Irish Jewelry | Celtic Jewelry

The History of the Celtic Tribes

The Celtic people have a long and rich history that dates back to the Iron Age. They were an ancient group of tribal societies that inhabited much of Europe, including parts of Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Austria. The exact origins of the Celts are unclear, but they are believed to have originated from central Europe and migrated to other parts of Europe, including the British Isles, over time.

The Celtic culture is known for its art, religion, and language. The Celts developed a unique style of art, characterized by intricate knotwork, geometric patterns, and stylized images of animals and humans. They also had a complex religious belief system that incorporated gods and goddesses, magic, and ancestor worship.

The Celts had a great impact on the development of European culture, particularly in the areas that they settled. Their influence can still be seen today in the language, culture, and heritage of the regions where they lived. For example, the Celtic languages of Scotland and Ireland, such as Gaelic, have survived to this day and continue to be spoken by communities in these countries.

Despite centuries of conquest, assimilation, and cultural suppression, the Celtic legacy endures. Today, there are many people who celebrate their Celtic heritage and Irish tradition through cultural events, art, music, and a rich history through the revival of Celtic language and traditions.

Celtic Cross Religious Jewelry

The Celtic cross is believed to have originated in Ireland in the early Middle Ages and was used as a symbol of Christianity. The cross itself is a combination of the Latin cross and the ancient sun wheel, which was a symbol of the Celtic gods. It consists of an intersecting circle or nimbus with a cross in the center and became a popular symbol of the Celtic Christian church and was used on gravestones, church buildings, and illuminated manuscripts. 

Over time, the Celtic Cross spread from Ireland to other parts of Europe and became a symbol of Celtic identity and heritage. Today, it is still used as a symbol of culture, heritage, and faith, and can be worn as a pendant, earrings, cuff links or a ring. It can be used as an amulet to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. 

Who Can Wear Celtic Cross Jewelry

It's often believed you have to be Irish to wear a Celtic Cross Jewelry but this is simply not true. The Celt's were spread throughout Europe so anyone of European descent can wear this beautiful piece of jewelry. 

Types of Celtic Cross Jewelry Pendants

The pendant is an iconic symbol that has been around for centuries. There are 3 different types of Celtic Cross pendants common among jewelry, each with its own unique design and symbolism.

Trinity Celtic Cross Necklaces: The most common type, which features a Latin cross with a circle or nimbus intersecting at the center, is the trinity knot Gold Celtic Cross pendant. This type of cross, typically gold or sterling silver, is decorated with the trinity knot patterns in the cross arms. The trinity knot is a symbol of the Holy Trinity in Christianity. It is composed of three interlocking loops that represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Endless Celtic Cross Pendant: The second type features the endless love knot. It too features a Latin cross with a circle or nimbus but also includes a smaller circle in the center and it replaces the trinity knot with the endless love knot. This cross pendant is normally made from precious metal like yellow gold, sterling silver or platinum. The endless love knots are symbols of eternity, with no beginning and no end, and represent the interconnectedness of all things in life or eternal love.

Claddagh Celtic: The third type includes the Irish Claddagh. This Celtic cross combines the traditional silver Irish symbol, that represents love, loyalty, and friendship with the Latin cross. The crown on top of the heart represents loyalty, while the two hands clasped together represent friendship.

All three pendant designs come in metal types 925 sterling silver, 10k yellow gold, 14k yellow gold, 10k white gold or 14k white gold. Some accented crosses come with gemstones or birthstones stones in the center with the most popular being the emerald. It is a very nice piece of religious custom jewelry. 

What Does Wearing a Celtic Cross Mean?

Wearing a Celtic Cross pendant holds deep significance for many individuals, intertwining elements of spirituality, culture, and personal beliefs. Here are some of the meanings associated with this beautiful piece of jewelry.

A Symbol of Faith

At its core, the Celtic Cross is a representation of faith. The intersecting arms of the cross symbolize the meeting point between the earthly realm and the divine, while the circle or nimbus signifies eternity and God's endless love. Wearing a Celtic Cross pendant can serve as a personal declaration of one’s Christian faith, honoring the beliefs and values associated with spirituality in everyday life.

Connection to Heritage

For many, the Celtic Cross is a powerful emblem of cultural identity, particularly for those of Irish or Scottish descent. This piece of jewelry connects the wearer to their roots and heritage, embracing the rich history and traditions of the Celtic culture. The intricate designs and symbols often found in these pendants add layers of meaning, reflecting ancient beliefs and the artistic craftsmanship of Celtic artisans.

A Representation of Spiritual Journey

The Celtic Cross also symbolizes the journey of faith and the path towards enlightenment. It serves as a reminder for wearers to stay steadfast in their beliefs while navigating through life’s challenges.

US Jewels offers a wide variety of original designs handmade from quality materials. We offer many shipping options, including express shipping and outstanding customer service. Please read through our hundreds of customer reviews on many excellent product types. Celtic jewelry makes a thoughtful gift and is a personal symbol of Celtic heritage. We offer finance in the form of 4 interest-free payments. Come checkout our Celtic jewelry collection, and you will not be disappointed.

See Common Searches