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Silver Celtic Jewelry

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The Celtic people were a collection of tribes who lived in Western Europe (Northern Spain, Gaul, Britain and Ireland) from about 2000 BC to 450 AD. They were given the name "Celt" by the invading Romans. They now remain only in Ireland, the Western part of Britain (Wales) and in Britanny in Northern France, pushed westwards by invading German tribes from 500 AD onwards.

They were characterised by their culture, in particular their jewelry which was crafted in silver and featured knots in endless designs. The knot designs also pemeated the first bo0ks, notably the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript made in the 9th Century in Scotland, which featured beautifully drawn celtic knots.

Folklore says that the knots are meant to symbolise eternity, with no beginnings or ends, and silver celtic jewelry was worn to ward off evil spirits. Naturally the ancient pagan aspect of celtic culture was incorporated into Christianity, with the Celtic Cross having a knot design in the middle of it.

Silver celtic jewelry took many forms. The wealthier members of society wore armlets, torques, and necklaces with the intricate designs. Even shields for war featured the designs. Most members of society wore at least a silver celtic ring. They were usually cast by carving the patterns into wax, and then pouring in the silver. It's the wax that gives the jewelry it's smooth rounded feel. There are no hard edges in the knot designs.

Modern celtic jewelry copies some of the designs found on jewelry discovered by achaeologists and also the designs found in the illuminated manuscripts. Some of the designs are new however, but follow the principles of knot design.