Celtic Jewelry

Celtic jewelry like Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years. Celtic Cross Jewelry One of most enduring, and coveted "gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross. For an Irish Catholic, circle in Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and endlessness of God's love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ. Some say four "arms" of Celtic Cross represent elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe cross denotes four directions of compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart. Celtic Knots The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design…and debate as to meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location. Many believe that intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal. Claddagh Rings Named for town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, meaning behind Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let love and friendship reign."

Buying Platinum Jewelry Without Getting Ripped-Off

Buying Platinum jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of Platinum jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn terms used in industry. Here’s some information to help you get best quality Platinum jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on amount of pure platinum in piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum - Plat. or Pt. - also can be used in marking jewelry.