Irish Celtic Jewelry Mystery

Celtic rings are popular pieces of jewelry not only for the Irish, but anyone who craves for rings with unique designs. Celtic rings are not only full of symbolism; they are steeped in history, folklore and mystery as well.

Celtic Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is a popular choice of precious material for Celtic rings. This type of silver contains 92.5% alloy of silver and 7.5% of other metals like copper, platinum, germanium or zinc. This jewelry usually comes with a certificate of authentication or it is hallmarked on the ring itself as a guarantee of its purity. Sterling silver has a millesimal fineness of 925. Basically, when buying Sterling silver, your main concern is that you see no visible imperfections or blemishes on the ring. Go to a trustworthy jeweler to make sure you are getting the real deal.

Silver Celtic rings are available for women, men and children. These rings can be worn as wedding rings, engagement rings, men's protection rings, and many more. They come in several different designs and adornments (precious stones, birthstones, etc.).

Some of the Celtic ring designs you can choose from are:

1. Claddagh band

The Claddagh ring can be traced back to the fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway in Ireland. This ring is traditionally passed on from mother to daughter or given by a man to his beloved signifying their romantic relationship. The design is unmistakable: two delicate hands holding a heart surmounted by a crown. The heart represents love, the hands symbolize friendship and the crown, a sign of loyalty. The way the ring is worn indicates the wearer's current romantic state: married, engaged, in a relationship or open to finding love.

There are different variations of the original Claddagh design. Some feature precious or semi-precious stones inlaid either in the heart or the crown or surround the band itself. Others use a combination of silver and other precious metals like gold, titanium, or platinum.

2. Celtic knot

The Celtic knot is unending or unbroken, symbolizing eternity. This classic Celtic ring design is popularly featured on wedding and engagement rings. Different interpretations of the knot include 'cut-out' type designs and embossed patterns.

The Trinity knot or triquetra design is a variation representing the Holy Trinity or the Triple Gods or Goddesses of ancient Celtic tradition. This design appears to have no beginning and no end.

The isolated knot ring design is made up of individual or single knot patterns. Instead of running the circumference of the band, a number of solitary unconnected knots are seen on the ring.

3. Celtic Newgrange spiral

The spiral design is believed to date back as far as 3,200 BC. This design can be seen at the Newgrange site in Ireland, specifically on the Megalithic Passage Tomb. It appears as a seamlessly continuous spiral design on the band.

4. Serpent

The Celts view serpents as immortals that only shed their skin with age and are renewed. Serpents are used as a symbol for rebirth. This design is incorporated in rings solely or in combination with knot work. You can also find a two-strand braid design on an 'S' shaped ring that goes around your finger like a serpent.

5. Celtic cross

The traditional Celtic cross is also featured in silver Celtic rings. It is a standing cross with a circle or ring surrounding the intersection of the cross. This design can be featured in silver wedding rings, signet rings and other types of rings. It can also be incorporated with the other Celtic design styles.

6. Coat of Arms

Silver Celtic rings can also be made to feature your Family Crest or Coat of Arms mounted on a signet ring. The colors and designs of the shield vary according to your family's tradition.

7. Mo Anam Cara

The phrase Mo Anam Cara is Gaelic for My Soul Mate. This is another popular design of silver rings used as engagement or promise rings both for men and women.

There is a wide array of elegant silver Celtic ring designs out in the market. It is not only popular with the Irish, but with other cultures, too. Celtic rings in Sterling silver are delicately beautiful, ornate and rich in symbolism and lore.

About the Author: Tim Lazaro is a Celtic Symbols enthusiast. For more great tips and expert advice on the silver Celtic ring visit http://www.allaboutcelticsymbols.com.