Celtic Designs in Stone

Celtic Wedding Rings and tying the Knot

The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric times when they emerged as a group of loosely knit tribes with a common culture and language.

Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right across Western Europe. But it was the rise of the Roman Empire that would expose the lack of cohesion between the various Celtic tribes and would lead to them being overrun, expelled from their territories and being pushed back to the western fringes of the continent.

Although the ancient Celts flourished across Europe, it is in Ireland where their traditions have been most preserved.

One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the artwork and this is most commonly seen in jewellery such as celtic wedding rings.

Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic often being based on nature using images of birds and animals and fish. The Celts believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end.

Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has been lost over the millennia, Celtic designs remain increasingly popular in our modern world.

The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and is thought to have originated from Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th century since when has been worn by many as a wedding ring and as a symbol of love.

The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken to you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.

Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the four quarters of the earth and or the four elements â€" earth wind and fire. They are equal armed crosses which are enclosed or backed by a circle. Following the introduction of Christianity, it became more common to see Celtic Crosses on top of a matching pedestal, which gave it a more elongated look. Celtic crosses are often worn as jewellery such as rings or on chains around the neck.

Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books.

The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.

The dual centred spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol.Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.

Although the symbolism of celtic designs may have been lost, many of the designs remain popular today and will often be seen used in the design of jewellery and in particular Celtic Wedding rings.

About the Author

Written by John Lewis of Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold celtic wedding rings handcrafted in the UK.

So I have 2000 for an engagement ring...?

And diamonds, emeralds, sapphires are all good. It doesn't have to be diamond. We like platinum / white gold. She likes celtic type stuff as well as the simple 3 stone rings. Engraved designs are good but nothing with the trinity or anything religious in it.

Any ideas on rings or any ideas on a good place to go?

There is a Robbin's Bros right by my apartment. Is that a good place? They look expensive from the outside.

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT, go to a place in the mall for an engagement ring. Why? because they sell really poor quality stuff at an overinflated price, and then show "drastic discounts" in order for you to think you got a good deal.

I saw someone look at a Zales engagement ring online here... and sure it was less than $2K, but the stone was listed as an I1 -- that means there are VISIBLE inclusions in the diamond (so it looks cracked or cloudy to the naked eye... gross!) Most of the "value" line at the mall stores aren't even certified, so you can't tell what you're getting... or it's of terrible quality. Sometimes they have a "quality" line, but that too is overpriced.

I agree with the first person -- have someone design something for you, ESPECIALLY since you're cool with a ring that's not a diamond (great idea, btw-- diamonds are vastly overpriced considering that they're not super rare). Stay away from platinum, because a solid platinum band will cost you $1000 just for the band. (Gold is really appreciating right now, too, so that's not cheap, plus, white gold actually starts to turn yellow... you have to keep going back into the jeweler to have them apply a special process to "rewhiten" it.)

Since you're into celtic things, I'd think about silver. You can get a really cool looking celtic ring, with some fun (big, beautiful) emeralds for a lot less. And you could probably have it handcrafted, so it would be truly unique.

Look for custom jewelers in your area, or celtic themed jewelry stores. Otherwise, buy the stones wholesale (at places like http://www.bluenile.com) and then go to a jewelry store to have them placed in a setting that you (or your gal) likes.

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