The Meaning of the Irish Promise Ring

November 1, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

An Irish promise ring or poesy ring is given to symbolize love, faith and commitment. A promise ring is usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This Irish promise ring or “poesy ring” is truly a tribute to the expressive and passionate Irish spirit. So pledge your love the Irish way with a promise ring!

The tradition of the promise ring or poesy ring began around the 16th and 17th century in England and Europe. A “posie” was a common short poem or inscription on a piece of jewelry. A ring inscribed with or inspired by a sentiment of love, faith and hope became known as a “posey ring” or promose ring. The poesy ring gained immense popularity due to it’s numerous mentions in Shakespeare’s plays.

The traditional Irish Claddagh ring is a type of Irish promise ring and is a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. The hands of the claddagh ring stand for friendship. The heart of the claddagh ring stands for love and the crown is a symbol of loyalty.

The Claddagh Ring or Claddagh promise ring has been worn since Roman times! The beautiful meaning of the claddagh ring has made the claddagh ring a celebrated romantic gift for people of all nationalities. But none can argue that the claddagh ring holds a rather special meaning to those romantics of Irish heritage.

“Promise Rings | Irish Promise Rings | Celtic Promise Rings.” N.p, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2020 <https://www.theirishjewelrycompany.com/collections/bridal-jewelry/promise-rings.html>.
Irish Promise Rings by The Irish Jewelry Company

The History and Origins of Celtic Jewelry

October 30, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

Historians believe Celtic clans first settled in Germany and Austria from near 1,200BC. The clans were a society of agriculturalists and soldiers. It is believed around the time of the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, the Celts migrated south across France and to the Iberian Peninsula. It was around 500BC when the Celts first arrived in Britain and Ireland. Over hundreds of years the Celts spread throughout the Ireland’s countryside. In the fifth century by the time Christianity came to Ireland the Celtic language, traditions and culture were the dominant force in Ireland.

Men’s Celtic Jewelry Collection by The Irish Jewelry Company

Celtic Art of The La Tene Period

With the Celtic language and culture flourishing in Ireland their style of artwork would soon take hold in Irish culture as well. Celtic artists started to demonstrate a more advanced type of artwork. The Celtic form of art during this time is called the La Tene style [JD1] . Named after the town of La Tène in Switzerland. The Celtic art called La Tène is characterized by curves and spirals. There is little Representative art of the human seen. The style is more defined by abstract geometric design such as the Celtic knot and the common triple spiral design known as the triskelion or triskele.

Celtic Knots are a popular Celtic symbol but there are many types of Celtic Knots. Celtic knots are like circles and loops interwoven with no beginning or end. A symbol of eternity and the cycle of life. Celtic symbols are widely popular in Celtic Tattoos and in Celtic Jewelry. Celtic symbols have a variety of Celtic Knot meanings representing family, strength, protection, love and more.

While the exact origins of Celtic Knots are lost to time historians believe these Celtic symbols date to around 500 BC. Celtic knots have been found carved into ancient Celtic architecture, art and in illuminated manuscripts. Celtic Jewelry is thought to date back to around 2000 BC to around 550 AD. This was the period in which historian believe Celtic craftsman began using silver and gold to craft beautiful Celtic jewelry adorned with Celtic symbols and knots. The exact meaning of the Celtic knot has unfortunately been lost in through the centuries and are left to interpretation.

Common styles of Celtic jewelry during this time included torcs, likely worn as a status symbol since they considered jewelry to be decorative rather than practical. Another type of Celtic jewelry found with torcs during this period is the Celtic cloak brooch. The famous and impressive Tara Brooch made of silver-gilt and decorated with fine filigree interlaced design. The Tara Brooch is a magnificent Celtic cloak brooch. This style of Celtic brooch is repeated throughout Celtic jewelry.

Celtic knotwork designs are embossed on large Celtic stone crosses all over Ireland that have with stood the test of time and are depicted in metal work and Celtic jewelry on ancient riches like the Ardagh Chalice part of the Ardagh Hoard on display at National Museum of Archaeology in Ireland in Dublin along with the famous Tara brooch.

