| The History of Symbolism, Legend & Lore | | | | represents life, death, the change of seasons, love and |
| History of Claddagh Jewelry | | | | human spirit. Celtic jewelry is often embedded with |
| Claddagh jewelry is modeled after the claddagh ring, | | | | many symbols that have been passed down from as |
| which first surfaced in Ireland more than 400 years | | | | early as the 8th century B.C. |
| ago. The claddagh ring has a rich history; if you aren't | | | | Each of the symbols used in celtic jewelry have |
| familiar already, the claddagh ring is shaped to | | | | different meanings. Some were created by artisans, |
| resemble two hands grasping a heart with a crown on | | | | whereas others were created by tribal members. |
| top. Legend & lore has several explanations for | | | | Knotwork Designs |
| the creation of this unique and popular pattern. | | | | Celtic knotwork designs are perhaps the most well |
| One legend is that a man named Richard Joyce while | | | | known celtic symbols; crafted by artisans these |
| on a voyage to the Mediterranean was captured by | | | | designs are woven into rings, bracelets, earrings, |
| Armenian pirates, and spend years in captivity as a | | | | pendants and wedding bands. Symbols may reflect |
| result. While held captive he learned the skills | | | | power and unity, and more commonly spiritual belief |
| necessary to become an artificer of precious metals. | | | | and kinship among people and eternity. |
| Joyce eventually was returned to his homeland, | | | | Other common designs crafted by Celtic craftsmen |
| despite protests from his owner, who had wished he | | | | included: |
| would marry his daughter. Joyce pursued a career in | | | | - Triskeles - The Triskele represented the importance |
| crafting gold and silver jewelry. | | | | of the number three, which symbolized the Threefold |
| Many myths abound as to how Joyce came up with | | | | Sister Goddess worshiped by the Druids. |
| the symbolism he used in his claddagh jewelry, but the | | | | - Spirals - This symbol was often found on Dolmans |
| true origins are not known. | | | | and gravesites; the true meaning of the symbol isn't |
| Yet another legend follows a similar story; it tells the | | | | quite known though many believe it represents the |
| tale of Richard, a young man who was kidnapped by | | | | outer soul or higher spirit forms, the idea of growth and |
| Spanish pirates one day while fishing with other men in | | | | expansion and higher energy. A double spiral |
| his family. Richard and his family were sold into slavery | | | | represents equinoxes. |
| off the North Coast of Africa. Just before being | | | | - Animal Motifs - Animal motifs represent a variety of |
| captured Richard had met his true love, and lived in | | | | different traditions; Birds were thought to represent |
| fear that he would never see her again. Richard | | | | death transitions; Boars symbolized masculine power; |
| longed for his beloved, and each day to remember her | | | | Bulls represent virility and wealth; Cats represented |
| he stole a minute amount of gold from the slave | | | | guardians; Cranes suggested punishment or deception; |
| masters shop where he worked. After years had | | | | Deer represented profound changes in life; Dragons |
| passed he was able to create a ring with the gold he | | | | represent magic and power; Eagles were linked to |
| gathered. Richard's hope was that one day, if freed, he | | | | God; Serpents the cycle of life, particularly when it |
| could present the day to his love. One day Richard | | | | shed its skin. |
| was able to return to Ireland, and found his beloved | | | | - Crosses - The cross evolved in the British Isles, with |
| awaiting him. He offered her the claddagh ring for her | | | | the earliest form dating from the 9th century. Legend |
| devotion and patience. | | | | has it that St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by |
| The second story regarding the origin of this style ring | | | | drawing a circle over a traditional Latin cross. The |
| and other claddagh jewelry is much more highly | | | | circle is thought to represent eternity and God's love |
| regarded, because among other things claddagh | | | | which is endless. The four arms of the cross have |
| jewelry has come to symbolize love and devotion. | | | | been used by other cultures to denote the four |
| Claddagh jewelry has become very popular in Ireland | | | | elements and the four parts of man (mind, body, soul |
| over the centuries, and many of the pieces fashioned | | | | and heart). |
| after this style are often kept as heirlooms among | | | | - Chevrons - These symbols, resembling arrowheads |
| family members. At the time of Joyce there was a | | | | linked together, represent power. |
| Claddagh village, which remained as a self contained | | | | The oldest and most recognized of these symbols is |
| community until about 70 years ago. Jewelry fashioned | | | | the single spiral. Growth, expansion, cosmic energy, all |
| in the claddagh style is considered part of Irish legend | | | | of these ideas could be represented by the single |
| & lore, and remains an important part of Irish | | | | spiral. The tightly wound symbol has been used by |
| history. Today claddagh jewelry is worn as a symbol | | | | many other cultures since the time of the Celts. Many |
| of Irish heritage, friendship, unity and love among people | | | | believe a spiral spinning in a counter clockwise direction |
| in all cultures. | | | | is representative of the larger summer sun. |
| Tradition has it that if a claddagh ring is worn on the | | | | Celtic knots are considered the most ornamental |
| right hand, with the crown turned inward the wearer is | | | | pattern associated with the Celtic people. Celtic |
| still searching for love; if the crown is worn facing | | | | knotwork patterns were discovered all over Ireland in |
| outward love is in the air. For those that wear the ring | | | | early settlements and at burial grounds. The idea that |
| on the left of course, a person is said to be spoken | | | | life is never ending, and that people are re-born at |
| for. | | | | death is incorporated into the idea of loops or knots |
| Celtic Jewelry Traditions | | | | with no beginning and no end. One of the more well |
| Celtic jewelry, like claddagh jewelry is rich in history | | | | known celtic knots is the Trinity Knot, which is actually |
| and tradition. The term "Celtic" typically refers to | | | | a combination of Celtic and spiritual heritage. |
| people who are descendants of different provinces of | | | | Whether purchasing claddagh jewelry or celitc jewelry, |
| western Europe, who lived during the time around the | | | | you can be assured that you are investing in gems |
| birth of Christ. Most Celtic history, legend & lore | | | | that are rich in symbolism and tradition. Celtic and |
| have been passed down from generation to | | | | claddagh jewelry have been around for centuries, and |
| generation via word of mouth, or through artwork and | | | | will continue to be popular in many cultures and regions |
| symbolism. Much celtic jewelry displays symbolism that | | | | of the world. |