Celtic Stone Pendants

Today's Celtic stone pendants are the continuation of an ancient tradition of jewelry making. Not only are they unusual and beautiful, each piece can hold a special meaning to the person wearing it. Step back into the world of the ancient Celts, and learn how their beliefs and their jewels are intertwined.

Do you believe in the power of gems?

The Celts were a people very in tune with nature. They believed that many natural items likes stones, water, trees and metals all held a sort of life force that could affect people. They believed that everything in the universe was intertwined, and the power of one element could alter the destiny of another.

These beliefs quite naturally led the Celts into jewelry making. If a particular stone held a certain energy, then carrying that stone with you would bring you some of that energy. Since carrying the stone wasn't always convenient, tying it around the neck was even better. In this manner, the Celts began developing their craft of jewelry design.

Eventually, the Celts came to believe that pendants could be worn as amulets. They thought a piece could be charmed to provide the wearer with supernatural powers. Birth charms became very popular, especially if you shared your birthday with a Celtic hero of legend, or the feast day of a particular deity. It was this practice that evolved into today's birthstone rings and pendants.

Celtic designs were often drawn from nature, others relate directly to their spiritual beliefs.

• Spirals: The spiral is the Celtic symbol for eternity, and many believe the design was inspired by a simple snail shell.
• Knot work: Celtic knots have no beginning and no end; they symbolize the never-ending cycle of life.
• Triquetra: This three-pointed figure, typically found in the form of a Celtic knot, represents the Celtic belief that all things in the universe have three properties: physical, mental and spiritual.
• Shamrocks: Another natural example of the three properties, later used as a symbol of the Christian trinity.
• Crosses: Celtic crosses predate the Christian cross by nearly 2000 years, and carry quite a different meaning. Christian crosses are typically a reference to Christ's crucifixion, and are worn to protect a person from harm. The Celtic cross was viewed as a symbol of power, an amulet that fortified the wearer to meet whatever may come.
• Serpents: Before St. Patrick arrived and sent them packing, snakes, or serpents as they were often referred to in the ancient world, were plentiful. The Celts often used images of snakes and dragons in their designs.

The Celts were masters of metalwork. Typical Celt jewelry is made from:

• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold

Gem stones were certainly used in Celtic jewelry for their beauty, but their use had even deeper meaning. The ancient Celts believed, as do many people today, that the stones held metaphysical properties that gave them a kind of power or influence over the wearer.

Let's examine some of the stones typically used in modern-style Celtic pendants, and the properties assigned to them.

• Amethyst: This purple variety of quartz crystal is believed to stimulate your intuition, and have a calming effect on the nerves.
• Aquamarine: This gem has soothing qualities, and has been a favorite of fisherman and sailors who believe it protects them from danger.
• Carnelian: The orange gem is believed to inspire feelings of joy, and also bring the wearer blessings.
• Haematite: This black gem streaked and spotted with deep red is believed to have medicinal qualities, mainly the power to draw fever out of the body. It's also believed to have a clarifying effect on a person's mind.
• Jaspar: This gem comes in several colors, including red and green. It's believed to have medicinal powers over digestive tract ailments, and provide strength during pregnancy
• Quartz crystal: The most powerful form of quartz, this gem is believed to open your mind and body to higher awareness with its powerful energy vibration.
• Topaz: Varying in color, topaz is believed to reduce stress.
• Tourmaline: This gem, shaded and swirled with pink and green, is believed to be extremely powerful. It's thought to hold the ability to release trapped emotions that can cause numerous physical illnesses.

Although never completely out of style, Celtic stone pendants experienced a resurgence in popularity with the advent of the new millennium.

Here are a few of the many stylish pieces you'll find in today's market.

Gemwaith Menai Jewellery carries a number of beautiful Celtic pendants in silver and gem stones.

Pendants include:

• Celtic Stone Set Pendant
• Round Celtic Scroll Pendant

HoroscopeStore.com also has a wide selection of Celtic jewelry.

Pendants include:

• Ula Celtic pendant
• Celtic Heart Pendant

LollySmith.com takes a more modern approach to Celtic jewelry.

Pendants include:

• Connemara Marble Celtic Knot Pendant
• Celtic Cross Pendant
• Shamrock Pendant

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