Celtic Jewelry is so highly sought after and admired throughout the world. Tourists to Ireland often wonder about the local crafts the country is famous for creating. Ireland is famous for a variety of crafts including wool sweaters and its famous world-renowned Celtic Jewelry.

What jewelry is Ireland known for?

Ireland is known for beautiful Celtic Jewelry inspired by the ancient Celtic philosophy . Celtic jewelry is steeped in culture from Ireland with symbols of love, family, faith, and friendship passed for generations. Celtic jewelry has timeless appeal and is a wonderful representation of the vibrant Irish culture and people.

Celtic jewelry is high quality and handcrafted inspired by all things Irish and made from the finest material by expert Irish jewelers. When a customer buys a piece of Celtic jewelry such as a Claddagh Ring, or Celtic Trinity Knot they are not only getting a beautiful piece of jewelry they are also passing on traditional Celtic culture and custom.

The Origin of the Celtic Trinity Knot and its Meaning

October 28, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ 1 Comment

Often people are intrigued about the meaning of the Celtic Trinity Knot symbol. The three interlocking pointed lines of the Celtic Trinity Knot have been translated in numerous ways. But most interpretations relate to love, strength, and dedication in some form. Historically early Celtic Knot designs have had several meanings and vague origins like the meaning of the Trinity Knot. Celtic Knots have gained popularity around the world as tokens of love and family relations and have been regarded for centuries to mark important events occasions and symbolic beliefs.

Trinity Knot Design

Much like the shamrock the Triquetra knot also referred to as the Trinity knot was used by Christians to represent the Holy Trinity. Legend says St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain how the Holy Trinity works. Each petal on the clover represents an entity of God. The top petal is God. The other two petals represent Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Faithful Christians used the three points of the Trinity knot demonstrate the Holy Trinity. of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Basically, there are three persons, each person is God, each person is distinct, and there is only one God. The Christians used the knot to symbolize the Holy Trinity and added a circle to represent eternal life.

What is the meaning of the Celtic trinity knot?

To the ancient Celts the Celtic Trinity Knot or triquetra is used often to symbolize and honor the Mother, Maiden and Crone of the neo-pagan triple goddess. An example is the Celtic Sisters Knot. The three points of the knot symbolizes the three life cycles of a woman in relation to the phases of the moon. In more recent times, when Christian missionaries arrived it became recognized as a symbol for The Holy Trinity meaning ‘The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit’. In modern times the Trinity knot is now interpreted as the Irish love knot. The trinity knot’s interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life, and undying love.

The Meaning of the Trinity Knot

It is said that the Trinity Knot may also be inspired by the Celtic belief in the importance of the Earth, Sea, and Sky. Another meaning points to the Lunar and Solar phases since many of Trinity Knot symbols are depicted Celtic Solar and Lunar symbols. Like our Celtic Moon and Celtic Star collection depicts. Numerous legends like that of St. Patrick indicate the Trinity Knot represents the Christian Holy Trinity when depicted on its own. The Trinity Knot designs are represented repeatably on many ancient stone Celtic Cross also called the High Cross or Irish Cross monuments standing all over Ireland today. Each wearer of Trinity Knot jewelry will have to determine what its personal meaning is to them since exact meaning of the Trinity Knot varies and there are several significant explanations dating back centuries for this iconic Irish symbol.

Is the Trinity Knot Irish?

The Trinity Knot in modern times has become known a is a Celtic Symbol of Love. Known to many and depicted in Celtic jewelry as an Irish Love Knot or a Celtic Love Knot, the Trinity Knot is a beautiful and ancient Celtic symbol. Irish legend says St. Patrick used the Trinity Knot to teach the Holy Trinity to the Celts. Trinity Knot designs depicted in Celtic jewelry are widely found on ancient stone Celtic Cross also known as the High Cross or Irish Cross monuments standing in Ireland today.

