The Beauty of Celtic Jewelry

The ancient Celtic people are famous to this day because of their incredible style of jewelry and ornamentation. The centerpiece of Celtic jewelry is the Celtic knot, which has no beginning and no end. This type of ornamental knot work was found adorning ancient manuscripts and monuments, often in the form of the Celtic cross. To this day, Celtic jewelry is a beloved and popular style of jewelry worn by people all over the world.

The Celtic cross is often worn as a pendant on a chain or silk cord. The Celtic cross features the trademark knotwork, and although it looks similar in structure to the traditional Christian cross, it sports a circle surrounding the intersection. Celtic crosses can be crafted from a variety of materials, although silver is often a popular choice.

Then there's the claddagh. This ring can either be a symbol of friendship or love. It features two hands holding a heart with a crown on top. The hands represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty, and the heart represents love. Often, the way the ring is worn designates the romantic status of the wearer. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing to the hand, it means the wearer is in a relationship. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing away from the hand, it means the wearer is available. Wearing the claddagh on the left hand designates either engagement or marriage. Claddaghs are normally crafted from silver or gold. Sometimes, they can feature gemstones as well.

Another popular type of Celtic jewelry is the ingot. The ingot is a rectangular shaped pendant usually made from silver or gold which bears engraved symbols. Then there are pieces of jewelry shaped like shamrocks, Irish dance shoes, Irish harps, and Gaelic coins. The beauty of Celtic jewelry is not only in its attractive appearance, but in the fact that everything has a deep and often spiritual meaning.

To browse and shop for Celtic jewelry, check out simplyirish.com. Here you'll discover a wide variety of gorgeous pieces of all kinds, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and much more!

Great Custom Jewelry Ideas
Custom jewelry is perfect for anyone seeking jewelry that has true significance and meaning. Custom jewelry is also ideal for someone seeking a truly one-of-a-kind piece. There are many different places where you can have custom pieces created. One of the best has to be Limoges. Since 1985, Limoges Jewelry has been a symbol of craftsmanship and quality. Here are some highlights of what you'll find at Limoges Jewelry.

Sterling Silver Family Name and Birthstone Ring

This gorgeous sterling silver ring features oval-cut, high quality Austrian crystals in the birthstones of your choice. You can choose two to four stones, as well as two to four names to be engraved into the ring. Names are engraved in cursive script and can contain up to ten letters. This ring would be a perfect gift for Mother's Day!

Sterling Silver Engraved Name Band

This gorgeous sterling silver band is ideal for a wedding, anniversary or birthday gift. It can be engraved with script up to 12 letters. Script is in black.

Sterling Silver Personalized Couples Heart Ring

This incredible sterling silver ring features two intertwined hearts, two names in cursive script, and two birthstones. This is a perfect gift for couples who want to celebrate their love!

14K Mom and Daughter Shareable Pendant

This solid 14k gold round pendant can be worn whole, or broken in half and worn by mother and daughter. This pendant comes with one eighteen-inch 14k gold chain. You have the option of ordering an additional chain at an affordable price.

Filigree Family Tree Birthstone Pendant

This tree shaped pendant is 14k gold plated and has room for a birthstone symbolizing each member of your family, up to ten. Birthstones are crafted from sparkling Austrian crystal. Pendant measures one inch tall and 11/16 of an inch wide.

Sterling Silver Engraved Dog Tag Pendant

This gorgeous sterling silver rectangular dog tag pendant can be engraved with a personal message of your choice. The message can be six lines with 12 characters per line. The pendant comes complete with a 20 inch ball chain.

These represent only a few of the customized jewelry choices available from Limoges Jewelry. This company makes jewelry of the highest quality, and has been doing so for over 100 years! Take a look for yourself at limogesjewelry.com.
A Guide to Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds are probably the most popular and recognizable gemstones in the world. One reason why diamond jewelry is so beloved is because of its heritage and history. The very youngest diamond in the world is 900 million years old, created even before the age of the dinosaurs. Diamonds are famous for being the hardest stone -- their name comes from the Greek for 'unconquerable.' Maybe this is why diamonds are given as a symbol of engagement. One of the most famous taglines for a diamond company is 'A diamond is forever,' and it's actually true!

One of the newest trends in diamond jewelry is the right hand ring for women. The traditional diamond solitaire engagement ring is always worn on the left hand and symbolizes love and commitment. However, the right hand diamond ring is flashier, showier and a symbol of feminine empowerment and independence. It's not uncommon for a woman to have a diamond engagement ring on her left hand and a right hand ring on the other hand.

Diamonds are measured in carats. The term carat derives from carob seed, which was used in ancient times to measure diamond weight. Only five percent or less of the diamonds made into jewelry weigh more than one carat. Diamonds are judged using what's known as the four C's: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Let's take a look at each one of these factors.

There are many different cuts available when it comes to diamonds. Examples of cuts include round, marquis, emerald, princess, pear, and even heart-shaped. The cut of a stone has a lot to do with its vibrancy and beauty. Clarity refers to how flawed a diamond is. While a flawless diamond is extremely rare, you will want to choose a diamond that has as few inclusions, or flaws, as possible. The clarity of a diamond is designated by an alphanumeric scale that your jeweler can explain to you in detail. Color is another factor to consider when choosing a diamond. While white diamonds are the most common and popular, diamonds come in all colors including yellow, pink, blue and even red. Then there's carat, which is how the weight of a diamond is measured. It's estimated that fewer than one percent of women own an engagement ring larger than one carat.

Diamond jewelry is not limited to engagement and right hand rings. Tennis bracelets, diamond pendants, and gemstone rings flocked with diamonds are just a few other ways diamonds are used for jewelry. When shopping for diamonds, consult with an experienced jeweler. He or she can educate you further on the diamond selection process and help you choose the perfect one for you!

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