| The spiritual faith of the Celtic people has been | | | | treasure, the winged lion and bull are depicted |
| celebrated in story, song, and art for thousands | | | | alongside fine examples of Celtic interlace. Often, |
| of years. The notion of eternity and the | | | | Celtic symbols appear together, and this is still the |
| endlessness of God's love is reflected in the | | | | case with today's jewelry designs. |
| greatest art treasures of the Insular Art Period, | | | | In Scotland, in prehistoric times, animals were |
| which began in the sixth century. | | | | used to represent the Clans. They would appear |
| Before the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, and | | | | on stone carvings known as ornamented stones. |
| Wales converted to Christ, they were Pagan. | | | | The animal motifs were stylized and highly |
| They believed in Goddess worship and the | | | | detailed, just as they are today. Often, they will |
| sanctity of the natural world. Many early symbols | | | | feature the outline of an animal, and an inset of |
| of eternity now present on Celtic rings can be | | | | detailed interlace. |
| traced back to the days of the Druids. Over time, | | | | Another potent symbol of the Celtic people and |
| the ancient Pagan symbols evolved, and became | | | | their belief in the eternal nature of faith and |
| symbols of devotion to Christ, the one true God. | | | | existence is the Spiral. This curving decoration is |
| Today, Celtic rings feature a wide array of | | | | also referred to as a whorl, and it appears on all |
| motifs, and all of them carry some element of | | | | manner of Celtic art, dating back to the Insular |
| mystical beauty. The intricate, hypnotic lines of | | | | period. |
| Celtic knot work (also known as interlace) are a | | | | Spirals often appear together with animal symbols |
| popular design feature in today's styles. Celtic | | | | or knot work, creating a rich, dimensional beauty. |
| interlace is meant to express the idea of the | | | | Celtic rings with spirals often feature lines or |
| endless spiritual journey through existence. | | | | clusters of the classical shape, which it thought to |
| It represents birth, death, and spiritual rebirth. The | | | | represent the journey through all the cycles of |
| lines of Celtic interlace are never-ending. They can | | | | life. Starting at the center and radiating outward, |
| be traced forever. The artistry needed to | | | | the rings of the spiral each symbolize another turn |
| produce classic knot work designs is a matter of | | | | through the phases of human life, and another |
| pride for Irish artisans in the 21st century. Since | | | | step closer to God and the afterlife. This sense of |
| the sixth century, the Irish have been | | | | eternity is one of the most touching aspects of |
| world-renowned for their excellence in metal | | | | the Celtic traditions. |
| work, and today's craftsmen follow in their | | | | Rings with the symbols discussed above will be |
| venerable footsteps. | | | | much the same as rings created thousands of |
| As well as classic knot work, Celtic Rings also | | | | years ago. Modern design techniques are now |
| feature zoomorphic, or animal, symbols. These | | | | used, but the best Celtic rings are still made by |
| decorative depictions of animals and mythical | | | | hand, usually in Ireland. |
| creatures, such as winged lions (Griffins) can also | | | | Discovering the meaning of ancient Celtic symbols |
| be traced back to Druidic times. The most | | | | can be a satisfying way to connect with the past. |
| common zoomorphic symbols you will find on | | | | The proud tradition of masterful Celtic metal work |
| today's rings are serpents, birds, and winged bulls. | | | | and artistry will assure you of a ring you will |
| In the Book of Kells, Ireland's greatest national art | | | | treasure forever. |