Thousands of years ago, the Celts, a group of independent tribes
spread throughout much of current day Europe, were sophisticated
artisans, carving knot work patterns that have inspired modern day
jewelers to create wedding rings. These motifs have meaning. Yet
understanding the knot patterns and why they make such ideal wedding
rings can be illusive. The ancient motifs are rooted in mysterious
cultures that stretch back well before written history.

Though
the earliest written accounts of the Celts were from Roman
descriptions, some knot work motifs found in Eastern Europe may be as
old as 20,000 years. We know the Celts, similar to Native people of
North America, viewed that the earth itself as well as all aspects of
life and death as divine. They had a large and varied pantheon,
worshipping local gods. The natural world was considered sacred, and
every river, mountain and tree had its own spirit of place. Rituals
were rooted in a particular oak grove or waterfall. Early Celtic
leaders even mocked human-like images of Olympian gods or the wild
animals of their vale and forests.

Knot work, which has become
synonymous with today’s idea of “Celtic� was undoubtedly a form of
sacred, artistic expression. Some of the most famous designs were
preserved in highly embellished, illuminated manuscripts, such as the
Book of Kells which somehow survived the Viking invasions. It was
created in the 9th century at a monastery off the Scottish coast, and
depicts wonderfully imaginative images of humans and animals
embellished with knot work motifs, linking medieval Christianity with
ancient Druidic culture.

In Western culture, there is a long and
venerable tradition of artists that have been inspired by knot work
motifs. Celtic design was particularly popular in the Renaissance.
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael studied and depicted knots
in their work. In modern times, some of Picasso’s early art is highly
influenced by knot work. And there has always been a group of metal and
visual artists that have kept the Celtic fires burning by using the
knot work patterns in jewelry and other forms of artistic expression.

For
some people, the choice to have a Celtic wedding ring is an expression
of their wish to connect deeply into their own ancestry. They feel
empathy with a European based tribal tradition that treats the earth as
Mother. It’s also easy to fall in love with soulful Celtic music and
poetry. Others simply want the one piece of jewelry that they wear
every day to have a beautiful design with significance.

Whether
one has Celtic heritage or not, a Celtic motif wedding ring is
appropriate because it has universal, symbolic meaning. In the most
general sense, the knots express two different paths woven together.
Life itself can be viewed as a great web of interconnectedness which is
expressed in the knot work. Even our own spiritual path,
metaphorically, can be viewed as a tapestry of interconnected
experiences. The Celtic wedding ring is a talisman which reminds us, in
physical form, of our mystic connection with another person and the
great web of life.

This weave of particular experiences makes us
unique, which is why we are attracted to some knot work patterns on
wedding rings more than others. What appeals to you and your fiancé may
well bring insight to the nature of your relationship. Some couples are
attracted to knot work motifs that are simple and flowing, which
perhaps illustrates a partnership based on harmony and ease. Other knot
work designs on wedding rings are more dynamic and complicated,
suggesting creative elements, or passionate peaks and valleys.

Many
Celtic merchants will label a particular design as “Friendship� or
“Unity� but often there’s not any real basis for these labels. These
facile tags short change the person interested in the ring by giving a
concept instead of assisting them to understand the deeper meaning
behind the design. It’s also easy enough to say that the ring is about
how all things are interconnected, but this is so general that it
doesn’t help explain why we may be attracted to the sacred geometry of
one ring over another.

To do this, you can contemplate the
various components that make up the knot work and try to determine how
they are functioning. For example, consider the circle. We speak of a
circle of friends and live in circular cycles, such as the day and the
season. Native cultures throughout the world hold ceremonies in
protective circles. A knot work pattern with circles or variations of
circles certainly has some important keys to relationships and
community. In the broadest sense, the ring itself is a circle, and
putting it on has also always been symbolic of sealing a commitment.

A
square knot motif concerns structure, which is why buildings use the
shape of a square foundation. Squares certainly have an element of
stability. Numbers were a significant part Celtic lore, and the number
five represented the four directions and the center point.

Many
Celtic rings also deal with vectors that travel in a certain direction.
If you look at the shape of an arrow, it’s easy to understand why a
triangle might connote movement. Another common Celtic motif is the
knot work depicting a trinity. Many Celtic deities had three forms. The
Mother Goddess was understood to the maiden, mother and crone. The
universe was viewed as heaven, earth and otherworld. We are born, we
live and we die. Certainly the trinity knot also illustrates the One
being dividing off into the masculine and feminine, or the mother and
son– a mystical truth contemplated in many sacred traditions.

While
the above guide for understanding knot work is not necessarily based on
any scholarly or anthropological text on the meaning of knots, it does
provide a starting point that is based on a universal perspective.
Every Celtic ring is going to have some variation of these shapes.
Spending some time contemplating the motif may yield some insight.

Though
modern jewelry techniques allow a greater range of possibilities than
the Celts had during the time of the Romans, finding an exceptional
Celtic wedding ring at a local jewelry store may not be possible. The
best place to search is on the internet, which has the widest
selection. Today you can find rings made with platinum, or white and
yellow gold accented with diamonds. Some of the most beautiful rings
are bi-metal, where the knots are one color, such as white gold, while
the rim of the ring might be yellow gold. There is a wide range of
class and price.

Your wedding ring is a once in a life time
purchase that you will live with every day. It must be aesthetically
beautiful. The knot work on the rings should be well executed. It
should have some meaning that makes sense for you which should be
explained on the website.

The best jewelry designers offer
engagement ring sets, along with the option of having a wider band for
the gent and a narrower of the same knot work motif for the lady.
You’ll want it comfort fit, which means that the band tapers slightly
toward the center, making it easy to wear. Since it is very likely
within the course of a marriage that you’ll gain or loose twenty
pounds, it is most advantageous to choose a ring with a sizing band.

The
company you choose should have a record of creditability backed up by
customer service, guaranteeing their product. Give them a call and see
if they are worthy of doing business with. A track record of timely
delivery is also essential. It’s not uncommon for a ring from outside
the US to be held up by Customs, for example.

Finally, the most
important thing is to trust your feelings. The rings should be unique
and resonate with your own profound, sacred connection and commitment
to your beloved.

Marc Choyt,
Reflective Images
http://www.artisanweddingrings.com
marek@celticjewelry.com

Marc Choyt graduated from Brown University in 1984 with
a degree in English. In 1995, he received an MA degree in
Humanities from St. John’s College. In 1996, he and his
wife, Helen Chantler, founded Reflective Images, a designer
jewelry company specializing in contemporary Celtic jewelry.
http://www.celticjewelry.com