The Origin of the Trinity Knot

Trinity Knots are notable styles of Celtic Knotwork or Celtic knot designs. The Trinity Knot an immediately identifiable Irish Symbol. The exact meaning of this type of Celtic knot has unfortunately been lost in through the centuries. The designs are embossed on large Celtic stone crosses all over Ireland that have with stood the test of time and are depicted in metal work and Celtic jewelry on ancient riches like the Ardagh Chalice part of the Ardagh Hoard on display at National Museum of Archaeology in Ireland in Dublin. The Trinity Knot design has withstood the test of time for centuries. The popularity of the Trinity Knot continues to grow in many Celtic jewelry collections. Its beautiful form with three interlinked shapes gives it its recognizable triangular profile. Three intertwined triangles are a relatively simple shape creating a more complex trefoil knot. A continuous Celtic knot design that cannot be untied or broken. Some trefoil knot designs also include a circle at the center of this knot.

Origin and Meaning of the Celtic Trinity Knot

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

Trinity Knot Design

What is the meaning of the Celtic trinity knot?

The Meaning of the Trinity Knot

Is the Trinity Knot Irish?

The Origin of the Trinity Knot

**Ardagh** **Chalice** at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin

The Trinity Knot design has withstood the test of time for centuries. The popularity of the Trinity Knot continues to grow in many Celtic jewelry collections. Its beautiful form with three interlinked shapes gives it its recognizable triangular profile. Three intertwined triangles are a relatively simple shape creating a more complex trefoil knot. A continuous Celtic knot design that cannot be untied or broken. Some trefoil knot designs also include a circle at the center of this knot.

Three Symbols of Celtic Motherhood and Family

October 18, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

Celtic family life was especially important to the ancient Celts. The basic family unit of Celtic life was called the clan. The Celtic clan was virtually a tight extended family unit. Clans were compelled to associate loosely with other clans creating tribes. Each Celtic tribe had its own community structure, rules, and traditions, and they might have even had their own gods. The family structure or clan was especially important in ancient Celtic life.

Celtic Family Knot is a Celtic symbol for love and family

The Celtic family knot is a symbol strong and powerful Celtic family bonds. Celtic knot symbols have always inspired ways to express aspects of our Irish Celtic family lives. The Celtic symbol for the family represented in jewelry and Celtic family knot tattoo inspirations are a popular to express one’s strong Celtic family bonds.

The Celtic Family Knot Pendant
by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Celtic symbol for family, the Celtic Family Knot represents the strong family bond. This original Celtic Jewelry design Celtic Family Knot Pendant is great for all moms and is a symbol of family love.

What is the meaning of the Celtic Family Knot?

The Irish Celtic symbol for family, the Celtic Family Knot is a reminder of the beauty of family love. Celtic knots are eternal and strong like the bond that holds a family together. The Celtic Family Knot Pendant is a keepsake that will be cherished. Whether you are a single parent with one child or a couple with starting a family this Celtic Knot Family of Two Pendant is perfect.

What is the Mothers Claddagh?

Our Mothers Claddagh Necklace represents the eternal bond of friendship, love and loyalty shared between a mother and her child. A mother’s love is immeasurable. A mother has great dreams for her children and she patiently stands by as she watches them chase them. She is there to see them soar and she catches them when they fall. She might not always be perfect but in the end she will always be there. She is a devoted mother.

Mothers Claddagh Jewelry by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Meaning of the Mothers Claddagh…

The Claddagh ring means eternal love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh rings consists of a heart with a crown held by two hands symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh Rings have become a world-renowned symbol of love.

The mothers claddagh is a humble stylized parent and child embrace representative of the Madonna and child combined with a traditional Irish claddagh is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother, her child, faith, and their Irish heritage in Celtic jewelry.

