Celtic Cross Pendants

Celtic Cross Pendants capture all the beauty and mystery of the ornate stone crosses that rest in the churchyards of Ireland and Scotland. The first stone Celtic Cross monuments, with their distinctive ringed centers, were made during the sixth century. Since then, the Celtic Cross has become a symbol of eternity and faith in God. The central ring is believed to be a remnant of Pagan sun worship, but its meaning has changed over time, to become a symbol of the endlessness of God's love.

The first artisans who created stone Celtic Crosses were thought to be influenced by the ancient Chi-Rho symbol, which is described as a monogram of Christ himself. The Chi-Rho symbol was used during the times of the Holy Roman Empire and dates back to the fourth century. Some early Celtic Crosses in the British Isles are thought to be direct descendants of the Chi-Rho monogram.

Today, stone crosses still mark the graves of those who have passed. They may be primitive and rugged or stylized and refined. All forms of craftsmanship were found during the seminal Insular Art period, when Celtic craftsman learned to create symbols of spiritual faith and love on stone and metal work. Often, crosses made of stone or metal were inlaid with delicate, curving Celtic knot work (known as interlace). They could also feature interlace animals, known as zoomorphic figures.

The Celtic Cross pendants of today take their cue from the past, and retain the timeless meaning and beauty of the original monuments. They are crafted by hand, usually in Ireland, and they are a testament to the continuing skill and excellence of Irish metal work.

These pendants come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, and they feature different finishes. Today's designers have added in modern touches, such as Irish Claddagh symbols, that date back to the seventeenth century.

Some Celtic Cross necklaces will feature a combination of symbols, such as clusters of spirals (whorls), Trinity Love Knots (which represent the Holy Trinity) and even the uniquely Irish Shamrock. The Shamrock itself is another depiction of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Each of its three leaves illustrates the presence of a greater power.

The addition of precious gemstones to traditional metal crosses is also a modern touch that adds a bit of color and life to Celtic Cross pendants. In some cases, the center of the cross will be inlaid with a gem. If the cross uses Claddagh symbols, the gem may be faceted into the shape of a heart. On other crosses, the use of tiny diamonds, emeralds, and rubies is common.

Crosses may be silver, white or yellow gold, or rose-gold. Sometimes, a combination of precious metals is used for a more dimensional effect.

The stunning, resonant burial stones of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have now been transformed into versatile, exquisitely rendered Celtic Cross pendants. The beauty and symbolism of these special crosses remains unchanged. Choosing the right Celtic Cross pendant for your own collection can be an inspiring journey through your ancestry and heritage.

Celtic Pendants

Finding the perfect anniversary gift for your wife can be a challenge. If she has Celtic ancestry, the choice of a Celtic pendant could be ideal. Anniversaries are a way to celebrate your own past with your partner.

A Celtic Pendant is also a means with which to honor the past. The symbols and patterns found on traditional Celtic pendants have ancient origins, and they have been passed down through the centuries, in order to keep the cultural traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales alive.

Selecting the best style of Celtic necklace for your wife can be easy once you get a sense of what the various symbols mean. There are some common Celtic motifs which have been used by jewelry artisans since the 6th century. Some designs you will find engraved on modern pendants are Shamrocks, Trinity Knots and the St. Bridget's Cross.

In order to help you decide which pendant your wife might prefer, we've compiled a list of helpful shopping tips, along with an overview of what the symbols mean. You can make your anniversary memorable, and meaningful, with a gift of Celtic jewelry.

How To Shop For A Celtic Pendant

The watchword for Celtic jewelry is authenticity. Finding a dealer that guarantees their pendants are made in Ireland, by hand, is key. If you want the real article, you should consider shopping online for the best Irish designs. You dealer should be willing to answer any questions you have about the necklace, and they should also provide proof of genuine materials used with an assay, or stamp. Once you've found a jeweler that creates handmade, heirloom-quality pieces in the Emerald Isle, you'll be sure of the lasting beauty of your selection.

Prices vary widely depending on the features of the pendant. Yellow and white gold will be more expensive than silver or pewter, but they will have a special luster that is incomparable. The use of inlaid emerald, diamonds, rubies, or birthstones will add to the cost of your pendant as well, but they provide an extra dimension to the design. Women adore gemstones and the way they catch the light. Choosing a necklace with a bit of extra sparkle is always an excellent idea for your wedding anniversary.

Here is a quick guide to the best Celtic pendant styles:

Shamrocks - The Shamrock is associated with Ireland, and with St. Patrick. When Saint Patrick came to Ireland, his mission was to convert the Irish to Christ. He would often use the three leaves of the Shamrock to demonstrate the presence of the Holy Trinity in the natural world.

