Click Lam Jung Blog

Picking Celtic Jewelry For Your Loved One

So you’re not quite ready to make that big jump to the engagement ring just yet, but you still want to show how much you care? Celtic jewelry, Claddagh rings especially, make a wonderful “I Love You” gift without proposing marriage. Celtic jewelry is rich in history, tradition and symbolism and gets your point across in many ways. These silver and gold pieces are prized by women as well as men and are passed down for generations as prised possessions because of their uniqueness. Because of it’s enchanting and unique qualities, Celtic jewelry is historically highly coveted. A successful trade business across the Mediterranean Sea was established back in the Dark Ages when the beauty and style was so new to European area.

Today, Celtic Jewelry continues to enchant wearers everywhere, whether they are of Irish decent or not. The Claddagh rings especially catch the eye and imagination of women still today. While it was named after the ancient village outside Galway City in Ireland, the ring was originally made by a former slave Richard Joyce. He was captured and taken from his homeland and held as a slave in the West Indies. At some point, he was sold to a goldsmith of Moorish decent who taught Joyce the art of jewelry making. Finally, Joyce was released to his home and settled down in Claddagh where he created his famous ring as a symbol for his love of family and country. This ring has a heart representing love, a crown representing loyalty and hands symbolizing friendship. Because all these elements are so instrumental in a relationship, many use the Claddagh ring as an engagement ring. However, tradition says that if the ring is worn on the right hand with the crown facing away from the base of the finer, this means someone is in a serious relationship. If the ring is worn with with the crown  facing the base of  the finger, she is not in a serious relationship.  Still others define the relationship status based on which hand the ring is worn on. If it’s on the left hand, the person is married, if on the right, they’re available.

Celtic jewelry doesn’t have to come in a ring to be meaningful or romantic. Brooches, Celtic Cross necklaces and Triquetra pendants all convey wonderful sentiments of love and devotion with their presence. The Triquetria is Latin for three corners. It also symbolizes the holy trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This endless knot look also symbolizes an endless love for someone. This profound and symbolic design is made often into earrings as well as bracelets. Any of the crosses are appropriate gifts for a loved one and represent the bridge or the passage that one experiences between heaven and earth. Many times, there will be a circle behind the cross that signifies eternal spiritual love and infinity. 

Whatever piece of Celtic jewelry you decide on, be it the Claddagh rings or the intricate designed bracelet, know that women before her have cherished these pieces for years and that she will too.