Historians believe Celtic clans first settled in Germany and Austria from near 1,200BC. The clans were a society of agriculturalists and soldiers. It is believed around the time of the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, the Celts migrated south across France and to the Iberian Peninsula. It was around 500BC when the Celts first arrived in Britain and Ireland. Over hundreds of years the Celts spread throughout the Ireland’s countryside. In the fifth century by the time Christianity came to Ireland the Celtic language, traditions and culture were the dominant force in Ireland.
Celtic Art of The La Tene Period
With the Celtic language and culture flourishing in Ireland their style of artwork would soon take hold in Irish culture as well. Celtic artists started to demonstrate a more advanced type of artwork. The Celtic form of art during this time is called the La Tene style[JD1] . Named after the town of La Tène in Switzerland. The Celtic art called La Tène is characterized by curves and spirals. There is little Representative art of the human seen. The style is more defined by abstract geometric design such as the Celtic knot and the common triple spiral design known as the triskelion or triskele.
Celtic Knots are a popular Celtic symbol but there are many types of Celtic Knots. Celtic knots are like circles and loops interwoven with no beginning or end. A symbol of eternity and the cycle of life. Celtic symbols are widely popular in Celtic Tattoos and in Celtic Jewelry. Celtic symbols have a variety of Celtic Knot meanings representing family, strength, protection, love and more.
While the exact origins of Celtic Knots are lost to time historians believe these Celtic symbols date to around 500 BC. Celtic knots have been found carved into ancient Celtic architecture, art and in illuminated manuscripts. Celtic Jewelry is thought to date back to around 2000 BC to around 550 AD. This was the period in which historian believe Celtic craftsman began using silver and gold to craft beautiful Celtic jewelry adorned with Celtic symbols and knots. The exact meaning of the Celtic knot has unfortunately been lost in through the centuries and are left to interpretation.
Common styles of Celtic jewelry during this time included torcs, likely worn as a status symbol since they considered jewelry to be decorative rather than practical. Another type of Celtic jewelry found with torcs during this period is the Celtic cloak brooch. The famous and impressive Tara Brooch made of silver-gilt and decorated with fine filigree interlaced design. The Tara Brooch is a magnificent Celtic cloak brooch. This style of Celtic brooch is repeated throughout Celtic jewelry.
Celtic knotwork designs are embossed on large Celtic stone crosses all over Ireland that have with stood the test of time and are depicted in metal work and Celtic jewelry on ancient riches like the Ardagh Chalice part of the Ardagh Hoard on display at National Museum of Archaeology in Ireland in Dublin along with the famous Tara brooch.
Celtic Jewelry is so highly sought after and admired throughout the world. Tourists to Ireland often wonder about the local crafts the country is famous for creating. Ireland is famous for a variety of crafts including wool sweaters and its famous world-renowned Celtic Jewelry.
What jewelry is Ireland known for?
Ireland is known for beautiful Celtic Jewelry inspired by the ancient Celtic philosophy . Celtic jewelry is steeped in culture from Ireland with symbols of love, family, faith, and friendship passed for generations. Celtic jewelry has timeless appeal and is a wonderful representation of the vibrant Irish culture and people.
Celtic jewelry is high quality and handcrafted inspired by all things Irish and made from the finest material by expert Irish jewelers. When a customer buys a piece of Celtic jewelry such as a Claddagh Ring, or Celtic Trinity Knot they are not only getting a beautiful piece of jewelry they are also passing on traditional Celtic culture and custom.