Craftsmen of Excellence

As far back as 2000BC silver and gold were used by Celtic craftsmen to make ornate pieces of jewelry, and this continued right up until 550AD. They used it to make outstandingly beautiful pieces of jewelry whose subjects were Celtic symbols, such as the cross. Craftsmen and women continue this tradition today.

Celtic jewelry for men or women is prized by both and often becomes a treasured and coveted possession because of their uniqueness and because of the symbolism attached. The work created by these craftsmen can only be rivaled by the work of the ancient Egyptians. Celtic craftsmen adapted their designs by ideas they got from what was around them in nature, animals and spirals for instance. It was only later that they began crafting the Celtic cross.

They worked in bronze as well as silver or gold and their workmanship was sophisticated, even by today's standards. Craftsmen traded their wares right across the Mediterranean and were well received because of the beauty, uniqueness and elegance of their designs. Irish monks later created beautiful artefacts and today they are regarded as some of the world's finest craftsman and their work can be found displayed in the Irish National Museum.