Example ring to the right is dog 008 pattern made in two tone metals of white and yellow gold engraved inside using lordswsh font. these classic rings are typically wider and thicker but still comfort fit to feel just right. We make sure our rings are made to stand up for years of wear by engraving the motif deeply. These are important things to consider when making a Celtic ring band purchase. Click on picture to order. 
Few people realize the significance and importance of past civilizations, yet they are as important, or more important, than the world we live in today. For without past generations on which to build, the present would remain premature, never given the opportunity to thrive or test humanity as well as mans ability. Fortunately, it is the 21st century and we have had the advantage of learning from past generations. Many of which are astounding in their beauty and grace, such as the Celtic culture. The Celts are a very remarkable people whose rich history of language, folklore, tradition, coinage, progressive thought, and religion influence many aspects of present day society. However, what makes the Celtic history so distinctive in it’s genius, is not simply that at one time it encompassed astounding military prowess, but that it was a highly artistic culture as well, creating debatably the most beautiful artwork in the world.
Through their mastery of inventions, such as the chariot and their renowned horsemen-ship the Celtics became known as feared warriors. Their warfare opponents varied upon the location of the Celts, and can be traced parallel their travels. Through extensive research, historians have found the earliest traces of Celtic origination to be between c. 1000-800BC in Eastern Europe, where they displaced the Etruscan people from the Po valley, though not without some opposition. Directly south of the Po valley resided the adolescent Roman Empire who, after envoys being sent, aided the Etruscans in their fight to keep the Po valley. At some point, a Roman envoy even killed a Celtic chieftain. The Celts reacted to the death of their chieftain with demands that Rome must hand over to them all members of the Fabian family, to which the envoy who killed the chieftain belonged. Instead of being handed over to the Celts, the Fabian family was promoted to military positions which would later fend off of the inevitable attack from the Celts. As predicted, the Celts were highly insulted by this turn of events and marched decidedly onto Rome. Several smaller battles arose between the Romans and Celts before their arrival of the Capitol of the Roman empire, which they quickly laid siege to. As retribution for the loss of a chief, the Celtics demanded one hundred thousand pounds of gold, and in return they would leave the siege torn capital city and let Rome be. This large sum of money was difficult for the Romans to accumulate, being a small empire at the time. At some point during the gold weighing, which they somehow managed to gather, the Romans exclaimed that the Celts were cheating, which the Celtic chief thereby threw his sword into the weigher and said "woe to the defeated". It was at this time that Diodorus made the following observations, "Their aspect is terrifying...They are very tall in stature, with ripping muscles under clear white skin. Their hair is blond, but not naturally so: they bleach it, to this day, artificially, washing it in lime and combing it back from their foreheads. They look like wood-demons, their hair thick and shaggy like a horse's mane. Some of them are clean-shaven, but others - especially those of high rank, shave their cheeks but leave a moustache that covers the whole mouth and, when they eat and drink, acts like a sieve, trapping particles of food...The way they dress is astonishing: they wear brightly coloured and embroidered shirts, with trousers called bracae and cloaks fastened at the shoulder with a brooch, heavy in winter, light in summer. These cloaks are striped or checkered in design, with the separate checks close together and in various colours. The Celts wear bronze helmets with figures picked out on them, even horns, which made them look even taller than they already are...while others cover themselves with breast-armour made out of chains. But most content themselves with the weapons nature gave them: they go naked into battle...Weird, discordant horns were sounded, [they shouted in chorus with their] deep and harsh voices, they beat their swords rhythmically against their shields........In exactly the same way as hunters do with their skulls of the animals they have slain...they preserved the heads of their most high-ranking victims in cedar oil, keeping them carefully in wooden boxes," (3). The defeat of Rome by the Celts was the most humiliating defeat the Roman Empire ever would face and further enhanced the Celts reputation as a fierce warrior people. At this time in history, when asked why they would invade a nation and demand land on pain of war, a Celtic warrior responded, "To the brave belong all things," (3).
