The Trinity Knot: Find out its Origin and Meaning

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So in order to understand what is a triquetra or trinity knot you must know the meaning and origins. The Celtic trinity knot is also known as a trefoil knot, or a triquetra. It is an iconic Celtic knot symbol has three interconnected “leaves” creating a knot that can’t be untied. So what does the triquetra or trinity knot actual mean. This popular Celtic knot design has been adopted by various cultures through time such as Christians, Pagans and inspired lovers alike!

Diamond Trinity Heart Pendant

The Origin of the Trinity Knot Design

This history of the trinity knot including its origins and meaning of is complicated! Its exact mysterious origins and meanings have been lost through time. Scholars and archaeologists agree , the Trinity Knot first appears as a pagan design and used by Celts. It was adopted by early Irish Christians in the 4th century as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.

Trinity Knot Meanings

There are surprisingly multiple meanings of the trinity knot that have developed over time. In modern day Ireland the Trinity or Lovers Knot is a traditional symbol of eternal and enduring love. Irish couples frequently exchange the trinity knot or Irish love knot design in jewelry such as in Trinity knot wedding rings or Irish love knot necklaces to show their love and devotion.

Diamond Trinity Knot Engagement Ring Set

Trinity Knot has multiple meanings. The Trinity knot is also called the Triquetra and is one of the best known symbols in the Celtic Christian church. This beloved Celtic symbol of an eternal knot is used it to demonstrate the important Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is the father, son and the holy spirit.

The Celtic Reverence for Three

The unique three “leafed” trefoil shape of the Trinity Knot demonstrates the Celts fascination with the number three. The idea of Trios in the life cycle to the Celts, meaning Birth, Life and Death; Past, Present, and Future; or Earth, Sea, and Sky; meant everything to them. They truly believed everything of importance came in threes and was interconnected.

And so it is safe to say that it would seem the enduring story of the Trinity Knot, its meaning and significance, continues to evolve today. What is true is that the Trinity Knot is what each person makes it with their stories. It can be a treasured family heirloom, a beautiful symbol of love or a symbol of faith.

5 Irish Wedding Traditions to Inspire Your Ceremony

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“If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come, remember. When December’s rain fall fast, marry and true love will last.”

These lines are from an old Irish wedding song and are part of a rich history of Irish wedding traditions and lore.

If you or your partner have Irish heritage you may be looking for a way to honor your culture on your wedding day. And while some of the older traditions are long gone, some Celtic wedding traditions have been featured in modern weddings all over the world.

Here are 5 Irish wedding traditions to consider for your upcoming wedding.

1. Irish Wedding Bands

Traditional Irish wedding bands often feature the Claddagh symbol, Celtic knotwork, or the Celtic trinity. These symbols have a meaningful history in Ireland and Irish jewelry.

The Claddagh ring symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. Celtic knotwork represents eternal love and friendship. The Celtic trinity is thought to represent earth, air, and water or life, death, and rebirth. 

You can find men’s wedding bands and women’s wedding bands to honor your Irish heritage and symbolize your love and devotion to one another. 

2. Irish Wedding Dress

Many modern Irish brides decide to wear traditional wedding dresses. But the last stitch of the dress is completed or added on the day of the wedding for good luck. And some brides choose to have a horseshoe pattern sewn into the dress for good luck too.

3. Irish Wedding Vows

In ancient Celtic weddings, couples would recite vows over a stone representing the strength and permanence of their devotion.

Modern Irish weddings use a stone or rock blessed by the wedding officiant. Couples keep the stone as a symbol and reminder of their wedding vows. 

4. Irish Wedding Blessings

Irish wedding blessings and prayers are a nice way to incorporate your heritage into the wedding ceremony. Many of the blessings come from the Celtic tradition.

The blessings can be a single line, such as “May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most” or longer form, “May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!”

Consider adding a Celtic prayer or wedding blessing to your ceremony or reception toasts.

5. The Ring Warming Ceremony

A ring warming ceremony involves passing your wedding rings around to your wedding guests to have them give their “Irish” blessings, prayers, and warm thoughts of good luck for your marriage.

The origins of the ceremony can be traced back to Ireland, where the bride and the groom have guests pass their wedding rings around to give a blessing, prayer, or wish to the couple with it before they exchange their vows.

Irish Wedding Traditions 

A wedding is a celebration of two people vowing to love and care for each other for life. It’s a time to celebrate friendship, family, and tradition. And if you or your partner want to honor your Irish heritage, consider the Irish wedding traditions above.