The Celtic Motherhood Knot is a Symbol of the Mother and Child Bond

Many Celtic Symbols have influenced many aspects of daily life especially motherhood. Celtic motherhood symbols in general represent the natural cycles of life, love, and the strength of the unbroken bond. The Celtic motherhood knot naturally lends itself as a symbol for Celtic Family. But perhaps the best example of a Celtic knot motherhood symbol representing the Celtic family is the Motherhood Knot called the Celtic Mothers Knot.

The Celtic Mothers Knot a Traditional Motherhood Knot by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Celtic motherhood knot also known as the Celtic Mothers Knot is a design based on the famous Trinity Knot, also known as the Triquetra. The Celtic Mothers Knot combines the beautiful meaning of the trinity knot with a stylized depiction of a mother and child.

The Celtic depiction of the popular Celtic knot known as the Trinity Knot dates back for generations. The Celtic Trinity Knot is a circle interwoven with a continuously flowing three-point symbol.

The Trinity knot, an early symbol of Christianity, pre-dating the Celtic represents the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is the three in one of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. There are many depictions of the Celtic Trinity Knot in history including in the Book of Kells. The Trinity Knot is the perfect Celtic symbol used to depict the love be between a mother and child in the Celtic Mothers Knot.

Meaning of the Iconic Celtic Symbol for Motherhood, The Celtic Mothers Knot

The intricate Celtic motherhood knot known universal as the Celtic Mothers Knot symbolizes the perpetual bond and strength of love between a mother and child.

The meaning of the Celtic motherhood symbol, The Celtic Mothers Knot revolves around the maternal love between mother and child that endures the test of time.

At its heart, The trinity symbol combined with the image of a mother and child symbol portrays the resilient, never-ending bond of love that exists between mother and child from the moment the child is conceived until birth and for eternity. A mother’s love for her child is one of the strongest things on earth.

Celtic Motherhood knot designs are used as a popular tattoo design.

The Celtic Motherhood Knot like to extremely popular The Celtic Mothers Knot highlights an eternal bond in a popular tattoo design. A Celtic motherhood knot tattoo symbolizes a mother’s love for her child.

Ireland is Known for Handcrafted Irish Jewelry

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

The Claddagh Galway — Panorama of the Claddagh in Galway city, Ireland.

Many people and tourists to Ireland often wonder about the local crafts the country is famous for creating. Ireland is famous for a variety of crafts including wool sweaters and its famous world-renowned Irish Jewelry.

What jewelry is Ireland known for?

Ireland is known for beautiful Irish Jewelry. Irish jewelry is steeped in culture from Ireland with stories of love and friendship passed for generations. Irish jewelry has timeless appeal and is a wonderful representation of the vibrant Irish culture and they beauty of its people.

Irish jewelry is high quality and handcrafted inspired by all things Irish and made from the finest material by expert jewelers. When a customer buys a piece of Irish jewelry such as a Claddagh Ring, they are not only getting a beautiful piece of jewelry they are also passing on traditional Irish culture and custom.

The legend behind the traditional Irish Claddagh Ring design is a beautiful story if enduring love. Imagine Ireland in the days long ago. A young Irishman in love w Old Irish stone cottage and bicycle background ith a beautiful Irish lass was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed while in captivity and he wondered if his true love had waited for his return. As the years wore on, he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring for his true love. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. Can you just picture the tiny first rustic claddagh ring being made? After many years he finally returned home to the village of Claddagh Ireland, near the Galway coast. To his wonderful delight he discovered his true love had waited for him. So, he gave her the tiny ring he fashioned for her while in captivity as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. This beautiful token of love loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh Ring.

Another popular piece of Irish Jewelry from Ireland that it is famous for is the Celtic Cross. Irish legend says Saint Patrick a Christian missionary regarded as the patron saint of Ireland was responsible for the origins of the Celtic Cross. St. Patrick lived from AD 373-493 and ministered in Northern Ireland from AD 433 until his death. The Pious legend credits St. Patrick with banishing snakes from the island, though post-glacial Ireland never actually had snakes. It is suggested that the snakes referred to the serpent symbolism of the Druids. Saint Patrick is also credited with teaching the Irish about the Holy Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a 3-leaved clover. Legend also says St. Patrick, while preaching Christianity drew a cross through a Celtic circle symbolic of the moon Goddess. Hence the Celtic cross was born. Today the circle of the Celtic cross is viewed as a of God’s endless love. The Celtic cross is one of the most popular and enduring pieces of Irish jewelry passed from generations to generation of family members today.

