origins Of Celtic Jewellery

Silver and Gold were used by Celtic craftsmen between 2000 BC to around 550 AD and they crafted some outstanding jewellery. Celtic symbols were inevitably the subject of the Celtic jewellery craft, and evident in the final products as evident in modern-day examples.

The Celts developed a strong style that has endured to this day. Their earliest pieces were items such as neck torcs and decorative brooches which these have been adapted over the years to suit the tastes of the time whilst still remaining true to their origins.
Torcs were worn by warriors in battle and the design of twisted bands of metal were believed to protect the wearer. As this was often the only thing that was worn in battle, it was definitely a good luck charm as opposed to offering any form of physical protection. The design is still used today in neck torcs but has been mainly scaled down to be a more practical bangle.

Nature played a large role in the patterns used in the Celt's jewellery design but it was the intricate patterns that proved to be universal and to have the long-lasting appeal. explains the significance of the designs.

A silver Celtic torc bangle similar to the ones used by warriors many years ago.
Archaeologists have found torcs of different metals, sizes, shapes, and decoration throughout the lands in which the Celts once lived.
Originally known as " battle jewellery" a modern day Celtic design torc is still a very prized possession amongst men and women.

When one thinks of Celtic jewellery, the Celtic cross may spring to mind first. The Celtic cross had it's start in the British Isles, appearing primarily in Ireland.This Celtic symbol has long represented the bridge or passage between heaven and earth. The four arms may also be connotative of the four elements air, fire, earth and water. The ring in the center of the Celtic cross is a Celtic symbol of infinite love, specifically, the endlessness of God's love. The center ring may also represent a halo emanating from the Christ. Given the power represented in this Celtic symbol, it's easy to see why Celtic craftsmen were so dedicated to the pristine perfection in crafting the Celtic cross.

Silver Brooches have been a part of Celtic tradition since antiquity. Research suggests that brooches emerged in the middle of the second millennium BC.
It is widely believed that the brooches came about as trading began with other countries such as Greece.The style of brooches of Celtic tradition derives from the Roman cloak pins of the Early Bronze Age. The earliest function of these brooches was strictly utilitarian. Before the invention of metal, stone tools and weapons were used to hold garments together. Given the cumbersome nature and susceptibility to personal injury, the invention of bronze encouraged the development of a pin-fastener with a rod, hook, and bent wire attachment. This new bronze pin enabled the wearer to be better protected. From this bronze pin prototype, brooches exhibiting Roman ornamentation emerged in Great Britain and in Ireland. Brooches used as cloak fasteners supported garments in both the summer and winter months.

Triquetra: Latin meaning "three-cornered." It is also the symbol for the holy trinity. Being a holy sign, this Celtic symbol is often carved into stone block used in churches. The Celtic symbol meaning is so profound; it is also frequently made into Celtic jewellery. Christian's later adopted the symbol as a representation of the Holy Trinity. Perhaps because in it they saw three fish, which is a Christian symbol. This Celtic knot design signifies the three aspects of the goddess.
This triangular Celtic knot is said to represent the three planes of existence - physical, mental and spiritual.

Triskelion: A Greek term meaning "three-legged," and so this sign looks very much like the three legs running. The Celtic symbol meaning here is appropriate because this symbol stands for competition and human progress. Also, the triple spiral pattern represents the three powers of maiden, mother, and crown. It is a sign of female power and especially power through transition and growth. The symbol at Newgrange is believed by some to be a symbol of pregnancy.

Claddagh Pendant: Silver Claddagh jewellery, which is popular among those of Irish heritage as both a friendship and wedding pendant. This traditional design consists of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, and symbolizes love, friendship and loyalty. Often purchased amongst friends as a sign of eternal friendship. With these two hands I give you my heart and crown it with loyalty.

Here at Ceirys Silver Jewellery we have a vast range of both Silver and Gold Celtic jewellery which can be found here

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