From Etruria, the Celtic tribes traveled westward until they settled in northern Italy in 4th century BC.. Though war-faring led them as far as Greece, invading Delphi in 297BC., the Celtics settled in Galatia (known today as southern France). As the Celtics were in Galatia, the Roman army increased exponentially in the 2nd century BC., and sought to conquer. Rome succeeded in their pursuit of land including southern France and the whole of Gaul. With the defeat of the Celtic chief Vercingetorix in Gaul (now commonly known as the province of Saone et Loire in France), the Celts were forced to travel north, during which time many crossed the sea to Britain and Ireland. Throughout Britain, from the 2nd century BC onward, the Celts tribal communities were established, this expansion created thirty protected territories of the Celts and distanced Celtic tribes.
Stretching from Britain to Galatia, the Celts were considered to be the most influential and widespread people of the mid 1st century AD. Well known, were the Celts, to Greek and Rome, whose brilliant minds recorded the culture and character of the warrior people. "They lived in unwalled villages, without any superfluous furniture; for as they slept on beds of leaves, and fed on meat, and were exclusively occupied with war and agriculture, they lived were very simple....their possessions consisted of cattle and gold because these were the only things they could carry about with them everywhere according to the circumstances, and shift where they chose," (1). (Such observations were documented by traders of and travelers to the Celtic territories).
The years wore on, bringing the arrival of the Roman army to Britain in 43AD. Though at first the Celtic people resisted the new addition of Roman traits to their culture, they soon relented and embraced them. Such an example of Roman interference to the Celtic culture can be found in the form of the spread of Latin (after schools were established), aristocrats, increase of army manufacturing, and popularity of the Celtic cloak. During their occupation in Britain, the Romans and Celtics were at virtual peach with each other until 410, as the Dark Ages emerged. The Celts were left to their own defenses after being forsaken by the Roman Emperor Honorius, who extracted his troops and protection from Britain and surrounding areas shortly after the beginning of the Dark Ages. Without the awesome protection of Rome, Britain became a target for raids by a number of enemies including, Angles, Franks, Jutes, Saxons, Picts, Attacotti, and Scotti. As Britains defenses weakened, an alliance was made between King Vortigern and the Saxons, in return for protection from the other raiding parties, it allowed admittance for the Saxons to settle the eastern coast of Britain. Whatever the alliance, the Saxons deterred form the set agreement and expanded inland which in turn forced the Celts further westward. The distribution of peoples in Britain became hectic as the Irish settled the western coast of Wales, and the Scotti settled Northern Britain. The situation became calmer however after the arrival of Welsh and Cornish, who served in evening the scales in favor of the Celts versus the Saxon. Despite the turmoil of Britain and it’s occupants, Celtic heritage remained strong and not forgotten as the Roman occupation had not reached everywhere, neglecting to diffuse it’s society into the Scottish highlands and islands, Ireland, the peninsula of Cornwall, and the valleys of Wales. It was in these places that the Celtic art renaissance began.
As a people, the Celts were a vibrant culture. They showed great military prowess (though their numbers were minimal and contained), superb horsemanship, and creativity. They as well were very gifted in the crafts. Metalworking, particularly were the Celts gifted with, as they derived most of their jewelry from the art. The celts had a great fetish with accessories, such as torcs, weddings rings, promise rings, engagement bands, purity bands, friendship rings, masks, enameled pieces of bronze and gold, necklaces, buckles, brooches, and all types of ornaments. On these ornaments were various designs and shapes which had symbolic meaning. Though interpretations can be taken at will of these designs, it is commonly believed that spirals reflected an individuals inner and outer balance as well as personal spirit. They can also be associated with water, and the frequency of the waves may depict the amount of turbulence in ones life. Three spirals combined created a trinity knot, which is generally associated with the triquetra
or Holy Trinity (the father, sun, and holy ghost), or the Triple Gods/Goddesses. As well as spirals, maze and step patterns were also used. They symbolized an individuals path of learning and attained experiences through life (as if through a labyrinth). Animals also share a large part in Celtic artwork symbolism, which is directly related to the pagan Gods they served or to the traits specific animals exerted. Their popularity shows the importance and sacred nature of animals in Celtic culture. Due to the horses major role in Celtic life, it therefore was a prominent symbol epitomizing swiftness, fertility, and strength. The Goddess Epona is especially associated with mares (which the English word pony derives). As well as the horse, held sacred by the ancient Celts were the boar and pig. The Goddess Ceridwen is the chosen totem goddess for the boar and pig, for she is embodies fertility and plenty (gifts from the underworld) as well as death and rebirth. These animals relate to her in that they are able to eat dead flesh to sustain life, as she must bring life and death. Archeologists have discovered remnants of pigs bones in Celtic warriors’ graves, revealing that the warriors were preparing for the mythological feast in the Otherworld. The stag represents virility, renewal, and courage. In connection with the Gods Gwynn and Nudd, the dog is most well known for it’s loyal heart, as hound and master seek souls for the underworld. Yet another respected creature, the bull represents strength and fertility. It is easily discerned that though there were certain animals which had particular significance to the Celts, many of them shared the similar traits, as most animals do.