Today's Shamrock pendants are delicate and feminine and they often feature tiny rows of inlaid diamonds. They are also a versatile and practical choice, since a woman can wear such a piece every day, with any outfit.

Trinity Knots - These pretty examples of Celtic knot work (interlace) are meant to represent the same thing as the Shamrock. Their three points are much like the three leaves that illustrate the Holy Trinity. The master metal workers of Ireland began crafting their signature knot work during the Insular Art period, which began in the sixth century. Today's necklaces often feature beautifully crafted Trinity Knots, sometimes with pearls, emerald, or diamonds to lend them glamour.

Saint Bridget's Cross - This distinctive, woven pendant is thought to bestow good luck on its wearer. The first woven cross was fashioned by Saint Bridget during the 17th century. Bridget wove a simple cross out of the rushes upon the floor, in order to comfort a dying man. Today's pendants mimic the delicate weaving, and they are meant to be expression of faith in God.

Aromatherapy Pendants

Aromatherapy Pendants are based on the fact that, from times immemorial, it has been perceived that the sense of smell in the human species is the most developed among all the senses. It evokes a much stronger and faster response than any other sense. This has led to the use of aromatherapy on a professional level by healers and therapists in various different alternative healing modalities.

Aromatherapy is used in saunas and baths, as oils and bath salts. It is also used in massage therapy and as room fresheners in the form of scented candles, spritzers and simmering hot pot-pourris. The ancient mystics and the Shamans had discovered centuries ago what each scent can do for people; what kind of moods and emotions and other therapeutic effects it can induce on the human body, mind and soul. Based on that ancient knowledge, the science of aromatherapy has now been so refined that it is even available in the form of aromatherapy pendants today!

Research has shown that while an aromatherapy bath or massage works wonders on acute aches and pains and other physical or psychological ailments, it takes a prolonged and consistent use of aromatherapy to help cure chronic problems. Now obviously it is not practically feasible to carry a lighted aromatherapy candle all around with you wherever you go. This called for the development of something that could be easily worn by a person on his body. What better than a pendant!

Aromatherapy pendants have been designed with the underlying idea that consistent exposure to aromatherapy fragrances and healing oils proves to be much more beneficial in the cure of chronic ailments. These pendants are not only designed in attractive shapes and colors, they also consist of a specially designed area where an oil pad, moistened with aromatherapy oil, can be placed. This pad keeps emitting the fragrance of the essential oil, in which it is soaked, at a gentle pace. And the wearer of the pendant derives continuous health benefits from that scent.

More and more people have started using these aroma pendants nowadays, and are reporting some excellent results of their use. You can easily shop around for these pendants, and the accessories to go with them, on the internet today. Once you know what kind of oil you are going to need, depending on the therapeutic action required, and the material you want your pendant to be made of, you can quickly select a design from the collection available, that appeals to you, and customize your order.

There are aromatherapy pendants available in the shape of angels, fairies, dragonflies, crosses, hearts, flowers, crescent moons, arrow heads and many more designs. You can get them with or without chains. Most of them are bundled with some refill oil pads. You can prepare your own aromatherapy oil blend for use with these pendants or you can order one of the readymade mixes available for sale along with them.

Some sites sell package offer deals, comprising of the locket, chain, refill pads, and the aromatic essential oil, at a fixed price. Some other places on the internet provide special bridal ultra sets or deluxe sets, which are invaluable to brides, for the choice of oil in them. Made in gold or sterling silver, these aromatherapy pendants not only carry a great ornamental value, they can also be phenomenal in relieving everyday stress and fatigue.

Pendants in Your Necklace, A Twinkle in Your Eye

When you wear beautiful pieces of jewellery, it shows. You feel beautiful inside and your eyes express it more than you think. Pendants are such pieces of jewellery which make you look beautiful and also feel beautiful. The joy of looking good also shines in the eyes and the appreciation of such magnetic beauty is evident in the eyes that see you. You can feel all eyes on you and also bask in the awestruck glances, while you keep mesmerising people around you.

Pendants can be worn in different styles - usually it all depends upon the length or the style of necklace. There are necklaces which fit tight around the neck like in choker style pendants. And there are necklaces which hang loosely on your neck and the pendant dangles from the necklace.

