Whether it’s a comment on our Instagram, a message through our website, or a chat with a customer visiting us at our Unley Road store, one question comes up more than any other:

"Is Celtic jewellery actually Irish or is it Scottish?"

It is a great question, and depending on who you ask, you might get a very different answer! There seems to be a lot of conflicting information online, with some sources claiming it belongs strictly to one nation.

At Luminous Treasures, we believe in looking at the history behind the art. The true history is far more interesting and intertwined than a simple "one or the other" answer—Celtic Jewellery is the beautiful result of a shared "Sea-Kingdom" heritage that has flowed between Ireland and Scotland for over two thousand years.

The Shared Roots of the Celts 

To understand the jewellery, we have to look at the people. The "Celts" weren't just one single tribe; they were a collection of societies that spread across Europe. By the Iron Age, they had settled heavily in both Ireland and Scotland. 

Because these two nations shared a similar language (Gaelic) and a similar religion for centuries, their art styles evolved together. The famous "endless knots" and intricate spirals we see today were used to decorate everything from stone monuments in the Scottish Highlands to illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells in Ireland. This era, known as the "Insular Art" period, saw the two cultures influence each other so deeply that it is often impossible to tell where one starts and the other ends. 

Ireland: The Land of Gold and the Claddagh 

Ireland has a world-renowned reputation for ancient metalwork. During the Bronze Age, Ireland was effectively the "gold capital" of Western Europe.

• The Claddagh: This is perhaps the most famous piece of "Celtic" jewellery that is strictly Irish. It originated in a small fishing village in Galway in the 17th century.

• The Tara Brooch: An iconic symbol of Irish craftsmanship, this intricate 8th-century brooch shows the height of Irish "Insular" art.

Scotland: The Luckenbooth and the Viking Influence 

Scotland’s Celtic history is equally rich, though often influenced by the Norse (Viking) settlers who arrived later.

• The Luckenbooth: This is a distinctly Scottish heart-shaped brooch. Traditionally given as a token of love or pinned to a baby's blanket for protection, it often features a crown atop a heart.

• The Thistle: Often paired with Celtic knotwork, the thistle is the proud national emblem of Scotland.

The "Smoking Gun": The Galloway Hoard 

If you ever doubt that these styles were shared, look no further than the Galloway Hoard. Discovered in Scotland in 2014, this incredible treasure contained silver arm-rings and brooches made in Ireland, England, and even as far away as Asia.

It proves that the ancient people of Ireland and Scotland were constantly trading and gifting jewellery to one another. They didn't see these designs as "ours" or "theirs"—they saw them as a shared language of beauty and status.

We were particularly excited when the "Treasure of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard" exhibition travelled from the National Museums Scotland all the way to Adelaide. Having attended the exhibition ourselves, seeing these ancient treasures in person really reinforced why we love what we do. Seeing the intricate detail on a silver arm-ring that survived over a thousand years in the Scottish soil—yet was crafted with Irish influence—perfectly captures the "intertwined" nature of Celtic jewellery.

Can Anyone Wear Celtic Jewellery?

Since this is such a common topic of debate, it naturally leads to another question we often see in our inbox:

"Is it okay for me to wear Celtic jewellery if I don't have Irish or Scottish heritage?"

In short: Yes, absolutely. While the history is rooted in the Gaelic nations, the symbols themselves represent universal human experiences like love, eternity, and protection. You don’t need a specific branch on your family tree to appreciate the craftsmanship of a Trinity Knot (also known as the Triquetra Knot) or a Claddagh.

Curious about the meanings? We’re putting together a guide on what Celtic symbols actually mean and the etiquette of wearing them. (Link to next blog available soon.)

Visit Luminous Treasures

Whether you are looking for a piece that honours your ancestry or you simply love the timeless geometry of the knots, we invite you to explore our collection.

We are located at 278 Unley Road, Hyde Park, (if interstate we can accommodate a video call) and we specialise in a range of Celtic jewellery alongside brands like Trollbeads and Coeur de Lion.

• Wednesday to Friday: 10am – 5pm
• Saturday: 10am – 4pm (Always check our socials during football season!)
  
  
• Monday & Tuesday: By Appointment Only - Please Call to Book