Triskeles, Spirals, Animal motifs and later Crosses were woven into Celtic Knotwork designs. These ancient jewelry making techniques of knotwork designs were then woven into earrings, brooches, pendants, torcs, bracelets and rings. The Celtic ancient jewelry making techniques were used between 2000 BC and 500 AD. Gold and silver were used to make the intricately worked designs of personal jewelry such as Lunulae, collars, fibulae, torques, bangles and brooches.

Many examples of the ancient jewelry making techniques of the Celts are on display in the National Museum of Ireland. The Celtic jewelry was traded back and forth across the Mediterranean for food and clothing because of its great beauty and craftsmanship. Ancient Celtic jewelry making techniques were the finest of its time.

Irish Monks

The Celtic style of ancient jewelry making techniques were later adapted and developed by Irish monks. They crafted outstanding works of art such as their high crosses. These have become most famous today and can be found in the ancient books of Kells, Lindisfarne and Durrow. These manuscripts are some of the most treasured from the early Celtic period. The Irish monks’ finest craftsmanship can be found in their chalices, crosiers and jewelry. Their jewelry not only adorned their religious leaders, but also the monarchy.

Perfecting the Trade

The Celtic art of ancient jewelry making techniques were a challenge to the craftsmen of that period. The monks would melt their gold or silver metal, and then pour it into intricately designed molds. As their molds were cooling, the artist would sit and sculpt their design into the cooling metal. The tools they used were not sophisticated as today’s tools and the slip of a finger or twitch of the hand could destroy hours of work.

Only the finest craftsmen were allowed to participate in the art of these ancient jewelry making techniques. Knowing how to melt the metal then cool, and finding the perfect moment to create the design in the cooling metal were techniques that only a few perfected. This is the main reason that the jewelry was so highly regarded for its beauty during the Celtic period.