Claddagh and Celtic Jewelry from IrelandFine Celtic and claddagh jewelry made in Ireland by Solvar, JMH, TJH and Fado. Sterling silver and 10k and 14k gold pieces have been assayed and hallmarked at Dublin Castle...
|
WHAT DESIGNS ARE FOUND IN IRISH JEWELRY?
THE IRISH CLADDAGH-- The Irish Claddagh is a design featuring a heart held by two hands with a crown above. It has travelled the world as a unique and enduring symbol of Ireland and the bonds between friends and loved ones. The heart represents love, the two hands represent friendship, and the crown represents loyalty.
The Claddagh was first designed over 400 years ago in a small fishing village ouside Galway in the west of Ireland. The very first Claddagh was designed as a ring, but the design has become so well-loved over the centuries that the Claddagh is now found on every other type of Irish jewlery.
CELTIC KNOTWORK-- Celtic knotwork designs feature intricate continuous and interwoven lines, and are often found carved in stone on Irish High Crosses and in the highly decorated borders of illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow. To the Celts, these flowing designs represented the interconnectedness of life, things without beginnings and ends, and the ongoing spirtual journey.
"We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time." (T. S. Elliot)
THE TRINITY KNOT-- The Trinity Knot is a three sided continuous Celtic Knot that is often found on Irish crosses to represent the Christian Trinity.
THE IRISH SHAMROCK-- Legend tells us that Saint Patrick plucked a small shamrock growing by his feet to explain the concept of the Christian Trinity to his followers... three distinct leaves yet only one plant. To this day, on Saint Patrick's Day (March 17) bunches of shamrock are worn and presented as a reminder of Ireland's patron saint. |
|
