Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well this week. Irish jewelry design takes inspiration from many classic Celtic symbols of Ireland. Here’s a few of my favorites and the stories behind them with some beautiful recreations from The Irish Store collection which make beautiful Irish gifts to be treasured.
5 Classic Irish & Celtic Symbols
1. The Celtic Cross
A truly iconic ancient symbol of Ireland. Pagans worshipped the sun and the moon and the legend has it that St. Patrick combined their circular symbol with the Christian cross to create the first Celtic Cross as a way of converting the Irish people to Christianity.
Our bestselling customer favorite Celtic cross pendant features Connemara Marble, Ireland’s ancient gemstone and also incorporates the trinity knot. Beautifully finished with a single marcasite stone at the center.
2. Brigids Cross
The St. Brigid’s Cross is often thought to have pagan origins and symbolism. However, a well-known story explains how St. Brigid created the first cross. According to the tale, a pagan chieftain lay on his deathbed when Brigid was called to teach him about Christ. In his delirious state, he struggled to comprehend her words, so she gathered rushes from the floor and wove them into a cross. As she explained its significance, his mind grew calm, and he converted to Christianity before passing away.
This beautifully crafted Celtic pendant features this much loved Irish symbol of protection in fine detail with gorgeous Connemara marble accents.
3. The Claddagh
Next up on our list of classic Irish symbols is the much-loved Claddagh. This is one of my favourites, with its enchanting tale of romantic love. The story originates in the tiny fishing village of Claddagh in Galway. According to Irish legend, Richard Joyce, a native of Galway, was captured and sold to slavery in Algiers where he was taught his craft by a Moorish goldsmith.
Upon his release after 14 years, he returned to his home place where his sweetheart awaited him. While in captivity, he had made what we now know as the Claddagh ring especially for her. The heart symbolizes love, the hand’s friendship and the crown loyalty.
This stunning ladies Claddagh ring features Ireland’s ancient gemstone, Connemara Marble. 900 million years in the making, no two pieces are the same and the eye-catching green marble stone forms the centerpiece of this beautiful ring. The band features an exquisitely woven Celtic knot design and is beautifully crafted from sterling silver.
4. The Trinity Knot
So next up we have the Trinity Knot, one of the most popular Celtic symbols in Irish jewelry design. Like the Celtic cross, the origin of the Trinity Knot goes back to pagan Ireland, where three was the magic number. Christians used it as a sign of the Holy Trinity.
It most famously appears in the stunning 9th century Book of Kells which is housed in Trinity College. From Life, Death and Rebirth to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Trinity knot remains an age-old Irish symbol of eternity.
Add some classic Irish elegance to your look with our best selling Trinity Knot jewelry set (pictured above). Beautifully crafted in Ireland from sterling silver and featuring classic freshwater half-pearls.
5. The Tree of Life
The Celtic Tree of Life symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, mind and body and the never-ending cycle of life. The branches reach for the sky, the roots reach down into the ground. The ancient Celts believed that the Tree of Life represented longevity, wisdom and strength. They even believed that trees were actual ancestors of man and provided a gateway to the spirit world. Another meaning is one of rebirth. The tree sheds its leaves as the seasons change and bursts into life with the arrival of Spring.
This age-old Celtic symbol is brought vividly to life in this stunning pendant. Beautifully crafted from sterling silver, it features 3 exquisitely detailed Trinity knots in 10 karat gold. But that’s not all; 3 of the tree leaves are set with sparkling precious diamonds giving this gorgeous Celtic pendant an undeniable wow factor.
So why not treat yourself to one of these iconic Celtic symbols or treat someone special to an unforgettable gift from our stunning collection.
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
3 comments
i have a sun dial with a etching of an IRISH harp with a CROWN and this has a ring of what looks like
crosses on top …it is dated1832, it also has my family name on it and the latitude mark on it.
P. J. RUSSELL…….
My ancestors are Irish. I am american. Your products look inspiring. Thank you!
Oh wow, thanks for sharing this gem! 😊 This article is absolutely lovely—it’s like a little journey through the heart of Ireland! 🍀 The way it dives into the symbols of Ireland, from the shamrock to the Claddagh ring, is so beautifully written and informative. I’ve always been fascinated by the Claddagh ring and its meaning of love, loyalty, and friendship—it’s such a powerful symbol with such a rich history.
And the harp! I had no idea it was so deeply tied to Irish identity and even appears on the euro coins. Learning about the Celtic cross and its spiritual significance was also really touching. It’s amazing how these symbols carry so much history and meaning.
This article made me feel like I was wandering through Ireland’s culture and traditions, and it left me with a big smile. Thanks for sharing—it’s a wonderful read for anyone who loves Ireland or wants to learn more about its beautiful heritage. Cheers! 😊