The Celtic Necklace Blog

The Celtic knot is probably one of the most widely used designs in the creation of Celtic necklaces and earrings.  The knots are not limited to just jewelry, however, and can be found in just about anything Celtic- from writings to rugs!  As a matter of fact, Celtic knots are stamped into the leather checkbook cover I have hidden away for my sister for Christmas (shhh… don’t tell!)

Unlike many other Celtic symbols, the knot seems to have no “special” meaning, as so many of the other symbols do.  Some say that the continuous thread and working of the knot evokes a message of eternity and a feeling of being connected.  Actually, it seems the knotwork is so widely used because it is just plain pretty and interesting.  The ancient folk, evidentally, did love things just for their beauty!

Want to learn more about the Celtic Knot?  Here’s a great site: Making Celtic Knots

It seems that a great majority of Celtic necklaces and jewelry are made of silver. Silver is both beautiful and affordable.  But many people don’t know how to keep that new silver piece looking great.  Want to keep your necklace shiny and fresh?  A few very simple and easy steps will help keep it looking like new.

Keep your necklace in a bag when you’re not wearing it.  A plastic ziplock bag will do just fine.  Keeping the air out of the bag is essential to keep the oxidation to a minimum.  Store the bag in a cool, dark place. 

To clean your Celtic necklace, always use a soft 100% cotton cloth.  An old cotton tshirt is perfect. 

Is your necklace just a bit dirty?  A very weak solution of dish detergent and water will take off light soil.  Just be sure to dry completely when you’re done.

Silver paste cleaners can be used if your necklace is really tarnished. Silver cleaner can be easily found in the cleaning section of a large grocery store and can certainly be found at the local discount department stores.  If your necklace or charm contains a gemstone, do not get the paste on your stone.

In addition to cleaners, many jewelers sell clothes that you can use on your silver pieces… very handy indeed!

And don’t wear your silver while you’re swimming!  Chlorine can really do a number on silver jewelry.

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I know this image is a bit hard to see.  However, I love the Celtic necklace itself so much that I thought I would share it with all of you. 

While doing some research on the Claddagh symbol, I came across the noted Galway jewelry store of Thomas Dillon.  It seems that Thomas Dillon is the only jewelry maker that is permitted to stamp their Claddagh rings as “original”, since they are the original manufacturer of this ring.

In my Thomas Dillon search, I decided to take a look a their necklaces.  What I found was so unique that I just had to pass it on.  Again, sorry for the terrible picture but it was this bad starting out at the Thomas Dillon website!  Use your imagination and you will see…

This Celtic Necklace was created after 9/11.  Created to commemorate the friendship between the Irish and the Americans, it joins the Claddagh symbol with the American Flag.  The American flag extends up through the middle of the ring that has the Claddagh hands and heart at the bottom.  I must say that this is The perfect gift for any Irish American girl!

Technorati Tags: celtic necklace, claddagh, Irish jewelry

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the whole “Life is Good” line of stuff. Anyone who designs clothing based on the way we SHOULD be living our lives has his/her head on straight (and is an awesome marketing genius!).

If I had to pick out one Celtic Symbol that embodies the whole “Life is Good” mentality, I think it would be the Celtic Tree of Life. One of my favorite Celtic necklaces features the tree of life symbol.

The Celtic Tree of life - This symbol, of course, always features a tree. I have seen many variations on the symbol but I have yet to find one that is not obviously a tree! From jewelry pendants to wall hangings, it is one of the more popular symbols.

It is certainly not just a Celt symbol as many cultures have adopted this meaningful symbol of life. It is said to represent spirituality, hope and wisdom. The symbol meant a lot to the Celts who believed the tree of life provided food, shelter and sustenance. If you think of all that a tree provides - seeds to reproduce for eternal life, losing its leaves and then coming back to life in the spring, and reaching from the earth to the sky- you can easily see why many cultures have adopted this life giving symbol.

Technorati Tags: celtic necklace, Tree of Life