Celtic Engagement Rings ? Combination of Beauty and Symbolism
Engagement rings have been given to women since the ancient times. It is a symbol of love, commitment and its shape is the embodiment of eternity. Its form, and make has evolved from grass, glass, metal thimble to priceless metal like silver, gold and sometimes even platinum.
Before, the market of engagement ring is predominantly ruled by a simple band, adorned by a single diamond in the center. The diamond being the hardest substance in the world adds meaning and value to the ring itself. In almost any culture, this indestructible stone is added to an engagement ring because it stands for pure and beautiful love handed to the person a man wishes to betroth.
The earliest reference to the diamond is said to have been found in India. It was initially worn to ward off evil spirits and as an accessory. It has caught the attention of the world because of its fire, the dancing light caused by the reflection of it facets. Contrary to common knowledge, a diamond is not only used for accessories but its indestructibility also made it vital to the industrial world.
A diamond can either be natural or synthetic. The gemstone is measured by four C’s: carat weight, cut, clarity and color.
Carat weight measures the density of the stone. One carat is usually equal to .20 of a milligram. Size and weight are two different things when it comes to diamonds. A bigger stone may have a lesser carat compared to a smaller sized diamond. The higher the density, the heavier and more valuable it gets.
Cut on the other hand refers to the shape of the stone. It is said that a diamond dictates its own shape. The cutter’s job is to find the cut that the diamond prefers. A perfectly cut diamond should be able to let the light dance within its facets.
Clarity and color is in reference to the appearance of the stone. Grading the stone for clarity involves putting the diamond below a binocular microscope. The grade usually depends on the presence or absence of blemishes. On a different note, color aims to identify the transparency of the diamond. The grade starts with the letter D through Z, D being the highest and Z the lowest. Diamonds graded near the letter Z have a slight tint of color. However, colored diamonds are not graded using this scale. In fact, a blue, red, pink, green or any other colored diamond are rarer and of course more expensive.
Today, the engagement ring comes in any conceivable design and shape. Some rings now come with precious stones in a myriad of colors bearing different hues and meanings. Among the popular engagement rings are those decorated with Celtic symbols.
Currently, the word “Celtic” is used to describe the way of life of people from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Mann. However, during the Iron Age, Celts are the first people that inhabited majority of Europe. The few existing literatures about them describe the richness of their culture brought about by their unique polytheistic religion and system of language.
Their culture is not entirely lost it has been passed on from generations to generations. There are even a few locals that speak the language and follow their traditions. Their art however was not confined within the boundaries of Europe. Their traditional patterns has found their way in the architecture and design of books and places of worship around the globe. Their traces are evident everywhere from body art to interior design and even jewelry.
Jewelers have turned their eyes on Celtic symbols not only because of their unique appearance but because of their meanings as well. Celtic jewelry in general is has several traditional designs. The Celtic engagement rings however are usually decorated with three symbols: the trinity knot, the Celtic knot and the Claddagh.
The trinity knot for example is one of the most famous form of Celtic art. The triangular shape signifies something that holds a three – fold persona, just like the Roman Catholic’s concept of the trinity. When this emblem is incorporated into Celtic engagement rings, it signifies love that defies time and exists whether in the past, present or future.
The interlaced knots, commonly found on Celtic crosses symbolizes eternity. The intricate design does not have a beginning nor an end. The lines, just keep on overlapping each other. It is said that the knots show the crossing and the joining of two lovers. With it holds a promise that the couple will spend their entire lifetime loving and serving one another.
The Claddagh on the other hand is perhaps the most meaningful among the three. The design is composed of three important elements: two hands, clasping a heart with a crown on top. A Claddagh ring is given as a sign of devotion in friendship. It takes on a new meaning once a man presents this to the one he loves. It is the embodiment of the quote: “With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love.”
Traditional Celtic rings used to be forged with gold or silver, the symbols are carved into or on the metal itself. However to meet the demand of the market, the makers managed to incorporate the design of the traditional rings with that of the modern ones.
Currently, Irish engagement rings are decorated with any valuable stone imaginable, be it diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sometimes even brilliant semi – precious stones. Among the choices, the diamond still proves to be the most famous.
The combination of an indestructible stone and the symbols in a diamond Celtic ring seems to be the perfect embodiment of love and relationships. Just like the diamond, it should be strong enough to withstand pressures and challenges. Just like the Celtic knot, it should surpass time, with no beginning and end.
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