If you are looking for wedding rings or other Irish jewelry for your special day, take a look at our collection of authentic Irish jewelry.

Traditional Ring Warming Ceremony Guide

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A ring warming ceremony during an Irish wedding is typically performed in lieu of a unity candle ceremony. A wedding ring warming ceremony is an endearing way to include the bride and grooms friends and family in their beautiful nuptials.

A ring warming ceremony involves passing your wedding rings around to your wedding guests to have them give their “Irish” blessings, prayers, and warm thoughts of good luck for your marriage.

The origins of the ceremony can be traced back to Ireland, where the bride and the groom have guests pass their wedding rings around to give a blessing, prayer, or wish to the couple with it before they exchange their vows.

What is a ring warming ceremony?

An Irish wedding ring warming ceremony is exactly what it sounds like. The ring warming is a tradition that involves literally passing around those costly and precious Celtic wedding bands to each trusted guest to actually be warmed. The precious metal wedding bands are in their hands on warmed by their touch and warm thoughts of encouragement.

Traditional Ring Warming Ceremony Steps

Step 1: Take your Celtic wedding rings and tie them together with a beautiful piece of ribbon and secure them inside a decorated box or onto a bridal cushion. You ca really get creative and maybe add some fresh shamrocks or use some Irish lace as decoration.

Step 2: Just before the bride and groom make their final exchange during the ceremony the wedding officiant will announce to your guests that the ring ceremony with brief instructions is beginning and the wedding rings are going to be passed around to each guest. Make sure to assign someone special; to assist in seeing the rings move swiftly and loving among the quests.

Step 3: Music should be played while the rings are making the rounds among the quest. Remember the music tempo will help set the pace. Have each guest hold the wedding bands for a few seconds and make a quick wish for success and pass them.

Step 4: When all your guests have sufficiently warmed your wedding bands that special designated ring assistant should promptly see that the precious bands make their way back to the couple or the best man.

A ring warming ceremony is an enduring way to include your guest in you wedding however its probably best performed for smaller wedding gatherings as it could take up significant time.

Ring warming ceremony ideas for large weddings

For large weddings with a hundred or more guests a traditional Irish ring warming ceremony can take up a substantially amount of time. Time couples aren’t often afford during an extremely busy day.

A fun alternative to passing your wedding rings around to each guest tie your wedding rings to a piece of decorative ribbon, maybe embellished with a sprig of shamrocks and leave them displayed on a table maybe on a piece of Irish lace towards the entrance of your reception area before the wedding ceremony with a trusted guardian of the rings of course. Place a sign or a isle on the table instructing your wedding guests to hold or warm the rings in their hands for a moment and make a wish for you both. Kindly ask your guardian of the rings to see they get back to the best man before the ceremony begins.

The Average Ring Size for Men & Women

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Consumers often asked what is the average, or normal ring size for a woman? I guess this is because men most often are the purchasers of rings for their partners. Especially when purchasing engagement rings and Celtic wedding band sets. Typically your engagement and wedding rings will likely become your most frequently worn rings your life, so getting the right fit is paramount. Jewelers may see a huge diversity of sizes in orders from customers around the world. However typically in the US that the average ring size for women is Size 7 and the average ring size for men is Size 10.

Closeup of woman checking ring size of female hand in jewelry shop. Woman trying a ring size gauge on her client’s ring finger.

Average Ring Size for Men is a Size 10

“In my years of experience designing jewelry I find most common men’s ring sizes will vary from 9 to 12 but hover closer to size 10 the average ring size for men. ” says Jennifer Derrig, the founder and designer of Celtic Wedding Band Collection by The Irish Jewelry Company. Size 10 is what she stocks as the average “stock” size for men. Men’s wedding rings tend to be wider then women’s around 5mm to 8mm on average. Therefore, when purchasing a wider wedding band like a mens wedding ring sometimes the customer will need a larger size to enable them to easily get the ring on and off each day.

Average Ring size for Women is a Size 7

The average size ring for a woman is a size seven. “Depending on customers lifestyle, and life experiences I personally find that most women tend to fluctuate in weight, and ring size. Fingers can also swell in warm weather so keep that in mind when sizing your finger.” I always recommend taking your favorite ring with you to the jeweler so they determine your size, proportions and the comfort and fit you are looking for Celtic wedding bands or Claddagh engagement ring. And remember a wider band will always fit a little tighter and snugger. 

Can You Guess a Ring Size by Height or Weight?

