You don't have to be of Irish descent to appreciate Celtic culture. The symbolism and history of the jewelry is relevant to any culture. Main Celtic themes include love and friendship- sentiments that to which everyone can relate. Celtic symbolism and motifs have graced jewelry and art since the stone age. There is now a revival or renaissance of particular themes which are attractive to people today, including: love, eternity, the crossing of spiritual and physical life paths, and undying loyalty.

Who Were The Celts? The Celts comprised a group of people who descend from the original 7 Celtic provinces of Western Europe-Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, Galicia, Isle of Man, and Ireland. Generally, the Celts were scattered throughout Europe, consequently universal cultural norms and societal ways are difficult to quantify.

When Did They Live? The Celts lived during the early beginnings of Christianity over two thousand years ago. The word, "Celt" derives from the Ancient Greek name, Keltoi- given to all peoples living north of the Alps.

How Did Their Culture Influence Their Jewelry? The Celts did not have a written culture like today. Instead, they passed their beliefs, values, and history through an oral tradition. The spoken word and symbolism through artwork was their way of expressing religious beliefs and interpretations of the land, seasons, animals, and even food.

The original designs and symbols found in Celtic jewelry today reflect those ancient beliefs. The symbols found in Celtic jewelry have various meanings depending on the tribe, location, time period, and the preferred Celtic Gods. Some Celtic symbols represent the tribe's brotherhood and unity, while others, like the Claddagh ring represents romantic love or marriage between two lovers.

Modern Day Celtic Symbolism and Celtic Art: There is a collection of Celtic motifs that have been adopted today as symbolic of the different Celtic national identities, including: Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Brittany, and Cornwall. One such symbol is the Triqueta knot, also known as the Trinity Knot. Although there is no concrete knowledge of the meaning of certain Celtic knots, a basic interpretation is that they represent the crossing of the spiritual path with the physical path. Knot work is also said by many to mean eternity or the vast continuum.

Spirals are also a commonly well-know Celtic art motif and date back from 2,500 B.C. Cosmic symbolism abounds in a spiral design, which is a microcosm for other designs in nature: seashells, the whirlpool, the galaxy. These most particularly were used as adornments in the Celtic Iron Age. Along with knot work, spirals have become symbols of the modern Celtic art movement, and are often found, in jewelry patterning as well as large stone crosses, known in Ireland as "High Crosses."

Hudson Road Trading Company becomes a good resource for you and your loved ones in the choice of Celtic jewelry. We have put together a selection of favorite pieces of Celtic jewelry; with any luck, we will successfully introduce you to new pieces from time to time which you will want to purchase and enjoy for years to come.