Celtic jewelry: Tips for being buying authentic pieces
There are many factors to consider when shopping for Celtic jewelry. There are numerous imitations available that do not adhere to the Celtic culture and tradition, and instead end up looking amateurish and cheap.
Because so much of the artwork featured in Celtic jewelry and Celtic rings heavily relies on knotwork, you want to make sure you are seeking pieces that adhere to these designs. Celtic knots are intricately woven, where you can discern no beginning and no end to the knot. This is often said to represent eternity. If you are thinking about purchasing an Irish ring and you can see that the knotwork has a distinct beginning, you may want to pass and continue looking for something with more authenticity.
If you are looking for a specific knotwork or Celtic historical design (like the Claddagh or the trinity knot), plan an afternoon in the library or on the computer to familiarize yourself with the way the designs should look. That way, when doing your shopping, you will know exactly what you are looking for and will easily be able to spot anything that doesn’t look the way it’s supposed to.
Inquire about the type of metal used to craft the jewelry. Whether you are communicating with someone online or shopping in a store, get a clear idea on what the rings are made of. Yellow gold and white gold are high quality metals that maintain a strong luster and longevity even when worn for decades. Silver is also another hardy and beautiful metal to look for, and Celtic knots look beautiful when woven against a silver backdrop.
If you are shopping around for Celtic engagement rings, you will want to look carefully at what types of stones are offered in the rings’ settings. While Cubic Zirconia is a good choice for those on a budget, there is nothing that sparkles with true brilliance and fire like a diamond.
Colored stones like emerald, ruby and sapphire are unique ways to further make your Irish ring stand out in a crowd, but some jewelers will try and pass off simple colored glass as precious gemstones. Ask to see a certificate of authentication before you make your final purchase.
Do a little snooping around a jeweler’s website, if they have one available. If they don’t, ask why not. Do they offer a great variety of resources and tools to help you make an informed decision? Is there a "Frequently Asked Questions" section that addresses common customer concerns? Is there a simple way to contact the jeweler directly? Are their customer testimonials speaking to the quality of the Celtic jewelry and the level of service received? These may seem like small details, but having a good support network and having all your questions answered before purchasing can lead to a more pleasurable and confident transaction.
Although you may be able to find Irish rings that have quality craftsmanship and design in countries other than Ireland, you can ensure your ring’s quality by purchasing your Celtic jewelry from a jeweler who is based on the Emerald Isle. The jeweler will be immersed in the rich culture of the country on a daily basis and will have a more concrete feel for current styles and trends.
If you are visiting Ireland and meet with a jeweler, they may be able to direct you to historical sites that can give you a better understanding of where the designs and shapes found on the jewelry originated from. Some jewelers even feature information on their websites detailing accommodations in Ireland, so you could make planning your trip even easier.
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