The length of the necklace and the positioning of the pendants also has some tacit rules - so that they look good from aesthetic point of view. For example, diamond pendants are usually hung somewhere below the collar bone barely touching the cleavage. And on the other hand, a choker style collar necklace sits firmly around the neck i.e. it is worn in a way that no part of the necklace is hanging loosely. The kind of pendant you are wearing also depends upon the kind of dresses you are wearing. Not all pendants go with all kind of dresses. And then there are some, which go with all kind or almost all kind of dresses.

Pendants, small or big, say a lot about you. It expresses your current mood and also tells about your personality. So choose your pendants carefully. You can choose pendants to tell people around you about what you like or you can simply wear your attitude. In other words, pendants are the best way you can express your feelings in the best way and that, without uttering a word.

Affordable and Stylish Pendants

Since their introduction, pendants have greatly evolved in both style and overall quality. They have garnered the attention of younger generations who've grown accustomed to seeing them on television. Rap legends flooded the pendant market with customers after featuring hip hop pendants in their music videos and sporting the pieces of jewellery themselves. However stylish and popular bling pendants may be, they can also come at quite a hefty cost. Fortunately, there are ways around these staggering costs.

Gold and silver are commonly regarded as expensive luxuries. Modern technology, however, has extended the luxury of these precious metals to those with limited financial resources. Gold and Silver Plated Pendants are perfect for those who are on a budget and wish to sport an exciting and eye-catching piece of jewellery. Most pendant manufacturers equip their products with a plating that far exceeds the industry standard. This prevents a number of nuisances often associated with plated jewellery, including quick discoloration (which often renders the jewellery unusable).

Plated bling pendants retain the look and feel of traditional gold and silver jewellery, thus making it difficult to distinguish their true nature. The core material used in these pieces of jewellery provides for more durability and thus a longer-lasting product. If gold were to be used throughout a particular pendant, the end product would be far less durable than a comparable plated product. This is especially true for high karat gold. Precious metals including gold are naturally soft, and thus prone to problems when used excessively in the manufacture of jewellery.

Hip hop pendants don't owe their value to just the metal they're manufactured of. Most modern pendants are encrusted with diamonds. Since average consumers cannot afford to boast actual diamonds in their pendants, manufacturers have opted to utilize diamond-like stones. A stone that is commonly used in place of diamonds in affordable jewellery is known as cubic zirconia. These stones almost perfectly resemble diamonds, yet are available at a much more reasonable cost. Zirconia stones are durable and can withstand substantial abuse. Zirconia stones can be paired with plated jewellery, or may be encrusted in traditional jewellery. This merely depends on the sort of money one is willing to spend.

It should now be clear that bling pendants can be affordable and have the ability to allot consumers an equal amount of eye candy when compared to traditional jewellery. Be sure to purchase your pendant from a reliable provider to avoid any problems.

Gold Chains and Celtic Jewellery

You need to have a few gold chains in your jewellery collection. That is because gold chains are like the little black dress - if you cannot decide on what jewellery pieces to wear, you can just throw on some chains around your neck or wrists. They add an instant touch of elegance and sophistication even on your most casual outfit.

Another great thing about gold chains is that they are versatile. You can match them with pendants and charms for a unique look. You do not have to own many necklaces or bracelets just to have a different look each time you dress up. All you need to do is to attach a pendant or a few charms on your chains and you are ready to go.

There are so many kinds of pendants and charms that you can go for. But if you are the type who likes unusual jewellery, you can create a unique look by matching your chains with Celtic jewellery pendants.

The Magical Splendour of Celtic-Inspired Jewellery

Jewellery pieces done in Celtic designs have always been thought of as fascinating and even a bit magical. Part of this fascination that people have with Celtic-inspired jewellery is the fact that in many fantasy stories involving elves and the fey folk, these folk are often portrayed to wear jewellery similar to Celtic styles. Celtic styles in jewellery enjoyed immense popularity some years ago with the showing of The Lord of the Rings in theatres, as the elves of Rivendell and Lothlorien all wore beautiful Celtic-looking jewellery pieces.

But then, of course, the ancient Celtic druids were said to invoke the powers of nature through the symbols they wear on their jewellery. To this day, it is believed that wearing these symbols can protect a person and enhance the power of their spirits. Examples of these symbols are the Celtic spirals which denote eternity and immortality, the trinity knots of the Celtic three-fold goddess, and the chevron of strength.

Where to Get Celtic-Inspired Pendants

If you want to add a few pieces of Celtic-inspired pendants for your jewellery collection, you can get them from any silver jewelry stores that specialise in them. If you cannot find silver jewelry stores that sell Celtic pendants in your locale, you can always search for these silver jewelry stores online.