Magical Irish Wedding Traditions and Superstitions

August 26, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

Irish wedding traditions date far back in history and many have survived in one form or another today. These Irish wedding traditions were rooted in nature came from folklore and superstitions for generations. passed on generations. Today Irish couples around the world seek to incorporate these ancient Irish wedding traditions in their modern-day wedding as a way pay tribute or to reconnect with their Irish heritage.

Have you ever heard the phrase “HIS GOOSE IS COOKED”?

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The expression ‘his goose is cooked’ is still in use in Ireland and especially in Dublin. The phrase originated from the tradition of cooking a goose for the groom in the Bride’s house the night before the wedding. Once the goose was cooked there was simply no going back!

TYING THE KNOT… the Celtic Knot

Perhaps the best-known Irish Wedding Tradition that most people don’t know about is tying the knot. Did you know the phrase “Tying the Knot” originated with the ancient Celtic ceremony of hand fasting? This old Celtic tradition symbolizes the joining of two as one like the exchanging of rings today. The couple clasps their hands together and a brightly colored cord in the bridal party colors is wrapped around their hands as a symbol of their unity in marriage.

IRISH LACE, an Irish Wedding Tradition

Irish Lace is commonly used as an Irish Wedding Tradition. Irish lace began in the 1800’s many families in Ireland lived in small thatched cottages on land called crofts producing crops for the Lord of the Manor. Crofters were “dirt poor” with little money for necessities. Then the potato blight hit between 1845 and 1851 destroying the crops and causing thousands of families to starve. The Ursuline nuns were familiar with Venetian lace, brought over from France. The nuns used their skills in crocheting lace to help save the people from the famine. They began schooling women to produce the fine crochet that has come to be known as “Irish lace.” The more affluent Irish families that could meet the expense to buy the lace earned the name of “lace curtain Irish.” Families had their own designs and motifs and closely guarded their patterns which were passed from mother to daughter. The particulars were kept so secret that many of them vanished as the families either died or fled the poverty for other lands.

FLOWERS and Shamrocks of course

For good luck to the marriage, a sprig of shamrocks is tucked into the bouquet. The lucky Shamrock is also the symbol of Ireland. It is also customary to decorate the house that the wedding celebration was held in with locally grown flowers and plants. These would vary according to the time of the year that the wedding was held. Some plants have become associated with Ireland, not least the now readily available ‘Bells of Ireland’, used in modern times for its symbolism. A Celtic tradition in Wales involves the plant Myrtle which is presented by the Bride to the Bridesmaids who then plant it in their gardens. If the plant grew, then the Bridesmaid would be married before the year is out!

THE MAGIC HANKY

It is now usual for the ‘magic hanky’ to be made from Linen although it is likely the original versions were made from cheaper materials. It was usual for the Bride to carry the hanky on her wedding day and for it to be retained and later converted to a Christening hat/bonnet for her first child. The hanky would be passed on from generation to generation to be re-used in a similar manner. THE

CLADDAGH RING

Irish jewelry is known to be steeped in irish tradition. It is quite common for a traditional Claddagh Ring to be used at an Irish wedding, as a wedding band. The ring is faced outwards prior to the wedding and reversed to face inwards on the hand after the wedding, indicating that the bearer is taken forever! The Claddagh Ring is one of the most well-known romantic symbols of Ireland.

