Jewellery |
Jewelry has a long and ancient history throughout all world cultures and its uses ranged from an indicator of power and position in society to one of adornment and personal or spiritual expression. Celtic design in its earliest form dates back to 500 BC-100AD. Referred to as "early Celtic art" or "La Tene Art", from Ireland to Romania, decorative objects, including jewelry, were produced with exceptional skill in a variety of metals, including gold and silver. In the 19th century, many of these objects were found in an archaeological expedition at La Tene, in Switzerland. Translations of Greek and Roman motifs were found in the swirls, knots, and stylized plants, birds, and animals on the decorative objects.
Later Celtic art was a reinterpretation of these motifs, most notably by Irish monks in the 7th -9th century who produced the illuminated religious manuscripts throughout Ireland, Scotland, and England. The Book of Kells, the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Book of Durrow are three of the most famous of the manuscripts. Intricate interlaced knotwork and zoomorphic serpents, birds, and animals characterize this work.
Other influences come from spirals found on Pictish stones in Scotland and at the burial site of Newgrange in Ireland, as well as the Viking and Nordic influences in Dublin and the Orkney and Shetland islands.
Celtic design in jewelry, as well as other decorative objects, was revived in the 19th century, where Liberty of London designer Archibald Knox, an Isle of Man native, combined Art Nouveau with Celtic knotwork. The modern Arts and Crafts movement saw more revival of ancient Celtic designs.
Today, the craft of Celtic jewelry has much to take inspiration from including the powerful symbol of the heart and hands in the Irish Claddagh or the heart and crown of the 19th century Luckenbooth from Scotland. At Cara Magnus Celtic, our jewelry is selected for its history and meaning, its beauty, and the quality of the craftsmanship, from all the Celtic lands
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