Many Celtic-inspired pendants come in silver, but you can always buy them in gold to match with your gold chains. Always remember that when matching jewellery, you need to pair gold with gold and silver with silver. That is a cardinal rule in fashion. The only exemption to this rule is if the piece that does not match is something that you cannot go without, such as your wedding ring or your favourite timepiece.

Gold chains are very handy pieces that you must have in your jewellery collection. You can enhance your look with these chains no matter how plain your outfit is. Moreover, you can create a style that is uniquely you by stringing your necklaces with Celtic jewellery pendants.

Hold Loved Ones Near to Your Heart With a Photo Locket

"I long to have...a memorial of every being dear to me in the world.

It is not merely the likeness which is precious in such cases -
but the association and the sense of nearness..."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, noted Victorian poet, wrote these words in an 1843 letter to novelist Mary Mitford. More than 150 years later, her feelings on cherished photographs are still shared by many. Having-and being able to keep near-photographs of loved ones is precious indeed.

What better way to preserve and hold dear a treasured photo than with a stylish photo pendant?

Craftsmanship

Photo pendants are created from a sturdy, but lightweight jeweler's grade pewter. This lead-free alloy yields a lovely silver-tone finish. Each pendant is created in the USA by an experienced artisan and designed with a dual-sided locket intended to showcase two photos.

No two photo pendants are exactly alike, promising the wearer a one-of-a-kind showpiece. Due to the hand crafted nature of the product, variations in materials and artistry result in subtle but unique differences in each piece.

Lovely Style

Photo pendants are individual works of art available in rectangular and square shapes. Rectangular lockets are offered in both vertical and horizontal arrangements. Each pendant measures 1" by 1.5" and is artfully embellished with an intricate swirl design or accented with delicate drop pearls. A square pendant is also available, and a lovely star fixed along the top edge of the locket draws the eye to the photograph.

An 18" chain made from the same quality materials as the locket and designed with delicate interlocking rings suspends each pendant just below the collarbone. Each necklace comes with choice of lobster-claw or toggle style clasps. The toggle clasp is permanently positioned, but the lobster-claw clasp allows for the substitution of one's own chain of any desired length. The current trend of sporting long necklaces makes this a convenient and attractive option.

Memorable Function

Each dual-paned locket can display two photos. The wearer can experiment with different photographic effects to create different looks. Black and white photos accentuate the beautiful silver tone of the pendant and create an antique or estate look. A sepia tinted photo can provide an uncommon two-toned look, while a color photo gives the piece a contemporary feel.

Photo pendants make wonderful, unique gifts for all occasions. For an anniversary gift, the husband might place a wedding photo in the locket and present it to his wife. Brides can give these lovely necklaces as bridesmaid's gifts, featuring a photo of the happy couple. Dad can show his affection for a new mom with a photo of baby, and children and grandchildren can stay near to grandma's heart.

Photo pendants are a matchless, fashionable way to share cherished memories with a friend, loved one, or co-worker and display precious photographic moments to the world. A sure conversation starter, the photo pendant is a piece of jewelry she'll reach for time and again, and treasure always.

Girl's Gift Ideas - Pendants

There's not a teenage girl in the UK who wouldn't appreciate a gift of jewelery. In fact, jewelery is likely to be at the top of practically every girl's gift ideas list. If you're looking for gift ideas for girls, pendants are a great choice. Unlike rings or bracelets, you don't have to know her size for these jewellery gifts. Unlike earrings, you don't have to worry whether to get pierced or non-pierced and whether even a metal like a stainless steel post will irritate her pierced ears. Here are a few pendant gift ideas for teenage girls.

Good Pendant Choices

Whether it's a birthday gift or a holiday gift, pendant is a great choice. For materials, crystal, glass, diamante and pearl are always in style and will flatter any skin tone. One classic design is an elongated cluster of small freshwater pearls interspersed with crystals. For this pendant, choose a sturdy and attractive snake chain. Another nice touch for this girl's gift is to select one with "aurora borealis" crystals that glitter and gleam with all the colours of the rainbow. Coloured crystals are another good option. Imagine how pleased she'd be with a simple ruby red or sapphire blue crystal heart pendant suspended from a delicate silver chain. Drop pendants are also popular. One cut of crystal, the "glory cut," fashions the crystals into gorgeous faceted spheres that catch the light at every angle. Designs featuring glory cut stones are often featured in publications such as "You & Your Wedding" magazine.

More Pendants to Consider

When shopping for gifts for girls, you can't go wrong with diamante or pearl pendants. Diamante is always an appropriate girl's gift. The best diamante is Crystallized™ Swarovski Elements. Choose an elegant but classic square-cut solitaire in a striking colour like purple, red or blue.

