Jewelry, as we know it, has existed since time immemorial. Today, these adornments are considered mere accessories, used to embellish a person from head to toe. What we often fail to recognize is that these small trinkets have their own stories to tell. They reveal a part of the history of every culture known to humankind.
The origin of the word “jewelry” can be traced back to the Latin term “jocale,” which means plaything. However, to our ancestors, a piece of jewelry was more than just a plaything. They were considered currency, used as status symbols, representations of membership in a group, and sometimes even protection from disease or evil spirits.
For example, a crown is a symbol of royalty, and anyone who wears it is implied to belong to a family of noble blood. To believers of Jesus Christ, the cross is a symbol of their faith, or sometimes a weapon against the fallen angel. Essentially, the interpretation of the meanings of jewelry depends on the individual looking at it.
Earlier forms of jewelry were said to be made from various materials, ranging from grass, bones, wood, stones, metal, semi-precious gems, and even rare stones of high value. They were typically strung or cast together to form a unique shape or symbol with significant meaning.
For instance, Irish jewelry is often adorned with traditional Celtic symbols. These symbols include spirals, knots, animals, plants, and sometimes human forms. Each symbol carries a different meaning. Although the designs vary, they share one common feature: they are drawn without a beginning or an end. These symbols are said to be tributes to nature that warriors would etch onto their swords, shields, and armor.
Today, Celtic symbolism and icons have transitioned from shields and are now found in modern Irish jewelry. Triquetra earrings are readily available, and Celtic knots adorn cross pendants and bracelets. More and more people are drawn to them not only for their unique designs but also for their rich symbolism.
For example, the Triquetra is the Celtic symbol for the Trinity, representing anything and everything with a three-fold nature or dimension. For Catholics, the Trinity refers to the Holy Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. To an ancient Celt, the Trinity knot symbolizes the three divisions of the Earth: water, land, and sky, or the three dimensions of time: past, present, and future. In a way, it embodies eternity.
The creation of modern jewelry is no longer limited to traditional metals like bronze, silver, or gold. Semi-precious and precious stones are gradually being replaced by materials such as glass, plastic, and even polymer clay. Although these materials provide a more affordable alternative for both jewelry makers and consumers, Irish jewelry continues to survive and flourish. Both Celts and non-Celts alike are creating a demand that has encouraged Irish jewelers to craft handcrafted jewelry. These pieces are now readily available in the market through the internet and various jewelers worldwide.
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Thank you for sharing post . The create of contemporary jewelry is not limited to the traditional metal of bronze, silver or gold.
This is great information .
Nice blog post.
Interesting information.
Thanks
Irish Jewelry and Celtic Symbolism has a nice and lot of information. I never tried Irish Jewelry but now i read lot of information.
Thanks, its helps.
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