The Guide to Celtic Jewellery

Among our collection of jewellery and watches, we also carry a wide variety of Celtic jewellery pieces. Some of our most popular items include Celtic knot wedding bands which signify eternal love, Claddagh rings for the person who holds your heart and Shamrocks as a souvenir of your trip to the Emerald Isle. But what do all Celtic designs mean and what do they stand for? Here is our guide to understanding what all our Celtic designs symbolise.
Claddagh


"With these hands I give you my heart and crown it with my love."
The iconic Claddagh ring features two hands holding a crowned heart, symbolising love, loyalty, and friendship.
Recognised worldwide, it is often given as a token of love and devotion.
Trinity Knot


The Trinity Knot, seen in ancient Celtic manuscripts like the Book of Kells, symbolises eternity, unity, and love.
Once representing the Holy Trinity, it is now a cherished symbol of devotion, often given as a gift to loved ones.
Celtic Knot


Celtic knots, dating back to the 8th century, symbolise unity and eternity with endless loops.
Featured in the *Book of Kells*, each day a new page is displayed — it would take a year of daily visits to see the entire book!
Celtic Cross


Standing tall across Ireland, the Celtic Cross honours the heritage of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Its signature circle ring symbolises strength, eternity, or continuity.
The four points are believed to represent the four directions or elements — Water, Air, Fire, and Earth — making it a powerful symbol of faith.
Shamrock


The Celtic Shamrock, found across Ireland's historical sites, was believed to have mystical weather-predicting powers.
Its three leaves symbolise the Holy Trinity or life ideals like love, faith, and hope. Saint Patrick is said to have used it in his teachings.
While most shamrocks have three leaves, a rare four-leaf clover is seen as a symbol of great luck.
The Harp


The harp, an iconic Irish emblem since the 10th century, was once played only in royal circles. The oldest surviving harp, the *Trinity College Harp*, is displayed in Dublin's Trinity College.
A proud symbol of Irish heritage, the harp appears on Irish coins, Guinness logos, and the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
In modern Irish, the Celtic harp is called the Clairseach, representing Ireland's rich cultural legacy.
Tree of Life


The Tree of Life symbolizes connection to earth, ancestors, and spirits, vital for food, shelter, and community in Celtic times. Rooted and reaching to the sky, it represents growth and strength.
Associated with knowledge, power, and wisdom, the symbol is worn for both cultural heritage and modern style, with contemporary designs becoming popular fashion pieces.
Celtic jewellery plays a significant part in the Silver Department here at Weir and Sons, as we are based on Grafton St. in the heart of Dublin city. We are just minutes away from Trinity college: Ireland’s Oldest University and home to the Book of Kells.