Although Celtic jewelry designs are sold in thousands of jewelry stores around the United States, people who want authentic pieces can actually purchase from Ireland. For instance, some of the finest jewelers are found on the west coast of Ireland where contemporary and traditional jewelry pieces are made, each inspired by Celtic patterns. Many of the jewelers in this area have been making gorgeous pieces for years, often a craft passed down throughout generations.
Of course, a great way people can save money is to buy reproduction Celtic jewelry designs, with many being so realistic it is difficult for anyone to tell them from original pieces. However, buying some of the popular Celtic jewelry designs from a master jewelry is a great way to enjoy handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces. Many jewelry pieces are designed as a way of celebrating the Celtic art, inspired by knot work and other forms of the Irish and Scottish artifacts.
Depending on the jewelry, Celtic jewelry can be made from sterling silver or 14kt gold. Some of the more popular designs include wrist torcs, triskeles, cloak pins, kilt pins, penannulars, and of course, wedding bands. Creators of Celtic jewelry take extreme pride in every piece made, which is one of the special reasons this type of jewelry is so popular and worn by women and men of all ages.
Examples of some of the popular Celtic jewelry designs include:
Buí knot Earrings – This particular pattern of Celtic earrings is named after a goddess who in Celtic mythology took care of several nations and tribes. The name is also the Gaelic word for “yellow”, which is why earrings such as this are often made in yellow gold.
Boar’s Head Pennanular – This is another of the many Celtic jewelry designs based on a rich history. The great thing about this is that different jewelry designers will create a different look for the boar’s head, some traditional and some more contemporary.
Winds Triskele Pendant – This beautiful pendant represents wind with gorgeous oak leaves swirling about.
Ribbon Knot Ring – A favorite piece worn by both genders is the ribbon knot ring. This design can be worn for a casual or formal occasion and it always just looks perfect.
Awena Ring – For women who prefer a dainty, feminine ring, the Awena Celtic ring is a perfect choice. The name translates to Muse in Welsh, simple but stylish.
Some of the unique types of Celtic jewelry designs are the torcs, which are the finished ends on bracelets. The dragon head is simply stunning and perfect for a man who loves fashion. Two other possibilities that men in particular gravitate to include the thistle torc and the lion’s head torc. Whether designed in gold or silver, this is a great way to create a distinctive look.
Along with traditional jewelry designs, there are now many beautiful new pieces being created, each with the Celtic inspiration. For instance, the Eas Coul Aulin pendant is the name of a waterfall by the same name in Scots Gaelic, translated to “beautiful waterfall”. As one of the highest waterfalls in all of Scotland, water cascades vertically without any stopping, as it makes its way down the side of a steep mountainside.
Another of the new Celtic jewelry designs that is now getting a lot of attention is called Arthfael. This knot work is very detailed and elegant, which makes the bracelet simply stunning. This type of bracelet is made with links and a beautiful clasp. To complement the bracelet, women can also choose matching earrings for a gorgeous look. Although some people choose this style in yellow gold, it is even more beautiful in sterling silver or white gold.
Next is a wonderful bracelet called Fethnat. What makes this Celtic jewelry design so unique in that it is the name of the legendary woman musician who played to the Tuatha De’ Dennan. The ring is very delicate and slender because it was worn by this musician while playing her instruments. Because she played the harp and other stringed instruments, she needed a way to adorn the hand but without interruption. Designed with a stone in the middle for a slight touch of color, this makes a fantastic gift.
Wedding rings are among the most popular Celtic jewelry. One design called the Morvan is a wonderful ring inspired by the pierced wave knot. The word Morvan means “sea” and the design of this wedding ring has the look of gentle flowing waves. Of course, many couples prefer the infinity design, which has knots that go completely around the ring, representing eternal life together.
One of the great things about Celtic jewelry designs is that many are created from the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water. In early Celtic culture, the concept of using the elements was very popular, which is why many of the jewelry designs today still incorporate one or all. Triskeles are commonly designed this way, as well as other Celtic art forms. In the Celtic culture, people often design jewelry based on the various stages of life as well. Therefore, Celtic jewelry is indeed unique and special.