| Jewelry as we know it has existed since time | | | | they are drawn with no beginning and no end. |
| immemorial. Today, these adornments are | | | | These symbols are said to be tributes for nature |
| regarded as mere accessories, something used to | | | | that the warriors draw on their swords, shields |
| beautify a person from head to toe. What we | | | | and armors. |
| sometimes fail to realize is that these little trinkets | | | | Today, Celtic symbols are taken from the shields |
| have their own story to tell. They share a part of | | | | and are transferred to contemporary Irish |
| the history of any culture known to mankind. | | | | jewelry. Studs of Triquetra earrings are available |
| The origin of the word "jewelry" can be traced | | | | everywhere at any given time. Celtic knots |
| back from the Latin term "jocale" which means | | | | decorate cross pendants and bracelets. More and |
| plaything. To our ancestors however, a piece of | | | | more people are buying them not only because of |
| jewelry is more than just a plaything. They were | | | | their unique design but its rich symbolism as well. |
| regarded as a currency, worn as a status symbol, | | | | The Triquetra for example is the Celtic symbol |
| representation, membership to a group and | | | | for the Trinity, anything and everything that has a |
| sometimes protection from illness or evil spirits. | | | | three-fold persona or dimension. If for Catholics, |
| The crown for example is a sign of royalty, | | | | the Trinity is the Holy Father, the Son and the |
| anyone who wears it is implied to belong to a | | | | Holy Ghost, the Trinity knot to an ancient Celt |
| family of royal blood. To believers of Jesus Christ, | | | | signifies the three partition of the earth: water, |
| the cross is a symbol of their faith or sometimes | | | | land and sky or the three dimensions of time: |
| a weapon against the fallen angel. Basically, | | | | past, present and future. In a way an |
| interpretation of the meanings of jewelry depends | | | | embodiment of eternity. |
| on the person looking at it. | | | | The make of modern jewelry is not limited to the |
| Earlier types of jewelry were said to be made of | | | | conventional metal of bronze, silver or gold. The |
| different materials ranging from grass, bones, | | | | semi-precious and valuable stones are slowly being |
| wood, stones, metal, semi - precious gems and | | | | replaced by materials like glass, plastic and even |
| sometimes rare stones of high value. They were | | | | polymer clay. Although these materials provide a |
| usually stringed or cast together to form a | | | | cheaper alternative for jewelry makers and |
| distinct shape or symbol with significant meaning. | | | | consumers alike, Irish jewelry still manage to |
| For example, Irish jewelry is usually adorned by | | | | survive and thrive. Celts and non-Celts alike are |
| traditional Celtic symbols. Symbols take in forms | | | | creating a demand that has encouraged Irish |
| of spirals, knots, animals, plants and sometimes | | | | jewelers to create handcrafted jewelry. These |
| human. Each of which takes on a different | | | | are now easily available in the market through the |
| meaning. Although the designs have several | | | | Internet and several jewelers worldwide. |
| forms, they have one prevailing characteristic, | | | | |