Unfortunately, no, not really. Hands just like people vary in shape and size and in different climates. Even your own ring size can even fluctuate depending on what hand you measure, the temperature outside, the time of day etc. And then there is is the obvious cause of ring size fluctuation lose or gain of weight! It is helpful to know what the average ring size you wear is when sizing for yourself.

Ring Size Chart : International Ring Size Conversation Chart

ring size conversion chart for International ring size

Other Factors to Consider when Determining a Ring Size

The overall shape of the ring figure is is a big factor to consider. The shape of a finger plays a critical role in choosing a ring size and it is even important when factoring the size and the shape of your diamond for engagement rings. When sizing, it is crucial to size your ring based on your knuckle size. Basically if you have large knuckles, you’ll need a ring to comfortably slide over your knuckle without any issue and be snug enough that it never falls off during normal wear. For long, slender fingers, a wider wedding band might ensure that you have a snug-fitting ring.

Printable Ring Sizer

ringer sizer

Claddagh Ring : The Rules and Meaning of the Claddagh Tradition Explained

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To say that there are plenty of superstitions and myths surrounding the Claddagh ring is an understatement. Throughout the past 15 years as the leading Claddagh Ring jeweler online we have heard every question about the Claddagh ring meaning from our customers. We at The Irish Jewelry Company have compiled the top questions asked about the Claddagh and how to wear the Claddagh ring.

So if you are curious about the origins of the Claddagh, its traditions and superstitions then by all means please read on.

Were Did the Claddagh Originate?

The Claddagh Ring legend originated in the West of Ireland in a tiny fishing village named Claddagh in County Galway.

Panorama of the Claddagh in Galway city, Ireland.

The name of the town “Claddagh” is actually the anglicized Gaelic, or Irish, for “Cladach” which means in Irish “seashore”. Completely appropriate for a beautiful fishing village on the coast of Ireland.

Legends says the first Claddagh was given as a wedding ring the Claddagh ring can be given to anyone for multiple reason both sentimental and romantic.

What is the significance of a Claddagh Ring?

The Claddagh ring tradition hold great significance to the Irish culture. The Claddagh is a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. It has become synonymous with Ireland and demonstrates the romantic side of the Irish people.

Can a non Irish person wear a Claddagh Ring?

You don’t have to be Irish to wear a Claddagh ring. We have thousands of diverse customers from around the world who have happily purchased Claddaghs. The symbolism of the Claddagh meaning of friendship, love and loyalty brings happiness and joy to the recipient that transcends the world.

Can you Wear a Claddagh Ring if You Are Single?

Yes , you can absolutely wear an Irish Claddagh ring if you are single. The “rule” on how to wear a Claddagh ring clearly demonstrates a way to wear your Claddagh ring to represent your relationship status as single. Its like subtle sign to any would be suitors that says I’m available. So whether your Claddagh was a self purchase, given as a gift by a close friend or family member, the way you wear it is ultimately up to you .Just enjoy your Claddagh ring.

Is it bad luck to buy yourself a Claddagh Ring?

It is in no way bad luck to buy yourself a Claddagh ring. Not at all! People often choose to purchase Claddagh rings for themselves while on vacation especially visiting Ireland. We have even had customers purchase one like setting goal and a reminder that they hope to visit Ireland one day. Many customers purchase Claddagh rings as a symbol of Irish pride and heritage.

The Romantic Translation of Mo Anam Cara: Pronunciation and Meaning of Mo Anam Cara

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Mo Anam Cara translates loosely as “My Soul Mate” or “My Soul Friend“

Many people believe that the phrase Mo Anam Cara is translates to ‘my soul mate‘ but its accurately translates as ‘my soul friend‘ as anam is the Gaelic word for soul and cara the Gaelic word for friend.

How do you pronounce Mo Anam Cara and Anam Cara?

Mo Anam Cara is pronounced (muh aun-im-KAHR-ah) .

Anam Cara or Anamchara is pronounced (aun-im-KAHR-ah]

The ancient Celts believed in a soul that radiated about the body. They believed that when two individuals formed a deep and lasting bond that their souls would mingle. Therefore, each person could be said to have found their “anam cara“, or “soul friend“.

What does Anam Cara mean?

Anam is Gaelic for ‘soul’, and cara is Gaelic for ‘friend’. To say ‘my soul friend’ you would say ‘mo anam cara.’ The phrase comes from the Celtic belief that souls can be connected spiritually, and can create a strong bond. Anam cara can be used to describe a friendship and a love between family, friends and partners.

It is said that there is a Celtic belief that when two souls share a unique connection they are stronger together than they are apart.