In the era of illuminated Gospels, where manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, the Book of Lindisfarne, 8th century Gospels of MacRegol, 10th century Gospels of MacDurnan were created (today, museums house many of the Celts manuscripts, allowing the world to witness the genius of this Ancient Civilization.). When written, these books were highly adorned with Celtic artwork and through the time periods historians can easily identify the evolution of Celtic design. As well as Celtic design evolution, these manuscripts prove priceless in tracking the dispersion of Celtic art and design all over the world. Celtic artwork and design is considered much around the world as begin the most beautiful ever created by man.
Another form of expressive artwork of the early Celtic culture were crosses, which became an emblem for devoutness and purity. High, sculpted stone crosses were fashioned and situated sporadically over Ireland’s and Western Scotland’s terrain (after the conversion to Catholicism of course). According to Irish legend, the first Celtic cross was created by St. Patrick, as he drew a circle over a Latin cross, symbolizing the Moon Goddess. The Celtic cross can entail many different opinions to different religions (all relating in some sense however), for instance, Irish Catholics regard the Latin cross with a circle as a symbol of Gods never-ending love, it can as well represent Christ’s halo. Before Christianity, the Celtic and Irish cross symbol was still present, as a representation of the four paths of man(mind, body, soul, and heart) and of a compass, the directions we travel in life.
The Celtic nature was very passionate, dying by their swords and living through their artwork. It will never be said that the Celtics lacked in determination or happiness. They were a very remarkable people whose rich history of language, folklore, tradition, coinage, progressive thought, and religion influences many aspects of present day society. However, what makes the Celtic history so distinctive in it’s genius, is not simply that at one time it encompassed astounding military prowess, but that it was a highly artistic culture as well, creating memorable artwork debatably the most beautiful in the world.
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Through their mastery of inventions, such as the chariot and their renowned horsemen-ship the Celtics became known as feared warriors. Their warfare opponents varied upon the location of the Celts, and can be traced parallel their travels. Through extensive research, historians have found the earliest traces of Celtic origination to be between c. 1000-800BC in Eastern Europe, where they displaced the Etruscan people from the Po valley, though not without some opposition. Directly south of the Po valley resided the adolescent Roman Empire who, after envoys being sent, aided the Etruscans in their fight to keep the Po valley. At some point, a Roman envoy even killed a Celtic chieftain. The Celts reacted to the death of their chieftain with demands that Rome must hand over to them all members of the Fabian family, to which the envoy who killed the chieftain belonged. Instead of being handed over to the Celts, the Fabian family was promoted to military positions which would later fend off of the inevitable attack from the Celts. As predicted, the Celts were highly insulted by this turn of events and marched decidedly onto Rome. Several smaller battles arose between the Romans and Celts before their arrival of the Capitol of the Roman empire, which they quickly laid siege to. As retribution for the loss of a chief, the Celtics demanded one hundred thousand pounds of gold, and in return they would leave the siege torn capital city and let Rome be. This large sum of money was difficult for the Romans to accumulate, being a small empire at the time. At some point during the gold weighing, which they somehow managed to gather, the Romans exclaimed that the Celts were cheating, which the Celtic chief thereby threw his sword into the weigher and said "woe to the defeated". It was at this time that Diodorus made the following observations, "Their aspect is terrifying...They are very tall in stature, with ripping muscles under clear white skin. Their hair is blond, but not naturally so: they bleach it, to this day, artificially, washing it in lime and combing it back from their foreheads. They look like wood-demons, their hair thick and shaggy like a horse's mane. Some of them are clean-shaven, but others - especially those of high rank, shave their cheeks but leave a mustache that covers the whole mouth and, when they eat and drink, acts like a sieve, trapping particles of food...The way they dress is astonishing: they wear brightly colored and embroidered