From the manufacturer

Celtic Jewelry, Trinity Knot, Claddagh, Tree of Life, Celtic Ring

History and Heritage of Celtic Knot Art

Jewelry inspired by the interlacing and continuous designs prevalent in Celtic artwork, illuminating the interconnectedness and continuity of life.

Tiquetra - Trinity Knot

The Trinity knot is one of the oldest and most popular Celtic symbols. The continuous line creates a triangular shape, representing the triad in Celtic belief in which everything happens in threes. The knot is often interwoven around a circle to signify the unity of the three elements.

The Trinity knot is often said to stand for an array of elements, including: past, present, future; mother, father, child; or body, mind, spirit. It is also believed to represent the three promises of a relationship: to love, honor, and protect one another. This is why in modern-day Irish tradition, it is customary for a man to give a loved one a gift with the trinity knot, like a necklace or ring, to embody his love.

Dara Celtic Knot

The meaning of the word Dara can be traced to an Irish word, doire, which means 'oak tree'. Ancient Celts considered the oak tree as a sacred symbol of destiny, power, strength, wisdom, leadership and endurance. All these attributes therefore, are associated with the Dara Celtic knot.

The Dara knot is depicted in several different ways but is always symbolic of the root system of an oak tree. Roots of the oak tree are symbolic of the great source of inner strength or divine resources we possess. This symbol can be used to represent personal, internal strength as well as strength of spirit. This knot holds true to the endless knot tradition of the Celtic knot designs.

Claddagh

A Claddagh design consists of two hands holding a heart which has a crown on its top. The hands in the symbol represent friendship. The heart depicts love. And the crown means loyalty.

The Claddagh ring can be used as a promise ring, engagement ring, wedding ring, or as a testament to love or friendship. When it is worn to represent a relationship, it can take different meanings depending on how it is worn. How it is worn can be an indicator of relationship status of the wearer:

1) If it is worn on the right hand, pointed away, it means you are single and may be looking for love.

2) If it is worn on the right hand, pointed towards you, it means you are in a relationship.

3) If it is worn on the left hand, pointed away, it means you are engaged to be married.

4) If it is worn on the left hard, pointed towards you, it means you are married.

The giving of a Claddagh shows committed love, friendship and loyalty to that person.

Celtic Love Knot

As a knot is created by interweaving two individual strands, the Celtic love knot represents the bond between two people. One of the most famous Celtic love knot symbols is the sailor's knot. Celtic sailors who longed for their sweethearts intertwined two ropes in a knot, and presented it to their loved ones upon reaching home. This symbol became known as the perfect union of two people, which has no beginning and no ending, but only everlasting love.

The triple drop love knot is made using three strands, each representing the powerful forces of nature: earth, water and fire. These are united in one continuous interwoven line, representing spirit, being, and strength in unity.

Four love knot circles represent the four seasons and their interlocking represents the succession of these seasons. The double lines found running along its edges are associated with eternal love or friendship between two people.

The serpent love knot seen in the Irish Book of Kells stands for eternal life. A Celtic square knot is made using a single line that runs continuously and is believed to be the mark of loyalty.

Crann Bethadh - Tree of Life

There are many different versions of the Celtic Tree of Life. Some show the roots and branches reaching out and becoming intertwined. Others show the leaves falling down to the ground and becoming part of the roots. Often the tree is contained within a circle. All of this is to symbolize the never-ending circle of life.

The lore of trees continues as a vital part of Celtic myth and folklore. Countless Irish legends revolve around trees. The Celtic Tree of Life is often drawn showing the branches reaching skyward and the roots spreading out into the earth below symbolizing the belief in the link between heaven and earth. Ancient Celtics believed trees were a connection to the world of the spirits and the ancestors, living entities, and doorways into other worlds.

Celtic Shamrock

The Celtic Shamrock is the unofficial symbol of Ireland. The main reason the shamrock is so closely tied to Ireland is because of the legend of St. Patrick. The legend claims he used it to explain the Holy Trinity to people during his mission there.

Although the Celtic symbol can refer to the Holy Trinity, it is also used to symbolize any 'triad', such as 'life, death, rebirth' or 'earth, sea, sky'. Shamrocks (commonly known as clover) are very prevalent in Ireland, so its use in this design also signifies abundance or fertility.

Celtic Eternity Knot

This knot is comprised of three distinct elements including two ovals interwoven with an eternity knot. Each oval is meant to represent the partners in a relationship. The eternity knot symbolizes eternal love. The symbol taken as a whole is meant to represent the marriage of these three elements.

The eternity knot itself looks like a maze in an overall diamond shape. It often has squared edges but may also have rounded edges. It symbolizes endless life. In Buddhism, where it is known as the endless knot, it represents compassion and wisdom.

Celtic Cross

The ringed cross became an emblem of Celtic identity, in addition to its more traditional religious symbolism. The earliest Celtic cross is a very simple cross with a circle. This is thought to have symbolized the sun.

Over time the crosses became more elaborate, incorporating interwoven patterns and Celtic knots. The more recent ornate crosses have a circular pattern at the intersection of the four beams, as well as a larger circle surrounding the intersection. The circle of the Celtic cross is also thought to be a symbol of eternity that emphasizes the endlessness of God’s love.