There is an existing compound word known as anamchara that literally means “soul friend.” But this really doesn’t work as “soulmate” in either definition.

Anamchara is traditionally used to refer to one’s confessor or spiritual advisor.  Originally, it was used to refer to the spiritual advisor a young monk would be assigned when he joined the monastery.

Mo Anam Cara Trinity Band by The Irish Jewelry Company

Mo Anam Cara Jewelry

Aran Infinity Claddagh Ring

Mo Anam Cara jewelry is featured in a variety of jewelry styles such Irish rings, pendants, bracelets, and brooches in various precious metals such as Gold and Silver. It is also since as an inscription on or hidden as a romantic message inside claddagh rings and Celtic wedding bands. Mo Anam Cara jewelry makes an ideal gift for that very special person in your life.

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The Irish Harp: The True Emblem of Ireland

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Most people if asked what is the symbol of Ireland would probably answer the shamrock. But they would absolutely be wrong. The true symbol of Ireland is the ancient Irish harp.

The Irish Harp Pendant by The Irish Jewelry Company

The National Symbol of Ireland

The Irish Harp is the national symbol of Ireland. The traditional instrument is featured on Irish coins, the Presidential Seal, the Irish passport and the Irish coat of arms. Scholars have found that the Irish harp’s popularity with the Irish people dates back to the 1500’s. However the Irish Harp can only be considered the national symbol of Ireland when it’s in ‘left facing’ form.

Only a left facing harp is the registered symbol of Ireland, why is that you ask? Blame that beloved Irish beverage company Guinness. In 1922, when Irish officials tried to register the harp as the national trademark, they were advised it could only register the rights to a left facing harp because Guinness had already registered a right facing harp as the Guinness mark and had been trading under it since 1862!

Irish Brooch by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Celtic Harp

The Celtic harp is a wire strung instrument with a triangular frame. The Celtic harp also known as the Irish Harp is traditional to Ireland and Scotland. It is known as cláirseach in Irish Gaelic and clàrsach in Scottish Gaelic. The Celtic harp is an ancient instrument associated with the ruling class and required skill and much practice to play.

The Royal Harp for for an Irish King

Trinity College’s Trinity Harp

Ireland’s national emblem is actually based on the Brian Boru Harp. Irish legend says Brian Boru played the harp the night before the Battle of Clontarf. This Irish harp is also known as the Trinity Harp, and is on display in Trinity College Dublin’s Long Room. You know the place. Its the beautifully dramatic old library of Trinity College that holds a collection of 200,000 the oldest books with the gorgeous barrel ceiling used in numerous movie scenes.

5 Popular Celtic Symbols in Celtic Jewelry and Their Meaning

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Celtic Symbols

Celtic symbols have been rooted in ancient Celtic folklore derived from their love of agriculture and symbolism. The Celtic culture covers a large area Europe known as the Celtic Nations that have Celtic cultural customs until this day. The Celtic Nations include England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the north pf France. The Celtic tribes lived in small rural groups or clans that were dependent on the weather and the seasons for a fertile harvest to survive the winter. Natural phenomenon, life cycles like birth and death as well as natural elements such as the sun or thunder is what helped shape the deities and the Celtic symbols and their meaning and their use in daily life. The Celtics felt a deep connection to nature and their Celtic symbols reflect that strong tie to the Earth and their Celtic symbols and meaning.

5 Popular Celtic Symbols

Symbol for Family

The Celtic Family Knot

What is the Celtic knot for family?

The Celtic symbol for family and Celtic motherhood is the  Celtic Family Knot.  It represents the strong family bond that units a clan. This original Celtic Family Knot design is great for all moms as a symbol of family love and Celtic Motherhood.

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.

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.

Symbol for Sister

Celtic Sisters Knot

What is the meaning of the Celtic Sisters Knot?

The Irish symbol for sisterhood, the Celtic Sisters Knot heart is a symbol of sisterhood and the strong, eternal bond we share with our sisters and friends. The intricate Celtic knot for sisters is an unbroken line symbolic of an everlasting love. The stylized triquetra or triple spiral, woven within the Celtic Sisters Knot heart symbolizes the three stages of woman. The three stages of woman are maid, mother and wise woman. Where are you and your sisters on the spiral of life? Celebrate sisterhood the powerful, life long bond of friendship between women with our Celtic Sisters Knot Collection.

What is the Celtic symbol for sister?