shirts, with trousers and cloaks fastened at the shoulder with a brooch, heavy in winter, light in summer. These cloaks are striped or checkered in design, with the separate checks close together and in various colors. The Celts wear bronze helmets with figures picked out on them, even horns, which made them look even taller than they already are...while others cover themselves with breast-armor made out of chains. But most content themselves with the weapons nature gave them: they go naked into battle...Weird, discordant horns were sounded, [they shouted in chorus with their] deep and harsh voices, they beat their swords rhythmically against their shields........In exactly the same way as hunters do with their skulls of the animals they have slain...they preserved the heads of their most high-ranking victims in cedar oil, keeping them carefully in wooden boxes," (3). The defeat of Rome by the Celts was the most humiliating defeat the Roman Empire ever would face and further enhanced the Celts reputation as a fierce warrior people. At this time in history, when asked why they would invade a nation and demand land on pain of war, a Celtic warrior responded, "To the brave belong all things," (3).
From Etruria, the Celtic tribes traveled westward until they settled in northern Italy in 4th century BC.. Though war-faring led them as far as Greece, invading Delphi in 297BC., the Celtics settled in Galatia (known today as southern France). As the Celtics were in Galatia, the Roman army increased exponentially in the 2nd century BC., and sought to conquer. Rome succeeded in their pursuit of land including southern France and the whole of Gaul. With the defeat of the Celtic chief Vercingetorix in Gaul (now commonly known as the province of Saone et Loire in France), the Celts were forced to travel north, during which time many crossed the sea to Britain and Ireland. Throughout Britain, from the 2nd century BC onward, the Celts tribal communities were established, this expansion created thirty protected territories of the Celts and distanced Celtic tribes.
Stretching from Britain to Galatia, the Celts were considered to be the most influential and widespread people of the mid 1st century AD. Well known, were the Celts, to Greek and Rome, whose brilliant minds recorded the culture and character of the warrior people. "They lived in unwalled villages, without any superfluous furniture; for as they slept on beds of leaves, and fed on meat, and were exclusively occupied with war and agriculture, they lived were very simple....their possessions consisted of cattle and gold because these were the only things they could carry about with them everywhere according to the circumstances, and shift where they chose," (1). (Such observations were documented by traders of and travelers to the Celtic territories).
The years wore on, bringing the arrival of the Roman army to Britain in 43AD. Though at first the Celtic people resisted the new addition of Roman traits to their culture, they soon relented and embraced them. Such an example of Roman interference to the Celtic culture can be found in the form of the spread of Latin (after schools were established), aristocrats, increase of army manufacturing, and popularity of the Celtic cloak. During their occupation in Britain, the Romans and Celtics were at virtual peach with each other until 410, as the Dark Ages emerged. The Celts were left to their own defenses after being forsaken by the Roman Emperor Honorius, who extracted his troops and protection from Britain and surrounding areas shortly after the beginning of the Dark Ages. Without the awesome protection of Rome, Britain became a target for raids by a number of enemies including, Angles, Franks, Jutes, Saxons, Picts, Attacotti, and Scotti. As Britains defenses weakened, an alliance was made between King Vortigern and the Saxons, in return for protection from the other raiding parties, it allowed admittance for the Saxons to settle the eastern coast of Britain. Whatever the alliance, the Saxons deterred form the set agreement and expanded inland which in turn forced the Celts further westward. The distribution of peoples in Britain became hectic as the Irish settled the western coast of Wales, and the Scotti settled Northern Britain. The situation became calmer however after the arrival of Welsh and Cornish, who served in evening the scales in favor of the Celts versus the Saxon. Despite the turmoil of Britain and it’s occupants, Celtic heritage remained strong and not forgotten as the Roman occupation had not reached everywhere, neglecting to diffuse it’s society into the Scottish highlands and islands, Ireland, the peninsula of Cornwall, and the valleys of Wales. It was in these places that the Celtic art renaissance began.
