Celtic Knot Jewelry

Things you should know about Celtic Knot Jewelry.

 Celtic knot jewelry has been in existence for centuries. There is much symbolism associated with celtic knot jewelry which is deeply entwined in Celtic history. Most Celtic artwork was comprised of geometrical patterns, and in particular, graphical representations of knots.

As the Celts were deeply religious, they believed that they could not depict items that were directly created by god, hence the heavy use of geometrical patterns and shapes in celtic knot jewelry.  The Christian Celts did include plant, animal and human forms into their art, but this was not until the Christian era.

The interwoven pattern seen on celtic knot jewelry known as plaitwork is an early form of celtic knot jewelry.  There are eight basic forms of this type of knotwork.  Two of these knots have a three-cord plait and the other six have a four-cord plait.

The knots used in celtic knot jewelry are considered an ancient form of art; however, these types of knots can also be seen in Ancient Egyptian artifacts.  The initial use of the knots was to adorn pages of ancient written works.  Many of the edges of these written works contain various knot patterns, and it seems that there is no specific meaning, other than decorative.  Archeologists have not found anything that indicates the true meaning of the various types of Celtic knots; however it is believed that one particular knot – referred to as the eternity knot represents eternity as it has no beginning nor end.

The eternity knot is a popular pattern in celtic knot jewelry. The symbols used in celtic knot jewelry never fail to fascinate people. They contain an almost magical quality which draws and attracts people to celtic knot jewelry. It is almost as though people feel the need to connect with ancient Celts by adorning themselves with celtic knot jewelry.

Celtic knot jewelry is said to be one of the most ancient forms of jewelry and so it stands to reason that it is steeped in not only a rich history, but also a lot of tradition.  The Celts had a deep belief that everything in nature was connected, and they expressed this belief by producing artwork where vines encompassed animals with many knots intertwined.  Much of what the Celts believed is seen in their art and this is largely how they expressed themselves, rather than through writing.  The patterns seen in items such as Celtic knot jewelry can be translated almost as a vocabulary.  In other words, the designs represent the words and the elements of arrangement are the grammar.

Those who wear Celtic knot jewelry may or may not be fully aware of the symbolism of it; however, the concept of a profound independence that is depicted in celtic knot jewelry is relevant even in our modern world.  Many can relate to the ideas and concepts put forward by the ancient Celts in their designs and artwork, reproduced in Celtic knot jewelry.  The Celts had a love for life, the beauty of nature and a close relationship with the elements that surrounded them – earth, water, fire and wind.

When a person enjoys and wears Celtic knot jewelry they can almost absorb the culture and style of the Celts.  They were almost a magical people, who had very deep beliefs in the power of their jewelry.  Some of it was specifically designed to ward off evil or protect them from their enemies.  Rings designed in the celtic knot jewelry design represented eternal love between a man and a woman, or a very deep friendship.  They were faithful to their religious beliefs and were great believers in unconditional love, strength and courage.  They tried to translate much of this belief system and their values into Celtic knot jewelry and their artistic work.

The most common materials used for this wonderful and artistic jewelry are gold and silver, but the ancient Celts also used bronze.

Although there is not much information to find about Celtic knot jewelry, it is a form of art that can be shared by people all over the world.  Each piece is strongly symbolic and almost has a magical quality.  Celtic knot jewelry crosses boundaries of belief and culture and permeates our very souls.