By Joye T. Moser


Both the Claddagh ring and the Celtic cross necklace are pieces of Celtic jewelry that have an interesting and romantic part in Irish culture and lore. The following is a little history about their origin, symbolisms and customs that are associated with them.

The Claddagh ring generally consists of a crowned heart-shape grasped by two hands. The ring supposedly originates, and gets its name from, a small fishing village in Ireland, and is traditionally given as a gesture of friendship, love, or marriage. The original versions were produced in the 17th century, evolved while Ireland was under Roman rule, and have now become one of the most familiar and unique jewelry designs in the world.

The Claddagh ring makes an excellent gift for people looking for something special since each element of its intricate design represents a key quality. For example, the heart represents love, the hands that hold it mean friendship and the crown is a sign of loyalty.

How a woman positioned the ring, shows her social status to the world. For example, if a young person wore the ring on her right hand finger, with the heart pointed toward the tips of her fingers, she was unattached and could be courted. Conversely, if she wore it on her right hand and pointed in the opposite direction, it showed she was in a relationship. Wearing the ring on her left hand, with the heart pointed out away from her body showed she was engaged. Lastly, if she wore it on the same hand, but pointed toward her, she was married.

A Celtic cross necklace has a circle placed on the center of the crux of the cross area, and somehow connects sun worship and Catholicism, according to historical experts. Precisely what that connection was is somewhat unclear since some reports state that it was introduced by pagan Irish converts when they embraced their new religion to mesh their traditional religion with heir new one, others state that is signified the Catholic religion's dominance over sun worship. Either way, its history gives the necklace an interesting history that has helped make it one of the best known items of Celtic jewelry.

All things considered, it is easy to see why countless people looking for classy timeless jewelry ideas decide to buy a Claddagh ring, Celtic cross necklace, and other jewelry. So, the next time you are shopping for jewelry, remember to look at Celtic jewelry.




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