168 of 173 Items
168 of 173 Items
Are you dreaming of a grand Irish wedding? The special kind that is packed full of tradition and heritage making it memorable for all who attend? That perfect day will have some beautifully crafted Celtic jewelry at the heart of it. There are multiple styles to choose from, whether you opt for Celtic wedding bands, Claddagh wedding bands, Irish necklaces, or something else from our wide range of Irish jewelry. There is something mystical about these ranges because they are steeped in heritage and are firmly rooted in time-honored Irish tradition.
Elegant Claddagh Rings Made In Ireland
The delicate Celtic patterns make each exquisite piece a thing of beauty and character. The Claddagh ring represents the height of tradition. The pretty Claddagh is traditionally given as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. In Irish lore, the hands represent friendship, the heart represents love and the crown represents loyalty. The design and customs associated with the Claddagh began in an Irish village by the same name. This whimsical, charming ring style first originated in the 17th century.
Celtic Bracelets Crafted in Ireland
You can also browse our bangles and bracelets designed with intricate Irish patterns making them stand out from everyday designs with cultural pride. Wear your Irish pride on your wrist or finger and bring a touch of enchantment to the big day. To celebrate the day with authenticity and Irish charm, there is no better symbol of Ireland’s heritage than some beautiful Celtic jewelry.
Celtic jewelry is older than Ireland and actually originates in Europe with the Iron Age La Tène culture, which existed in modern-day western Europe until about the fifth century. Today, archeologists and historians simply refer to the people as “Celts.” La Tène culture, primarily originating in contemporary Switzerland, spread throughout northern Europe, eventually reaching Great Britain and Ireland. Their art was characterized by intense geometric patterns, particularly spirals and knots. Jewelry and metalwork were popular and often made out of gold, silver, and bronze.
After the Roman conquest of Britain and Ireland and the spread of early Christianity, the production of what historians now call Insular art began. The term comes from the Latin word for “island”—insula—and unlike La Tène art, the styles produced in Britain and Ireland remained distinct from that of mainland western Europe. Insular art incorporated many of the geometric designs from La Tène art into its motifs but began to use them in devotional illustrations and the construction of crosses, as Ireland was quickly becoming a Christian country. In this era, work began on the Book of Kells, the most famous illuminated manuscript in European medieval history. The intricate folios feature elaborate Celtic knots, swirls, and spirals, often surrounding illustrations of monks, animals, and plants. The famous manuscript is on view at Trinity College Dublin, and every day of the year a different page is on view to the public.
What makes the Tara Brooch so unique?
The Tara Brooch is one of the most famed examples of jewelry from the Insular period. Though it was named for the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the high kings of Ireland, it was found nearly 25 miles away in the seaside town of Bettystown, County Meath in 1850. The antique dealer who eventually sold it likely named it for the Hill of Tara to increase its perceived value, as in the mid-19th century Celtic Revival had heightened the mania for artifacts from ancient and medieval Ireland.
Today, several companies like ShanOre and Solvar Jewelry continue the tradition of the Celtic revival and Insular artwork in modern jewelry pieces that provide a renewed sense of heritage while being completely contemporary. For anyone interested in owning a special piece of Irish artistic history, enjoy our broad selection of Celtic jewelry In a range of styles and price points.
