Posts Tagged ‘Celtic Cross Jewelry’
Posted by
admin on Sep 8th
The Celtic cross is older than christianity and has its origins with the Celtic people of Western Britain and Ireland. Like many other traditions and pagan symbols, christianity incorperated the cross into its own cross and many older christian crosses are richly decorated and this can be seen in old stone christian crosses throughout England and Ireland.
The celtic cross itself is extremely ancient and has its origins in Bronze age Europe though the word cross in English derives only indirectly from Latin crux via Old Irish and possibly Old Norse, introduced in the 10th century.
Celtic knots are a variety of knots and stylized graphical representations of knots used for decoration, adopted by the ancient Celts. These knots are most known for their adaptation for use in the ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts. Today many people find these designs for crosses and knots very stylish and subsequently there is considerable demand for both Celtic Knot jewelry and Celtic Cross jewelry. Most of these jewelry designs date from around 450 A.D and can befound in many early Christian documents as decoration. They are mainly step patterns, spirals and key patterns and all can be made quite attractive in Celtic Knot Jewelry.
In popular Irish mythologyit is believed that the Celtic cross was introduced by St Patrick when he was converting teh Irish from paganism. Combining the original pagan cross with christian cross would have made conversion much easier.
In the Celtic regions of Ireland and Great Britain, many free-standing upright crosses (or high crosses) were erected by ealy christian monks from the 7th century. Many of these 'Celtic' crosses bear inscriptions in runes and surviving crosses can be found in Cornwall (famously St Piran's cross at Perranporth) and Wales, on the island of Iona and in the Hebrides, as well as the many in Ireland. Other stone crosses are found in the former Northumbria and Scotland, and further south in England, tend to be of Anglo-Saxon origin as they also have a history of cross making. The most famous standing crosses are the Cross of Kells, County Meath, Ireland; Ardboe Auld Cross, Ardboe, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland; the crosses at Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland; and the Cross of the Scriptures, Clonmacnoise, Ireland. The Celtic crosses are often made of stone and quite often granite is the prevailing stone of the area so they have survived for well over a thousand years
In the Victorian era, the cross had a revival especially as funeral monuments and can be found in many municipal cemeteries in both England and Ireland. As a result of this revival and with Victorian funeral jewelry becoming fashionable, teh cross and knot became an emblem of Celtic identity. It didn't take much of a jump for this religious symbolism to become fashionable jewelry and Celtic Knot jewelry and Celtic knot rings being very popular today.
Most Celtic crosses and Celtic knots jewelry are made for individual use and many Americans use them as a symbol of tehir Irish roots. As well as in jewelry, they can be found in all walks of life from T-shirts to coffee cups and tattoos to key rings. Unfortunately one form of the Celtic cross was adopted by a prohibited neo-Nazi pary and subsequently Celtic crosses are banned under the law designed to prevent any revival of Nazism
Technorati Tags: Celtic Cross Jewelry, celtic knot jewelry, Celtic Knot Rings
Posted by
admin on Jun 21st
Celtic Cross pendants capture all the beauty and mystery of the ornate stone crosses that rest in the churchyards of Ireland and Scotland. The first stone Celtic Cross monuments, with their distinctive ringed centers, were made during the sixth century. Since then, the Celtic Cross has become a symbol of eternity and faith in God. The central ring is believed to be a remnant of Pagan sun worship, but its meaning has changed over time, to become a symbol of the endlessness of God's love.
The first artisans who created stone Celtic Crosses were thought to be influenced by the ancient Chi-Rho symbol, which is described as a monogram of Christ himself. The Chi-Rho symbol was used during the times of the Holy Roman Empire and dates back to the fourth century. Some early Celtic Crosses in the British Isles are thought to be direct descendants of the Chi-Rho monogram.
Today, stone crosses still mark the graves of those who have passed. They may be primitive and rugged or stylized and refined. All forms of craftsmanship were found during the seminal Insular Art period, when Celtic craftsman learned to create symbols of spiritual faith and love on stone and metal work. Often, crosses made of stone or metal were inlaid with delicate, curving Celtic knot work (known as interlace). They could also feature interlace animals, known as zoomorphic figures.
The Celtic Cross pendants of today take their cue from the past, and retain the timeless meaning and beauty of the original monuments. They are crafted by hand, usually in Ireland, and they are a testament to the continuing skill and excellence of Irish metal work.
These pendants come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, and they feature different finishes. Today's designers have added in modern touches, such as Irish Claddagh symbols, that date back to the seventeenth century.
Some Celtic Cross necklaces will feature a combination of symbols, such as clusters of spirals (whorls), Trinity Love Knots (which represent the Holy Trinity) and even the uniquely Irish Shamrock. The Shamrock itself is another depiction of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Each of its three leaves illustrates the presence of a greater power.
