5 Classic Irish & Celtic Symbols and Their Meanings

Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well this week. Celtic 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. The Harp

 

The harp is Ireland's official national emblem. It appears on the Presidential Seal, passports, official documents and Irish coins and appears on the logo for the iconic Guinness brand.

It's history dates back some 1000 years and it is said that Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland was a talented player. The oldest surviving harp is housed in the Long Room at Trinity College and the official Irish emblem design is based on this. It is known as the O'Neill or the Brian Boru Harp.

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 hands 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 and 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 earrings and pendant 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.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.