Celtic Jewelry

Celtic jewelry is a broad category of jewelry, which includes rings, pendants, necklaces, and more that are inspired by the artwork of the ancient Celts. Many people are familiar with Claddagh rings, which are an enduring expression of love, trust, and friendship. But other examples of Celtic jewelry abound. Look for designs that feature strands that flow over and under each other to form intricate knots. These braided designs are very typical of Celtic knotwork, and are a distinguishing characteristics of modern Celtic jewelry. Spirals are another common element which feature prominently in the Celtic style, as are triple-armed swirls known as triskeles.

There are a lot of books these days that have capitalized on the renewed popularity of Celtic designs. Many of them contain valuable information, but others are misleading. If you see a source that purports to give the "true meaning" of various Celtic knots used in jewelry, take it with a grain of salt. The early Celts left behind an enduring legacy of almost hypnotic knots, fierce beasties, and spirals, some of them drawn so finely that people called them "the work of angels". What they did not leave behind was a Rosetta stone, if you will, saying that one particular knot stood for strength and another one meant love, etc.

We know that the Celts believed strongly in the interconnectedness of all life, and that their interlaced patterns reflected this belief. We can glean a bit more information about their symbols and beliefs from the old Celtic myths and legends. But without better evidence, we are not willing to ascribe certain meanings to the various knots we sell. We're willing to bet, though, that as you wear and enjoy our jewelry, it will take on its own special significance just for you.

If you’ve ever seen a ring with a crowned heart held between two hands, you’re already familiar with the Claddagh design. The heart, of course, is a symbol of love. The crown is a sign of fidelity, and the hands represent friendship. Claddaghs are worn on the left hand, facing inward, if your heart is spoken for. If you are unattached, wear the ring on your right hand, facing outward.

Like most traditional symbols, the origin of the Claddagh has been obscured by the passage of time. It is almost certainly from the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway. Some stories say that a Claddagh ring was found on the hand of a sailor of a Spanish galleon that went down near the Irish coast. Others say the design was brought back from the Crusades by a young man captured by the Saracens. Whatever its history, the Claddagh has become an enduring symbol of affection.

Gryphon's Moon is a retail business. We do not offer wholesale pricing.

If you have a computer, we are as close as your front door. We are a mail-order business, and our entire catalog can be found online. We even offer free shipping on orders over $100. We do not have a brick-and-mortar storefront that is accessible to customers. This allows us to keep our prices down, while reaching a far wider customer base than we could as a local business.