The Celtic Sisters Knot is a symbol of sisterhood and the strong, eternal bond we share with our sisters and friends. … The stylized triquetra or triple spiral, a sister symbol woven within the Celtic Sisters Knot heart symbolizes the three stages of woman. Where are you and your sisters on the spiral of life? Celebrate the powerful, lifelong bond of friendship between women with a symbol for sisters. One day we will all be in some part of all 3 stages of life. First, the youth of our childhood. Second, the mothering spirit of our years. Third, our wisdom that we pass on to the new generation of women. We may not all be related, but we all share a bond of love, compassion, and perseverance. There are few symbols for sisters like the Celtic Sisters Knot that captive the soul and beauty of sisterhood.

The Symbol for Couples

Celtic Couples Knot
The Celtic Couples Knot the Celtic Symbol for Couples

What is the meaning of the Celtic Couples Knot ?

The Celtic Couples Knot is a symbol of eternal and everlasting love between two people. Our Celtic Couples Knot Jewelry Collection pledges your eternal love with this woven Celtic knot. Like true love Celtic knots have not ending. The Celtic Couples Knot Jewelry Collection is the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

Symbol for Friendship

Irish Wit and Wisdom and The Strength of Friendship…

There has been a very long standing Irish tradition and understanding of the beautiful power and strength of friendship. The bonds of a Celtic friendship are a very spiritual connection that emphasizes the mutual importance of truth and trust between two friends.

Celtic Friendship Knot Jewelry Collection …

Our Celtic Friendship Knot Jewelry is a magnificent example of the spirit of true friendship. With intertwined endless lines, the Celtic Friendship Knot design represents the enduring bond between kindred souls. For true friendship knows no barriers and no end. A spiritual bond forever growing separately but never apart.

What is the meaning of the Celtic Friendship knot?

Any Celtic Friendship Knot is said to harbor the essence of friendship simply due to their implied symbolic meanings: Unity, union, partnering, joining, eternity, unbreakable, strength, and a host of like attributes.

Symbol for Strength

What’s the Celtic symbol for strength and courage? The Dara Knot is the most notable symbols for strength and courage. The Dara Knot is an intricate type of knot that resembles a tree. The Irish word ‘doire’ means ‘oak tree’, and the knot shows both the tree and the root system. Trees were very significant in Celtic life and oaks were considered especially sacred. It represents wisdom, strength, power, and leadership. The Dara Celtic knot is available in a variety of ways but is generally meant to symbolize the root system of the oak tree. It is a modern creation that many view as a more complex and ornate version of the quaternary knot.

Published by The Irish Jewelry Company

We at The Irish Jewelry Company take pride in making the Irish gift giving experience modern and convenient. The Irish Jewelry Company celebrates their Celtic heritage and a love of Ireland through original Irish Jewelry design. Their beautiful Irish jewelry is steeped in Celtic symbolism and rich in Irish tradition. View all posts by The Irish Jewelry Company

A Mothers Friendship, Love and Loyalty: The Mothers Claddagh

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The Mothers Claddagh Pendant

Mother’s Day is celebrated every year in the United States on the second Sunday of May. Mothers Day is an international holiday celebrating motherhood. It is the time to appreciate and honor all mothers and mother figures. Family members including their children and grandchildren give Mothers Day gifts, like motherhood jewelry, cards, flowers, candy. The day is often spent dining with family at a restaurant.

It is special occasions like Mothers Day that make gifts such as the Mothers Claddagh even more meaningful and treasured. The Mothers Claddagh jewelry collection represents the eternal bond of friendship, love and loyalty shared between a mother and her child. A mother’s love is immeasurable. She 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.

The Meaning of the Mothers Claddagh…

The mothers claddagh is an unassuming 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.

The Mothers Claddagh Necklace

Mothers Claddagh Cross Necklace

Mothers Claddagh Ring

Mothers Claddagh Earrings

The Mothers Claddagh Jewelry Collection, designs and it’s images are copyrighted © by The Irish Jewelry Company™. For more about The Irish Jewelry Company or the Mothers Claddagh shop The Irish Jewelry Company online at TheIrishJewelryCompany.com

The Celtic Mothers Knot: A Symbol of the Strength of Family

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The definition of Family is – “the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family.” according to the Merrian Webster Dictionary.

What is the Celtic knot for family?

The Celtic symbol for family and Celtic motherhood is the  Celtic Family Knot.  It represents the strong family bond that units a clan. This original Celtic Family Knot design is great for all moms as a symbol of family love and Celtic Motherhood.

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, Three, Four, Five, Six or Seven Pendant is perfect.

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 is exclusive to The Irish Jewelry Company.