THE LUCKY HORSESHOE

The tradition of a horseshoe is well known throughout the world and so it is in Ireland. By placing the horseshoe upright over a door or in a room the ‘luck of the house’ was kept intact. The Greeks associated the horseshoe with the crescent moon and its symbolism of fertility. The tradition was popular throughout Ireland and England too with the readily available horseshoe being carried by the Bride as she walked down the aisle. It was then affixed securely by the Groom in the matrimonial home. Today, glass and ceramic horseshoes are symbolically used at Irish wedding ceremonies.

WEDDING BELLS and the Make Up Bell

The use of Church bells in Christian religions is symbolic of driving away the evil spirits from the marriage to be. In Penal times in Ireland this was not possible, so the gift of a small bell acted as a substitute. Modern Irish weddings often have stationery, invitations, bunting, and decorations adorned with bells, hearts, shamrocks, and horseshoes. A small glass or ceramic bell can be used in the Church service and kept as a memento. It is a tradition in Ireland to present a couple with a “make-up” bell for their wedding or anniversary, even engagement. The chime of bells is thought to keep evil spirits away and to restore harmony if a couple is fighting. The sound of the bell, much like a church bell is to remind a couple of their wedding vows. This bell is also rung when one partner is ready to “make up” and end any little quarrel. Each partner should take turns ringing the bell, lest a quarrel begin again.

IRISH WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS

It is considered better luck to get married during a time of plenty. A bountiful harvest year, is a good omen for any newly married couple. It is better that a man be the first person to wish joy and happiness to the new Bride, and never a woman.

A wedding party should always avoid crossing paths with a Funeral procession. Seems like an obvious one.

Upon the bride and groom leaving the Church paper confetti to tossed at the betrothed, but in ancient times an old shoe was tossed over the head of the Bride for luck – not so lucky if it hits the Bride though!

Placing a statue of ‘the Child of Prague’, a small statue of the Holy Infant Jesus, in the garden of the Bride prior to the wedding is supposed to ensure that her big day is blessed by nice weather.

The Irish Jewelry Company https://www.theirishjewelrycompany.com

Unique Diamond Claddagh Ring Design

March 1, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

Have you ever wanted a diamond claddagh ring? Look no further than The Irish Jewelry Company for a unique collection of diamond claddagh rings.

The Irish Jewelry Company‘s Diamond Claddagh Ring radiates exquisite beauty. The Diamond Claddagh ring is one of Ireland’s best known symbols of love. A Diamond Claddagh ring has three symbolic parts. It’s heart stands for love, the crown is for loyalty, and the hands are for friendship. Experience every stage of love, loyalty and friendship. There is an old Irish saying that goes, “With These hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love” . Giver her a Diamond Claddagh Ring by The Irish Jewelry Company today. A leader in Irish Jewelry online sales.

What is the Claddagh Story?

A short history of the Claddagh ring. Long ago a young man was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed and he wondered if his true love would wait for him. Over the years he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. After many years he finally returned home to Claddagh. Upon his return and to his joy he discovered his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of their love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh. Do you have someone in your life to which you pledge your love, loyalty and friendship forever?

Click Here to Learn How to Wear a Claddagh Ring

What way do you wear a Claddagh Ring?

Irish Claddagh rings that are worn on the left hand with the heart facing towards the wearer mean that the wearer is married. When a claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing away from the wearer, the Claddagh ring indicates that the person’s heart is still open to love. Wear your claddagh ring in this position if you are single and open to love.

Available at the Lynbrook Irish Shop.

The Irish Harp – A Symbol of Ireland

February 19, 2020 ~ Kierand LLC ~ Leave a comment

The Irish Jewelry Company's Blog

What is the Irish Harp ?

The Irish harp is a political symbol of Ireland. for centuries. The exact origin of the Irish Harp is really known.

The Irish Harp is a symbol of Ireland and Irish pride. The Irish harp became an emblem of resistance to the Crown and England. The Irish harp, although not as renowned as the shamrock is the official emblem of Ireland. The Irish harp status as the official insignia of Ireland dates centuries and the elegant instrument’s history tells much about the history of the Emerald Isle.