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Here you will find interesting
stories about the symbols used in
Celtic jewelry, a little Celtic
Heritage, and other useful
resources like stone colors and
how to measure your ring size.
How to Measure your Ring Size:
|
US Size |
Diameter in Inches |
Circumference in Inches |
|
4 |
37/64" |
1 27/32" |
|
5 |
5/8" |
1 15/16" |
|
6 |
21/32" |
2 3/64" |
|
7 |
11/16" |
2 9/64" |
|
8 |
23/32" |
2 1/4" |
|
9 |
3/4" |
2 11/32" |
|
10 |
25/32" |
2 29/64" |
|
11 |
13/16" |
2 9/16" |
|
12 |
27/32" |
2 21/32" |
|
13 |
7/8" |
2 49/64" |
|
14 |
29/32" |
2 27/32" |
|
15 |
15/16" |
2 61/64" |
Stone Colors and Descriptions:
|
Type of Stone |
General Color |
|
Amethyst |
Purple |
|
Blue Topaz |
Sky Blue |
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Emerald |
Green |
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Garnet |
Dark Red |
|
Moonstone |
Silver-White |
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Ruby |
Fiery Red |
|
Sapphire |
Blue |
|
Swarovski Crystal |
Clear |
|
Black Onyx |
Black |
|
Marcasite |
Silver-White to Slightly
Goldish tone |
|
Malachite |
Emerald Green to Grass Green |
|
Turquoise |
Blue-Green |
    
   
Celtic Symbols and Their Meanings
Celtic art and culture date back
as far as the 8th century B.C.
Until recently, much was not known
about this fascinating culture,
but thanks to much archaeological
excavation and findings, a greater
understanding of them has been
developed. Since tribes were bound
together by speech, customs, and
religion, rather than a
centralized government, they were
a closely-knit people of common
tradition and beliefs. Because of
this, the art of the culture had
specific designs for spiritual
meaning.
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Knotwork
For the Celts, life
was seen as a riddle, the "eternal journey" so to say. They believed in
reincarnation: continuous rebirth until complete spiritual rebirth is
achieved. These knots symbolized their maze through eternity, and their
understanding of various spiritual levels in the search for purification of
the soul.
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Spiral
The spiral symbolizes
the continuity of life and spiritual growth. It is the constant flow of
nature's processes going outward then back inward as Heaven and Earth are
joined. The tri-sceal (or three stories) represents the nature, human and
divine aspects of life.
The spiral and knotworks are the two main characteristics of Celtic Art. The
concepts carried over into the early Christian manuscripts (see the Book of
Kells). |
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The Cauldron Symbol
The Cauldron is the
symbol which allows shape changing with the birth of a child. The Cauldron
is under the power of the Earth goddess Ceredwen. She is the goddess of
transformation. In the cauldron, divine knowledge and inspiration are
brewed. The three spirals also represent the Maiden, Mother and Crone aspect
of the Goddess.
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Serpent and Dragons
Coming from inside the
Earth, the serpent was believed to be all knowing of the worlds secrets and
having divine wisdom. The ram-headed serpent is named Cerrunos, who is lord
of the underworld, and king of all animals. Cerrunos is the symbol of
strength and virility. Dragons are the combination of the forces of the
depths. The serpent, the wings of a bird, and horns, which represent
regeneration, wisdom and growth. The dragon is the gatekeeper to other
worlds.
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Celtic Cross
The cross symbolizes
the bridge to other worlds and to higher energy and knowledge. This is
realized by the vertical axis (celestial world) and horizontal axis (Earthly
world). They are also considered solar symbols, sources of light and
ultimate energy.
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Clauddagh
The design of the
heart held between two hands with a crown set on top is known as the
Clauddagh. Reputed to originate in the Irish village of Clauddagh, across
from Galway. Traditionally used as a ring, it was a family heirloom handed
down as an engagement ring, friendship, or wedding ring. The symbolism is as
such, heart as love, hands as friendship, and crown as fidelity.
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