The addition of precious gemstones to traditional metal crosses is also a modern touch that adds a bit of color and life to Celtic Cross pendants. In some cases, the center of the cross will be inlaid with a gem. If the cross uses Claddagh symbols, the gem may be faceted into the shape of a heart. On other crosses, the use of tiny diamonds, emeralds, and rubies is common.
Crosses may be silver, white or yellow gold, or rose-gold. Sometimes, a combination of precious metals is used for a more dimensional effect.
The stunning, resonant burial stones of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have now been transformed into versatile, exquisitely rendered Celtic Cross pendants. The beauty and symbolism of these special crosses remains unchanged. Choosing the right Celtic Cross pendant for your own collection can be an inspiring journey through your ancestry and heritage.
By Leigh O'Meachair
Leigh O'Meachair writes content for Irish Celtic Jewels, a leading online Celtic jewelry store with more than 30 years experience in the jewelry trade. Click here for more information about Celtic cross pendants and here for Celtic pendants.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leigh_O'Meachair
http://EzineArticles.com/?Celtic-Cross-Pendants---Remembering-the-Irish-Spirit&id=2382532
Technorati Tags: Celtic Cross Jewelry, Celtic cross necklaces, Celtic cross pendants, celtic jewelry
Posted by
admin on May 27th
Traditional Celtic Cross Jewelry Handmadeand Hallmarked In Dublin
Under Irish law dating back to 1637, in the reign of Charles I, all Irish jewelry of precious metals must be assayed and stamped with the official hallmark - the traditional letter symbol for the year it was crafted, a fineness mark guaranteeing the purity of the gold, and the official insignia of the Irish Assay Office in Dublin Castle.
An assay is a test of the purity of an alloy. A tiny piece of metal is scraped from the piece and the percentage of gold, silver or platinum is determined. Official assay offices determine whether a piece qualifies for an appropriate hallmark. Gold jewelry is mixed with other metals and Karat (which means 1/24) denotes the purity of gold in the jewelry. 14k Gold is 14/24 gold mixed with 10/24 other metal.
The Assay Office is located in Dublin Castle. All Celtic cross jewelry and Irish Jewelry handmade in Ireland must receive a hallmark stamp from the office. A tour of Dublin Castle is a must for anyone interested in Irish history. The State Apartments stretch along the entire south side of the yard at first floor level. Portions of this section have been rebuilt numerous times. Though originally built to provide accommodation for the Lord Lieutenants (the viceregal representative in Ireland), they generally avoided living here from the late 18th century, choosing instead to reside in the Viceregal Lodge in Phoenix Park. They did, however, stay in the Apartments during "Castle Season", the period of official entertaining that started the first week of February and ended with a great ball on St. Patrick's night. Today the Apartments are used for the most important State receptions, also for the inauguration of the Presidents of Ireland.
Drawing on a rich tradition of celtic cross jewelry production which dates back to the bronze age, Dublin artisans continue to product exquisite celtic cross jewelry in a broad range. Designs include replicas of Ireland's most famous Celtic crosses including, the Cross of Moone, Celtic cross of Muiredach, Celtic cross of Scriptures, Celtic cross of Ardboe, Celtic cross of Durrow and the Celtic Cross of Saitn Patrick. The hallmark stamp from the Irish Assay Office not only guarantees the quality of the metal but ensures a superior handmade Celtic Jewelry is actually made in Ireland. Always look for the hallmark stamp as a guarantee of authenticity.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/celtic-cross-online-traditional-celtic-cross-jewelry-handmadeand-hallmarked-in-dublin-813875.html
Author: Cunningham John
About the Author:
Get the latest Celtic Cross Jewelry handmade in Dublin and hallmarked at the Irish Assay Office. Visit online resource for Celtic Cross Jewelry at http://www.celticrossonline.com/Celtic Cross Jewelry
Technorati Tags: Celtic Cross Jewelry, celtic jewelry
Posted by
admin on May 12th
Finding Cool Christian T-shirts
Get Set for Summer with Some cool christian t-shirts, Christian Wristbands, Christian Biker T-Shirts, Christian Jewelry and More!
It is almost summertime--what will you be wearing? If you are a Christian, then you will want to add some cool Christian t-shirts to your warm-weather wardrobe. You might select Christian biker t-shirts for a rugged yet religious look. Everyone can make a spiritual statement with Christian wristbands and Christian jewelry as well. So join in the fun, and get ready for summer!
Cool christian t-shirts
There are dozens of different sayings, colors and styles of cool Christian t-shirts from which you can choose your favorites. Christian biker t-shirts are making a bold fashion statement for the summer season, and for good reason. Bikers are usually thought of as big, tough guys and gals. This may be true, but nevertheless bikers of faith want to offer the Good News to all with whom they come in contact. This is where Christian biker t-shirts make a lot of sense. They come with bold messages and designs that bikers look for in t-shirts. You do not have to be a biker to wear a biker-style t-shirt, however. Non-bikers know that the biker look is very popular right now, and so biker t-shirts fly off the shelves of Christian clothing stores.