As a people, the Celts were a vibrant culture. They showed great military prowess (though their numbers were minimal and contained), superb horsemanship, and creativity. They as well were very gifted in the crafts. Metalworking, particularly were the Celts gifted with, as they derived most of their jewelry from the art. The celts had a great fetish with accessories, such as torcs, weddings rings, promise rings, engagement bands, purity bands, friendship rings, masks, enameled pieces of bronze and gold, necklaces, buckles, brooches, and all types of ornaments. On these ornaments were various designs and shapes which had symbolic meaning. Though interpretations can be taken at will of these designs, it is commonly believed that spirals reflected an individuals inner and outer balance as well as personal spirit. They can also be associated with water, and the frequency of the waves may depict the amount of turbulence in ones life. Three spirals combined created a trinity knot, which is generally associated with the triquetra
or Holy Trinity (the father, sun, and holy ghost), or the Triple Gods/Goddesses. As well as spirals, maze and step patterns were also used. They symbolized an individuals path of learning and attained experiences through life (as if through a labyrinth). Animals also share a large part in Celtic artwork symbolism, which is directly related to the pagan Gods they served or to the traits specific animals exerted. Their popularity shows the importance and sacred nature of animals in Celtic culture. Due to the horses major role in Celtic life, it therefore was a prominent symbol epitomizing swiftness, fertility, and strength. The Goddess Epona is especially associated with mares (which the English word pony derives). As well as the horse, held sacred by the ancient Celts were the boar and pig. The Goddess Ceridwen is the chosen totem goddess for the boar and pig, for she is embodies fertility and plenty (gifts from the underworld) as well as death and rebirth. These animals relate to her in that they are able to eat dead flesh to sustain life, as she must bring life and death. Archeologists have discovered remnants of pigs bones in Celtic warriors’ graves, revealing that the warriors were preparing for the mythological feast in the Otherworld. The stag represents virility, renewal, and courage. In connection with the Gods Gwynn and Nudd, the dog is most well known for it’s loyal heart, as hound and master seek souls for the underworld. Yet another respected creature, the bull represents strength and fertility. It is easily discerned that though there were certain animals which had particular significance to the Celts, many of them shared the similar traits, as most animals do.
In the era of illuminated Gospels, where manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, the Book of Lindisfarne, 8th century Gospels of MacRegol, 10th century Gospels of MacDurnan were created (today, museums house many of the Celts manuscripts, allowing the world to witness the genius of this Ancient Civilization.). When written, these books were highly adorned with Celtic artwork and through the time periods historians can easily identify the evolution of Celtic design. As well as Celtic design evolution, these manuscripts prove priceless in tracking the dispersion of Celtic art and design all over the world. Celtic artwork and design is considered much around the world as begin the most beautiful ever created by man.
Another form of expressive artwork of the early Celtic culture were crosses, which became an emblem for devoutness and purity. High, sculpted stone crosses were fashioned and situated sporadically over Ireland’s and Western Scotland’s terrain (after the conversion to Catholicism of course). According to Irish legend, the first Celtic cross was created by St. Patrick, as he drew a circle over a Latin cross, symbolizing the Moon Goddess. The Celtic cross can entail many different opinions to different religions (all relating in some sense however), for instance, Irish Catholics regard the Latin cross with a circle as a symbol of Gods never-ending love, it can as well represent Christ’s halo. Before Christianity, the Celtic and Irish cross symbol was still present, as a representation of the four paths of man(mind, body, soul, and heart) and of a compass, the directions we travel in life.
The Celtic nature was very passionate, dying by their swords and living through their artwork. It will never be said that the Celtics lacked in determination or happiness. They were a very remarkable people whose rich history of language, folklore, tradition, coinage, progressive thought, and religion influences many aspects of present day society. However, what makes the Celtic history so distinctive in it’s genius, is not simply that at one time it encompassed astounding military prowess, but that it was a highly artistic culture as well, creating memorable artwork debatably the most beautiful in the world.
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