Jewelry as we know it has existed since time immemorial. Today, these adornments are regarded as mere accessories, something used to beautify a person from head to toe. What we sometimes fail to realize is that these little trinkets have their own story to tell. They share a part of the history of any culture known to mankind.
The origin of the word "jewelry" can be traced back from the Latin term "jocale" which means plaything. To our ancestors however, a piece of jewelry is more than just a plaything. They were regarded as a currency, worn as a status symbol, representation, membership to a group and sometimes protection from illness or evil spirits.
The crown for example is a sign of royalty, anyone who wears it is implied to belong to a family of royal blood. To believers of Jesus Christ, the cross is a symbol of their faith or sometimes a weapon against the fallen angel. Basically, interpretation of the meanings of jewelry depends on the person looking at it.
Earlier types of jewelry were said to be made of different materials ranging from grass, bones, wood, stones, metal, semi - precious gems and sometimes rare stones of high value. They were usually stringed or cast together to form a distinct shape or symbol with significant meaning.
For example, Irish jewelry is usually adorned by traditional Celtic symbols. Symbols take in forms of spirals, knots, animals, plants and sometimes human. Each of which takes on a different meaning. Although the designs have several forms, they have one prevailing characteristic, they are drawn with no beginning and no end. These symbols are said to be tributes for nature that the warriors draw on their swords, shields and armors.
Today, Celtic symbols are taken from the shields and are transferred to contemporary Irish jewelry. Studs of Triquetra earrings are available everywhere at any given time. Celtic knots decorate cross pendants and bracelets. More and more people are buying them not only because of their unique design but its rich symbolism as well.
The Triquetra for example is the Celtic symbol for the Trinity, anything and everything that has a three-fold persona or dimension. If for Catholics, the Trinity is the Holy Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, the Trinity knot to an ancient Celt signifies the three partition of the earth: water, land and sky or the three dimensions of time: past, present and future. In a way an embodiment of eternity.
The make of modern jewelry is not limited to the conventional metal of bronze, silver or gold. The semi-precious and valuable stones are slowly being replaced by materials like glass, plastic and even polymer clay. Although these materials provide a cheaper alternative for jewelry makers and consumers alike, Irish jewelry still manage to survive and thrive. Celts and non-Celts alike are creating a demand that has encouraged Irish jewelers to create handcrafted jewelry. These are now easily available in the market through the Internet and several jewelers worldwide.
Leigh Maher researches and writes about Celtic jewelry, and specialises in Celtic wedding rings, engagement rings and bridal jewelry. Click here for more information about Irish jewelry
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