When it comes to vintage and vintage-inspired pieces, nothing beats the Celtic era. The bold pattern of this style has won over the hearts of many, and is sure to remain in trend for a long time.
But what exactly is Celtic jewelry and what makes it so sought-after? Read on to find out.
What is Celtic Jewelry
The term ‘Celtic’ is used to describe the European people that lived during the Iron Age. The title was given to several tribes who shared a similar location, language, religion as well as the type of jewelry they wore.
While the origin of Celtic jewelry can be traced back to 2000 BC, it only became famous somewhere between 500 to 550 AD, when the Celts arrived in Ireland.
The jewelry during this time was primarily created from gold, silver and bronze, and featured a range of intricate spirals and geometric designs. It later expanded to incorporate several symbols and phrases, which eventually became synonymous with Celtic jewelry.
Also Read: What Are the Different Types of Jewelry?
Why is it famous?
Celtic jewelry is considered to be one of the most unique jewelry styles for a variety of reasons. Below we’ve listed some of them…
- A distinct lack of gems
- Brilliant use of filigree
- Words of love
- Use of symbols
- History of Ireland
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1. A distinct lack of gems
Unlike many other jewelry forms, the beauty of the Celtic style lies in its focus on the metal designs and not the gemstones. A great example of this is the world-renowned Claddagh ring which features a crown sitting atop two hands holding a heart. It signifies love, friendship, and loyalty. And while some contemporary variations are studded with gemstones, the original design continues to remain highly sought-after, especially for weddings.
2. Brilliant use of filigree
Considering the focus on design elements, filigree was often used to decorate Celtic jewelry. Today, this type of metalwork is greatly valued for the gracefulness, beauty and old-world charm that it infuses into the jewelry.
3. Words of love
While several cultures used words on their jewelry, Celtic phrases are considered to be the most romantic by far. Some of their more popular lines include ‘Mo Anam Cara’, which translates to ‘My Soul Mate’, and also ‘Gra Geal mo Chroi’, which roughly means ‘Love of My Heart’. Interestingly, the English translations of these phrases are still incredibly popular.
4. Use of symbols
It is often said that the meaning hidden behind various jewelry designs is what makes them truly special. This belief is beautifully represented in Celtic jewelry which makes use of several symbols, such as the Celtic Cross and Trinity Knot to depict several ideologies.
5. History of Ireland
Interestingly, Celtic designs were often used as a method of storytelling. As such, one can find many pieces containing figures and symbols that depict tales of Irish history. This is one of the most unique aspects about this particular style of jewelry that sets it apart from the other vintage counterparts.
Also Read: These 2024 Jewelry Trends Are Major—You Won’t Regret Buying Our Top Picks
Parting Note
Today, Celtic or Celtic-era-inspired jewelry continues to win hearts with its distinct charm. If you wish to own one, we recommend opting for something that is embellished with gemstones for an extra pop of vibrancy.
