| The mysterious and the mystical have always had the | | | | symbolize eternal and undying love; this is why they |
| power to hold human beings in thrall throughout the | | | | are exchanged by the bride and groom in present day |
| millennia. Celtic jewelry is no exception to this, since | | | | wedding ceremonies - to signify their fidelity and |
| they are an extension and a reminder of the traditions | | | | never-ending commitment to each other. Such rings |
| and rituals of the Celts, an ancient European people. | | | | and bracelets are also given to friends as an indication |
| Today, men and women of all ages wear Celtic | | | | of loyalty. |
| jewelry not only for their beauty, but also for their | | | | Necklaces and pendants are likewise integral parts of |
| symbolism and metaphysical connotations. | | | | a Celtic jewelry collection. Depending on the wearer's |
| Also popularly -- though inaccurately -- known as | | | | preferences, the pendant may depict the image of |
| Claddagh jewelry, Celtic designs are appreciated for | | | | Celtic figures such as the ever-popular knot, spiral, |
| their intricacy and beauty. Numerous patterns of Celtic | | | | Celtic cross, serpent or dragon. Such symbols have |
| origin, such as the spiral and the cross, are used by | | | | deep spiritual and religious meaning, and it is one of the |
| jewelers in their creations. The Celtic spiral symbolizes | | | | main reasons why Celtic jewelry items are popular |
| eternity and is used abundantly in many Celtic jewelry | | | | dress accessories today. |
| items today. Just as popular is the Celtic cross, which | | | | A person does not have to be Irish or Scottish or to |
| pre-dates the Christian cross by about two centuries. | | | | have any other Celtic connection in order to appreciate |
| The Celtic cross is thought to bring greater knowledge, | | | | Celtic jewelry. Whether given as gifts or maintained as |
| understanding and the fortitude to deal with trials and | | | | personal keepsakes, these unique pieces can be |
| adversities, as compared to the Christian cross, which | | | | enjoyed just for their beauty alone. But a little |
| is believed to protect the wearer from harm. | | | | awareness of their meaning, as well as their place in |
| Claddagh rings and bracelets are two more examples | | | | history and tradition add to their air of enigma and |
| of popular Celtic jewelry items that are replete with | | | | allure. |
| symbolism. Rings that have the Celtic knot design | | | | |