The rich cultural history of Celtic Jewelry

It was around 500 B.C. that the Celtic cultural revolution took hold with the Celtic language and culture becoming prominent. The cultural style was very much influenced by La Tène, after an area of Switzerland where artifacts reflecting La Tène style were first found. La Tène artwork is commonly defined by curves and spirals; with geometric or abstract symbols, such as the triple spiral design, being prominent ornamentation.

Due to their intricate craftsmanship, many of these metal Celtic jewelry pieces have been discovered in good condition from that time period. A familiar item that has often been found is the Torc which are believed to be a symbol of status. Since Celtic jewelry is both decorative and made of precious metals, most jewelry discovered in the various archaeological sites throughout Ireland is considered to be decorative rather than practical.

It was also around the same time period that Celtic culture found its way into Ireland, the Irish Iron Age took hold, combining the new Celtic culture with the old Irish culture. While iron was used for tools, jewelry and other pieces were made from the visually exquisite and long-lasting bronze and gold.

Around 600 A.D., Christianity began to surface in Ireland. Religious beliefs mixed with Celtic and Irish art, producing a new style known as Insular art. Insular Art is famous for its illuminated manuscripts, the Book of Kells being the more renowned example. Insular art maintained the geometric, interlaced style that was present in La Tène art.

Many brooches were made during this time period. The Tara Brooch is particularly impressive, made of silver-gilt and decorated with filigree and interlace design. This style is repeated throughout Celtic jewelry. Irish metalworkers also created the Ardagh Chalice around this time, and it remains one of the most impressive Celtic creations, intricately decorated with the interlace typical of Celtic Irish art. While jewelry remained a status symbol, it was often infused with Christian elements, such as the apostles' names on the Ardagh Chalice, giving special prestige and meaning to some pieces.

Another offshoot of the Christian influence was the proliferation of Celtic crosses, which were particularly common around the ninth century. The Cross of Cong is an example of the excellent goldsmithing skills of Celtic artists. The Cross of Cong had high religious value when it was created, as it was initially made to hold a piece of the cross the Irish believed Christ was crucified on.

Celtic influence is still very strong in Irish jewelry today and is often a a great idea for Irish gifts and particularly traditional Irish gifts. The iconic Celtic Cross is a common theme, though historians and researchers can only speculate upon the meaning of the ring at the intersection. Celtic knot jewelry are also a familiar symbol, used today to honour Irish and Celtic jewelry tradition. Through modern Celtic jewelry, the masterful metalworkers of the past live on, in particular, Celtic rings and Celtic wedding bands.