Celtic gold and silver jewelry is sought after for its beauty and style. Rings, pendants, and even key rings are prized by both men and women. This jewelry’s ancient tradition in metalworking makes it a true treasure.
Celtic craftsman worked in silver, bronze, and gold. They adapted ideas from the natural world that surrounded them. Most amazing was the intricate designs based on the simple motifs. Spirals, triskelions, animals, and sun crosses were folded into detailed knotwork designs resembling weaving. These woven designs became the basis of the Celtic knot of the contemporary art of Ireland and Scotland.
History of Celtic Metalwork
The Celts were remnants of Germanic tribes that spread across Western Europe. Their gold and silver jewelry, often in high relief, was frequently extravagant. It was likely favored among early peoples because the geometric patterns and animal motifs glittered in flickering fire light. Archaeologists at prehistoric sites have uncovered bountiful examples of this early Celtic metalwork.
Ironically, more is known about the earlier Celtic jewelry because it was customary to bury jewelry with the dead. As church influence grew after the eighth century, this practice was abandoned. Archaeological digs at later Celtic sites discovered fewer examples of this intricate artwork.
- 2000 BC to 500 AD Gold is frequently used, as well as silver. Collars, torques (neckrings), bangles, pins, and brooches were common.
- 500 AD to 1500 AD During the middle ages, there is Anglo-Saxon and Viking influence in jewelry design. Gold becomes scarce so more work is done in silver. Finger rings were made in gold. Brooches, neck- and arm-rings were more likely silverwork.
- 1500 AD to present Celts in Scotland and Ireland continue to develop their own forms of jewelry. Precious metal gilding is evident. Inlay with glass and amber appears.
Examples of fine prehistoric Celtic gold and silver jewelry can be found on display in the National Museum of Ireland.
The Celtic Knot in Jewelry
The best-known Celtic art design is the “Celtic knot.” It is a geometric, woven design, with interlacing spiral patterns. The basic pattern is said to represent the bond of friendship, love, and marriage, hence the phrase “tying the knot.” It is also linked to the idea of interconnectedness of all living things. Variations within the knot design are circles, crosses, spirals, waves, and trinity shapes. The Celtic spiral represents the spiral of life, or the never-ending cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.
Celtic Art and Collectible Jewelry
Celtic jewelry is ornate and symbolic. Many find it enchanting and mysterious. This precious ancient metalwork was so valued it was traded far across the Mediterranean. Fine examples are still valued as highly collectible jewelry today.
Sources:
Hess, Rayner W. Jewelrymaking Through History: an Encyclopedia. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2007.
Tait, Hugh. 7000 Years of Jewelry. New York: Firefly Books, 2008.
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