Celtic Jewelry of
Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales

Spirals and knotwork form a significant part of Celtic expression in their artwork and, especially, in their jewelry. They developed these designs as their feelings of nature.

Spirals unfold clockwise from their counterclockwise source and represent the inner and outer evolution of the spirit. The dark into light, winter into summer, the contraction and expansion of the sun. This polarity also formed the basis of the Celtic religion.

Knotwork is another significant presence in Celtic art and religion. The knots are generally formed of endless line signifying the binding of the soul to the world and the spiritual progress of humanity through endless lives in search of the divine source, the sacred center.

The Celts believed in the "oneness" of nature and that nature had the ability to transform itself on all levels of existance. The shapes of their zoomorphic designs signified this belief and also their understanding of the seasonal and evolutionary changes of all creatures.

                        the fish symbolized clairvoyance,
                        the serpent was divine wisdom,
                        the hare was good fortune,
                        the birds were spirits of prophesy,
                        the horse represented sovereignty,
                        the dragon was a guardian spirit.