| Yes, Celtic Jewelry is Beautifully Designed ... but it | | | | pewter, which are sometimes set with synthetic |
| also has a purpose. | | | | gems such as cubic zirconia. |
| Jewelry has existed since prehistoric times, | | | | Since ancient times, Celtic jewelry has been |
| probably originating as a method to fastenclothes | | | | famous for its beauty and its fine craftsmanship. |
| together (such as a Celtic kilt clasp, brooch or | | | | Many different types of Celtic jewelry incorporate |
| buckle) and as a way to store and later display | | | | "Celtic knots," the beautiful, stylized |
| wealth. Although some jewelry still has functional | | | | representations of endless knots that were used |
| purposes, now it is most oftenworn in order to | | | | by ancient Celts to symbolize their paganreligious |
| enhance a person's appearance. | | | | beliefs. |
| But in addition to personal adornment, certain | | | | A Celtic cross, encrusted with diamonds, is a |
| types of jewelry are able to convey a particular | | | | particularly striking piece. But many other |
| symbolic meaning about the people who wear | | | | well-known Celtic design elements, such as the |
| them. | | | | Tree of Life, the Trinity Knot, dragons (especially |
| For example, wearing a piece of Celtic jewelry is | | | | Welsh dragons) and the Claddagh design can be |
| almost always intended to signify thatthe person | | | | incorporated into Celtic jewelry. |
| wearing it traces his or her ancestry to the Celts. | | | | Clasps, pins and brooches, buckles, rings, |
| Celtic jewelry is often worn to indicate that a | | | | bracelets, necklaces, hairpins, and, most |
| person is proud of being a Celt. The designof | | | | notably,torcs, are classic, traditional pieces ofCeltic |
| Celtic jewelry is often intricate and almost always | | | | jewelry. Other types of Celtic jewelry include |
| steeped in the past. | | | | tietacs and tie pins, lockets, cuff links, earrings and |
| Wearing these beautiful pieces of jewelry is an | | | | even watches. Many pieces of Celticjewelry are |
| effective but easy way for people to signifythe | | | | made by gifted artisans, and almost all exhibit fine |
| importance to them of their Celtic heritage and | | | | craftsmanship andintricate detail. |
| culture, while at the same time allowingthose | | | | Back to the True Purpose of Celtic Jewelry. |
| people to carry on and continue Celtic traditions. | | | | People who are able to trace their ancestry to |
| The Celtic cross that incorporatesboth Christian | | | | one of the "Six Celtic Nations" - Ireland, |
| and ancient Celtic pagan design elements is a | | | | Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and |
| popular example. | | | | Brittany - have a proud and honorableheritage, |
| Types of Celtic Jewelry. | | | | one that can be nurtured by wearing Celtic |
| Celtic jewelry can be made out of almost | | | | jewelry. A large part of the popuationsof Ireland |
| anything, including precious metals such as | | | | and Britain, together with their relatives who live |
| gold,sterling silver and platinum. Precious and | | | | elsewhere, are of Celticancestry. And almost all |
| semi-precious gemstones such as | | | | Celts celebrate and honor Celtic traditions and the |
| diamonds,emeralds, sapphires, rubies and topaz, | | | | Celtic heritage. |
| can be incorporated into almost any design. | | | | Celtic jewelry is a way, a very visible and |
| Celtic jewelry can also be made from lesser | | | | beautiful way, to honor, celebrate and revel in |
| metals such as silver plate, vermeil, brassor | | | | Celtic culture. |