Christian Jewelry
Men and women alike love jewelry, and if you have someone special in your life, you might want to consider giving that person a wonderful piece of Christian jewelry. You can select from rings, bracelets and necklaces that all convey a message of Christ's love, and your love will come through with that message as well. The cross symbol is a powerful one, and you will find it on all manner of Christian jewelry. Bracelets can utilize tube beads, wide and narrow bands of leather, macrame bands and other attractive components. Necklaces often come in a variety of rugged masculine styles and more fancy feminine styles. If you like the look of dog tags such as those worn in the Army, then there are Christian necklaces that you will cherish. Crosses are always popular worn around the neck, and you can find several that come with metal and beaded necklaces. The Celtic cross is a lovely adaptation of the traditional cross shape, and you can find it available as a necklace that you would be proud to own.
A fun new necklace style that Christians will appreciate is one that features attractive guitar pick ornaments. We all have our favorite Christian guitarists, and now you can honor that person by wearing a necklace that pays homage to one of their tools of the trade, a guitar pick.
So get set for fun this summer with all kinds of new Christian clothes and accessories!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/spirituality-articles/finding-cool-christian-tshirts-416692.html
Author: Susan Slobac
About the Author:
Susan Slobac helps promote that Christian clothing is making its way into the workplace and classrooms alike with their edgy statements and thought-provoking designs.
Technorati Tags: Celtic Cross Jewelry, celtic cross necklace, celtic t-shirts
Posted by
admin on Mar 22nd
Celtic Symbols
Celtic symbols, runes and crosses are now very fashionable in Celtic knot jewelry and many people wear this jewelry as a symbol of their ancestry. Celtic cross jewelry can either be celtic gold jewelry or even celtic wire jewelry. Both will look very attractive.
No, you don't have to be Irish to read about Celtic symbols and the meanings behind these symbols. From dragons and spirals to the sacred tree of life and knot work, the intricately spectacular craft that is so distinctively Celtic calls out to the ancient spirits that lay sleeping deep within our hearts.
Celtic symbols not only honor the spirit of the Irish, but it also honors those of Welsh, Scottish, British and anyone with Celtic ancestry. And, even if you don't have any Celtic blood running through your veins, if you believe in that special spiritual connection that links you to all other living things on Earth and if you honor Mother nature, then your soul is definitely Celtic - and you should probably follow your heart. Instinctively, you will be reminded about how each and every one of us is somehow eternally connected to the cosmos and to every other living thing.
However, understand Celtic symbol's is no easy task. In general, there are two basic types of writings when it comes to Celtic symbolism. Firstly, you have those writings that are written by academics, which tend to be more accurate and factual in nature. But overall, this type of writing makes for very dull and boring reading and the general focus of the text is always on the past. Then you have the writers who write about Celtic symbols keeping the masses in mind. These authors write about the modern-day, living tradition of the Celtic art. Their words are for those of you who believe in the mystical symbolism of Celtic art and who are inspired by it. However, such writers are more or less prone to abstract speculation and often include idealistic myths about all things Celtic, instead of putting in the whole truth.
When it comes to attributing a specific meaning to each Celtic symbol that exists, very little is known. Remember you are walking on thin ice here. Since the ancient Celts didn't have the habit of keeping written records, it is very difficult to ascertain today what the true meanings behind their symbols are. Most of the meanings attributed to these symbols are just figments of the imagination and works of pure speculation, based solely on what scholars have learned about the Celtic culture.
There is no doubt at all that the Celt's did indeed love symbolism. Celtic symbols are usually visual representations of many of the ancient Celtic customs and beliefs that date back to as early as 3000 BC. The ancient Celt's believed that these symbols had powerful and mystical powers that had the ability to ward off evil spirits. So, they used these symbols in everything, from their clothing and their jewelry to their weapons and their armor, and everything in between as well.
People from all over the world proudly display these Celtic symbols as the emblem of their ancestry and heritage. Many of the ancient Celtic people lived in areas that are known to us today, like many places in modern-day Europe. When envisioning Celtic designs and symbols, most people have certain fixed designs in mind. What most of us think of as Celtic symbols are actually beautiful knot work designs that were once created by Irish Christian monks in their attempts to convert the pagan Celts over to Christianity.
Modern-day interpretation of Irish Celtic knot work symbols is derived mostly from illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, which was once compiled by these same Irish monks during the 6th and the 7th century. Although most of their ideas were influenced by the Coptic and Syrian art, they added their own ideas and special touches and turned it into their own distinctively Celtic art form.
Even though there is significant evidence to prove that Celtic knots, spirals and other Celtic love symbols were actually being created during the Celtic polytheistic times, there isn't much history to these designs and the only history available is from around 450 AD onwards.
The best part about the mystical aura surrounding Celtic symbols is the basic belief that each and every design or shape holds a secret meaning that is waiting to be exposed and revealed.
Technorati Tags: Celtic Cross Jewelry, celtic knot jewelry, celtic wire jewelry
