Celtic Jewelry is Steeped in History
All cultures throughout history have placed a significant importance to symbols. Long before the development of modern communications, ancient cultures used symbols as a way to share information. The ancient Celts left behind a long history of symbolism and artistry that endures today.
The Celts are though to be the earliest Aryan settlers in what is now Europe. It is thought that the Celts were driven westward by succeeding waves of Teutons, Slavs and others. Referred to by the Romans as Gaels, the Celts were once the predominant race in what is not Britain, Ireland, France, northern Italy and parts of Spain. The Celts are thought to have reached the apex of their influence in towards the end of the third century B.C. It was a matter of time before the Celts fell before the great legions of the Roman Empire.
Relegated to the northern reaches of Britain, including Ireland, the Celts split into two factions, one dominating Ireland and Scotland. The other sect came to predominate what is now Wales and the rest of Britain. Like many pagan cultures, the Celts were earth worshipers and had a particular interest in the sun.
There was a great belief among the Celts that all things on the earth were interconnected. No where is this belief more apparent than in the intricate knot work that has come to symbolize Celtic life. Often thought to be the work of angels or other celestial beings, the knot work is now a staple in Celtic designs that can be seen in paintings, sculpture and jewelry. Celtic knot work jewelry is very popular and requires a great deal of artistic ability to produce. The delicate braiding can be seen in a variety of rings, pendants and bracelet jewelry.