| c jewelry and designs have been popular for many | | | | border type pattern and represent strength and |
| years and are well known for their intricate and | | | | power. |
| flowing patterns. Celtic jewelry itself is an ancient | | | | Rope Work - this finely detailed pattern looks like a |
| form of design, with different styles of | | | | flat braid or woven piece of rope. It is typically used |
| interconnected lines and symbols that all display the | | | | to provide a border or central pattern on rings and |
| early belief that everything in the world worked | | | | bracelets. The rope work symbol is often paired with |
| together and in harmony. | | | | crosses and spirals to create a flowing and almost |
| Different knots, shapes and patterns have come to | | | | undulating pattern. |
| symbolize different aspects of Celtic belief and | | | | Knots - single or double knots are common in the |
| culture, although most people today are not aware | | | | patterns of Celtic design and represent togetherness, |
| of all the history behind the pieces. Below are a few | | | | loyalty and connection. The knots are formed with |
| of the common patterns and symbols used in Celtic | | | | no apparent beginning or end and may have also |
| jewelry and their modern or ancient meanings: | | | | been used to symbolize the eternity of the world. |
| Celtic Cross - the original Celtic cross is actually | | | | The first Celtic knot patterns were believed to have |
| different than the cross associated with Christianity | | | | been developed around 450 AD. |
| and the modern Christian churches. The Celtic cross | | | | Much of the history and exact meaning behind |
| has four equally long arms and is always traditionally | | | | different Celtic jewelry patterns has been lost and |
| in front of or enclosed by a circle. This represents | | | | can only be speculated on. Unfortunately there was |
| the four elements of the world, earth, air, water and | | | | no written record of what each of the various knots |
| fire and the circle of course represents the | | | | and patterns originally represented and any stories or |
| interconnectedness of the four elements. | | | | legends have been long lost. Some basic meanings, |
| Spirals - a very common pattern, sometimes | | | | such as the three cornered symbol or the trinity knot |
| completed with such fine detail they seem to be | | | | is found in more than just Celtic jewelry and design |
| hypnotic, the spiral indicates birth and the expansion | | | | and is likely representative of the human body, mind |
| of all living things through life. It is also the symbol of | | | | and spirit or of the more Christian representation of |
| the sun, which is needed for life and growth. A | | | | the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. |
| clockwise spiral is the winter sun and a | | | | Regardless of the exact meaning behind the Celtic |
| counterclockwise spiral the summer sun. Two spirals | | | | jewelry patterns, it is impossible not to be impressed |
| going opposite directions back to back are similar to | | | | with the workmanship and detail that goes into |
| other symbols that indicate balance and good and | | | | creating these infinite patterns. Celtic jewelry is not |
| evil, birth and death and yin and yang. | | | | available everywhere, but with a bit of looking around |
| Chevrons - this looks somewhat like stylized heart | | | | you are likely to find a piece that really captures your |
| shapes but they are connected from the point of | | | | imagination and will make a great addition to your |
| one chevron to the widest or top part of the other. | | | | jewelry collection. |
| They are often used as a repetitive pattern or | | | | |