While Celtic jewelry may be most popular among individuals of Irish decent, anyone is free to love and enjoy this enchanting jewelry and many do.
Frequently Celtic wedding bands are selected as an alternative to more traditional wedding rings. In many cases owners of Celtic jewelry choose to have their ring engraved. This style of Celtic wedding band is often referred to as a Claddagh ring.
Claddagh rings will generally have two holding hands, a crown, and a heart on the band. The heart is said to symbolize love, the crown stands for loyalty, and the hands symbolize friendship. All of which are important components of a marriage. Most bridal Claddagh wedding rings will have a stone inlaid. You have the option of purchasing Claddagh wedding bands in a traditional, antique style or in one of the more modern variations.
Another piece of highly popular Celtic jewelry is the Celtic lovers knot ring. Here, the engraved knot serves as a lover knot, thus the title for the ring. Although knot rings do come in a number of different styles, the meaning remains the same. In Celtic jewelry, the knot symbolizes a crossing place where two people meet. The most common usage or symbolic meaning of knot jewelry is as a representation of love. However, you may also find some Celtic knot rings that are specifically for friendship or family relationships.
Celtic jewelry may also be found in the form of an Irish cross. A number of different style crosses are available. In this case, your choices will mostly depend on where you end up purchasing your Celtic jewelry.
A common option is to have the jeweler insert your birthstone into the cross. Alternative pendant styles are available too. After the cross, the most popular pendant is probably in the shape of a shamrock. Brooches, cufflinks, earrings, and bracelets can also be made in a Celtic style.
While Celtic jewelry traditionally is made in white or yellow gold, there are also other styles available. The best Celtic jewelry has traditionally been handcrafted by a professional; however, you may find that some so-called Celtic jewelry is not actually handmade. To ensure that you are getting a piece of handmade Celtic jewelry, you should properly research the jewelry. Always feel free to ask questions about how the jewelry was made, who the artisan was and so forth. You would be wise to visit several jewelers selling the styles you are interested in.
There are also a number of online jewelry stores which are devoted solely to Irish and Celtic jewelry styles. As with any piece of jewelry, you should always verify exactly what the jeweler's refund and guarantee or warranty policies are. If you are dissatisfied or if something happens your new Celtic jewelry piece, you will want to know that it can be returned, fixed or replaced.
One reason for the increasing popularity of Celtic jewelry with many people lies in the symbolism so clearly embedded in this type of jewelry. More than a plain band or a simple ring, Celtic jewelry styles are rich with symbols representing love, connection, family and friendship. And those are things that truly never go out of style.
Copyright 2006 Richard Keir
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