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To do this, you can contemplate
various components that make up knot work and try to determine how they are functioning. For example, consider circle. We speak of a circle of friends and live in circular cycles, such as day and season. Native cultures throughout world hold ceremonies in protective circles. A knot work pattern with circles or variations of circles certainly has some important keys to relationships and community. In broadest sense, ring itself is a circle, and putting it on has also always been symbolic of sealing a commitment.
A square knot motif concerns structure, which is why buildings use shape of a square foundation. Squares certainly have an element of stability. Numbers were a significant part Celtic lore, and number five represented four directions and center point.
Many Celtic rings also deal with vectors that travel in a certain direction. If you look at shape of an arrow, it’s easy to understand why a triangle might connote movement.
Another common Celtic motif is knot work depicting a trinity. Many Celtic deities had three forms. The Mother Goddess was understood to maiden, mother and crone. The universe was viewed as heaven, earth and otherworld. We are born, we live and we die. Certainly trinity knot also illustrates One being dividing off into masculine and feminine, or mother and son-- a mystical truth contemplated in many sacred traditions.
While above guide for understanding knot work is not necessarily based on any scholarly or anthropological text on meaning of knots, it does provide a starting point that is based on a universal perspective. Every Celtic ring is going to have some variation of these shapes. Spending some time contemplating motif may yield some insight. Though modern jewelry techniques allow a greater range of possibilities than Celts had during time of Romans, finding an exceptional Celtic wedding ring at a local jewelry store may not be possible. The best place to search is on internet, which has widest selection. Today you can find rings made with platinum, or white and yellow gold accented with diamonds. Some of most beautiful rings are bi-metal, where knots are one color, such as white gold, while rim of ring might be yellow gold. There is a wide range of class and price.
Your wedding ring is a once in a life time purchase that you will live with every day. It must be aesthetically beautiful. The knot work on rings should be well executed. It should have some meaning that makes sense for you which should be explained on website.
The best jewelry designers offer engagement ring sets, along with option of having a wider band for gent and a narrower of same knot work motif for lady. You’ll want it comfort fit, which means that band tapers slightly toward center, making it easy to wear. Since it is very likely within course of a marriage that you’ll gain or loose twenty pounds, it is most advantageous to choose a ring with a sizing band.
The company you choose should have a record of creditability backed up by customer service, guaranteeing their product. Give them a call and see if they are worthy of doing business with. A track record of timely delivery is also essential. It’s not uncommon for a ring from outside US to be held up by Customs, for example.
Finally, most important thing is to trust your feelings. The rings should be unique and resonate with your own profound, sacred connection and commitment to your beloved.
Marc Choyt graduated from Brown University in 1984 with a degree in English. In 1995, he received an MA degree in Humanities from St. John's College. In 1996, he and his wife, Helen Chantler, founded Reflective Images, a designer jewelry company specializing in contemporary Celtic jewelry. http://www.artisanweddingrings.com Please send email requests to marek@celticjewelry.com.