Another popular cut for a teenage girl's gift the tear drop or pear cut. Suspended from a delicate gold or silver plated chain, it's fashion-forward look blends seamlessly with any style of clothing, make-up or hair. Finally, the navette or marquise cut is one of the best jewellery gifts for older girls.

Whatever you choose, be sure the pendant is plated in gold or silver or is made of from pure sterling silver.

When considering gift ideas for teenage girls, pendants are great girl's gift ideas that UK shoppers can find in a virtual endless but affordable variety.

Journey Diamond Pendants

For those of you that are already married but still love your wife with all of your heart. There is no finer way of expressing it than with Journey Diamond Pendants. This is the gift that says you always have and always will cherish her, without saying a word.

There are many different styles of journey diamond pendants to choose from, but they all say the same thing, I Love You. The style of pendants is all basically the same. Starting with a small diamond, and as time in the relationship goes on, you heart has grown founder. This is the reason the diamonds get bigger and one travels down the chain.

There are those that are in the shape of a circle. These journey diamond pendants did break from tradition but the sentiment is perfect, an endless circle of love.

Personally I like the gold loops that can encircle each diamond on the pendant to represent the unbroken love, but that is my personal choice. For you and your loved one, it is up to you when you decide what sends the right message for your love with her after a life time of sharing.

Most of these pendants are on tiny chains. This is customary and inexpensive. The pendant is very valuable and expensive so if you have decided to invest in a journey diamond pendant, think about also buying a thicker chain. Not too big and thick but one that will securely stay in place no matter what physical activity she may be involved in when she decides to wear it.

The longer you and the love of your life have been together, the longer of the journey diamond pendants should be chosen to express the proper sentiment.

Let's face facts -- buying a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important purchases that you will ever make. It will set the tone for your marriage, and may be more meaningful to you than the purchase of your first home. Not only that, but buying an engagement ring is a big investment. Simply put, you want the best value for your money and you need to deal with someone that you can trust.

Symbolic and Entrancing White Gold Fish Pendants

Do you have a thing for fish items? Fish as a wearable item is favored by many people, whether as tattoo or as jewelry design.

Why is there such fascination for fish? For one, it is laden with symbolisms. It can stand for rebirth and sensuality. Indeed, a fish stands for many things in different countries. In the land of the rising sun, it connotes good well-being, joy and In Japan and elsewhere, the fish means well-being, happiness and being free from restrictions. In ancient China, the koi fish can signify how people aspire for the best while also connoting bravery and tenacity to achieve set goals. In most other countries, the fish stands for traits associated with it as an astrological sign. The Piscean sign, laden with glittering diamonds and another gem in a white gold pendant, can be a nice addition to one's collection of accessories.

Other people do not give much thought to the symbolism. They simply love buying jewelry with a fish design, in order to add to their animal accessory collections, or simply because they find a certain design nice, beautifully designed, unique, and inspiring. Who wouldn't be entranced, for instance, with an authentic designer pendant necklace from one of the world's most revered jewelry manufacturers and purveyors of style? A fish pendant crafted in gold and steel on a leather cord, or an 18-carat white G girl's fish pendant with exquisite gleaming rubies are really captivating accessories. Such shimmering pieces can look spectacular with most outfits.

The thing about white G it can be versatile. For those who want to know more about white G and how it differs from platinum. The latter is on the pricey side vis-à-vis white G. Platinum is also whiter in a subtle way, than white gold, which is traditionally a melding of metal alloys like nickel and silver. The result: a whiter appearance that fetches a higher price than sterling silver. For those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin, white G formed with palladium is a suitable option

Fish pendants with gems make an ideal gift for a Christian friend, a daughter, relative, friend or colleague. Most fish pendants have a simple but beautiful design, making them wearable, wherever a person's activities or work may take her. If it's your wife you want to surprise with a white G fish pendant, check out the eye-catching options in online sites. Some online merchants offer really gorgeous-looking designs that may be tastefully placed in a tasteful gift box, and delivered with a personal message.

There's a vast range of fish jewelry creations ranging from classic and traditional to striking and ornate. The very shape or kind of fish can hold a special attraction for individuals who love pendant necklaces. Set in white G, a koi fish pendant can add a dash of color to perk up an outfit. Ten or 14-carat white G fish pendants are all the rage with both the new and mature generation, because they can be really cute or sophisticated. Swathed in diamonds, and suspending from a long chain with an elegant clasp, a white G fish pendant can really dazzle.