Celtic Jewellery |The Meaning behind the Design
At Weir & Sons, we have a large selection of Jewellery, from earrings and bracelets to pendants and rings. Among our selection, we have a curated selection of Celtic Jewellery designs.
Some of the most beloved designs include :
The Celtic knot wedding bands to signify eternal love;
Claddagh rings for the person who holds your heart ;
Shamrocks as a souvenir of your trip to the Emerald Isle.
To help remind you of the meaning behind each beloved Celtic design, we have written a guide to help choose the one with the perfect meaning for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
