Sterling Silver Celtic Jewelry
Sterling silver Celtic jewelry is so vast that a hundred Celtic jewelry blogs could not explain in detail all of the jewelry offered in the title of Celtic jewelry. That includes sterling silver Celtic jewelry, gold Celtic jewelry, or another type of metal used to make Celtic jewelry.
This Celtic jewelry blog is going to focus on Celtic crosses. The Celtic crosses of Celtic cross necklace part of Celtic jewelry is considered a "cross over" jewelry. Celtic crosses are as popular in Religious jewelry circles as in Celtic jewelry circles, perhaps even a little bit more.
Celtic Crosses, until recently have generally been based on this general look:
But now days jewelry artisans have been highly creative adding elements of the Irish and the Celtic traditions to add more symbolism to an alreadu symbolic cross icon. Another interesting note about the Celtic cross necklace...by adding the Irish and Celtic symbols to the Celtic cross necklace the Celtic cross necklaces are ideal as cross necklaces for men and women. Most of the Celtic cross necklaces can be worn by both men and women.
A little about the Celtic Cross Symbol
Legend has it that Saint Patrick introduced the symbol of the Christian cross to the pagan Celts in his missionary efforts. They meet with some resistance as the Celtics didn't have a written language but they had a rich tradition in their Celtic symbols.
Eventually a compromise was reached where the Celts added a Celtic circle to the center of the traditional cross. This lead to the Celtic cross and the Celtic cross necklace has become extremely popular as a non denominational symbol of Christian faith. Eventually Celtic knot work was added to the Celtic cross.
The Christians definitely helped the symbol of the Celtic Cross become mainstream in Christian circles.
That is the legend of the Celtic cross.
Celtic Cross Fact
The "Celtic cross" was used as a grave marker long before St. Patrick and the other Christians came to Ireland. This makes one wonder about the legend of the Celtic or Irish Cross. But Celtic and Irish legends are so cool that most prefer to believe in the Irish legends and traditions over the facts.
Another fun question about the Celtic cross grave marker is where did the Celts get the idea of that symbol when they new nothing of Christianity.
Why Are Celtic Cross Necklaces So Popular?
The Circle around the center of the cross has come to represent eternity and Gods endless love which is very appropriate for a Christian cross and adds additional symbolism to the Cross necklace.
Other symbolism of the Celtic Cross relates to the four lines of the Cross. Each line represents four directions.
East is rebirth, youth, Spring, and growth. West is knowledge, experience, Autumn, and guidance.
South is vitality, vigor, Summer, and strength. North is wisdom, silence, winter, and death. The circle connects them in the cycle of life.
Perhaps the popularity of Celtic Jewelry and Celtic Cross necklaces is due to the fascination of the various designs that come from Irish tradition and Celtic tradition.
Interesting note...world wide the Celtic cross necklace is mostly referred to as the Irish cross necklace. It is in America where the terms are used separately.
Various Types Of The Celtic Cross Necklace
There are about as many Irish Celtic cross necklaces as their are jewelry designers. Most of them are variations on the Celtic crosses are based on different types of Celtic knot work or Celtic weave patterns. But their are many Celtic Cross necklaces where their is a distinct Irish or Celtic symbol added to it. That is what will be reviewed in this Celtic cross blog.
A Triskelle is also known as a Triskelion which means "three legs". The term Triskelle also known as triquetra.
A Triskelle is also known as a Triskelion which means "three legs". The term Triskelle also known as triquetra.
Some additional meanings of the Triquetra or Triskelle symbol are in three's based on the three legs of the symbol:
Spirit, Mind, Body.
Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Mother, Father, Child
Past, Present, Future
Power, Intellect, Love
Claddagh Cross Pendant
The typical Claddagh cross pendant is a Christian cross with a Irish Claddagh in the center of the cross. The Claddagh symbol is made up of a pair of hands gently holding a heart. The heart is wearing a crown. The hands mean friendship, the heart means love and the crown means loyality and fidelity.
This special symbol makes Claddagh Crosses very popular.
Look for Part 2 on this subject. The subject matter is very long which means it will take more the one Celtic cross blog to cover it.
