Style Spotlight: Celtic Rings
During the colonial period through the 1800s, scores of people of Irish descent (from Ireland) emigrated to the United States, bringing with them a rich culture that can still be felt in present-day American culture. Many of these folks settled in Appalachia, which we can still hear in the fiddles and banjoes used in folk and country music.
Another cultural import was the Celtic knot design. Celtic knots, which are also called Icovellavna, are well-known for their inclusion in Christian symbols, like crosses, along with monuments and manuscripts. In fact, the first known use of knots in the Celtic cultures’ style (broken and reconnected knots) was in a religious writing from the seventh century. Other cultures, going as far back as the third and fourth century Roman Empire, also used similar knotted designs, which were the predecessors to the Celtic knots that have become a familiar sight in design, architecture, and jewelry.
Celtic knot designs are often found in jewelry, and not just because approximately 33 million Americans can claim some Irish, Scottish, or Welsh ancestry. Celtic knots’ beauty is striking and their simplicity deceptive. At the outset, the knots represented seven creations: man, mammal, plant, insect, bird, fish, and reptile. Over time, additional symbolic knots have come to have different meanings. Many are understood to represent the interconnectedness of all life, weaving together humans, the earth, animals, and the human emotional experience. Because a knot has no beginning and no end, it further represents the eternal nature of love, making a Celtic knot a popular motif choice in wedding rings and anniversary bands.
One of the most recognizable Celtic knots is the Trinity knot. Aside from the obvious Christian Holy Trinity symbolism, the Trinity knot has another meaning which makes it the perfect choice for a ladies’ engagement ring or a women’s or men’s wedding band. When shared within a couple, the Trinity knot is said to represent the three most important facets of a romantic relationship: love, honor, and protection. If that sounds like what you want your spouse to think about each time they look at their ring, check out our County Clare Wedding Band, which features a two-tone stylized Trinity knot design.
Celtic Love knots represent the never-ending affection shared between lovers. There are many variations of love knots and some are quite complex. A perennially popular choice is the simple and understated oval love knot. Much like couples today exchange wedding rings, back in the day, Irish couples used to exchange love knots. These two traditions can easily be blended by exchanging wedding rings featuring a Celtic love knot. Our Celtic Lace Wedding Ring is a perfect choice. A graceful and sweeping oval knot is carved into a comfort fit wedding/anniversary band
Long ago, when sailors would be at sea for months and months on end, they would pass their time tying knots for their loves back at home. These Sailor’s knots are actually made with two intertwined knots. The intersection of these knots represents harmony, friendship, and affection. It is said that although easy to tie, Sailor’s knots are unique in that they become stronger with time and pressure. The same can be said for a healthy and robust marriage. When choosing a wedding or anniversary band for your love, the Celtic Sailor’s knot sends just the right message. Our Longford Wedding Band features an open work design with multiple breaks and reconnections, making it closely resemble the true style of Celtic knots.
Celtic knot designs are used often in wedding and anniversary jewelry, and it’s easy to see why. Choosing your spouse’s wedding ring is one of the most important statements you’ll ever make about your relationship and how you view it. A band featuring a Celtic knot sends just the right message- one of eternal love, affection, and friendship.
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