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Love of animals is one of our most enduring traits, and it's one reason why people enjoy wearing jewelry pieces that represent animals such as cats, dogs, birds and other creatures. In the past, however, animal images in art and jewelry were used to not only reflect the animal itself but what it represented.
Zoomorphic animals have been used in art for thousands of years. They are essentially symbolic images shaped like animals. These often fantastical creatures have been favorite motifs in Celtic artwork and jewelry for centuries.
Stephen Walker, Master craftsman and the head of the Walker Metalsmiths clan, has written extensively on Celtic heritage including his comprehensive article on Zoomorphic Symbolism.
Walker Metalsmiths is proud to offer our own line of Celtic animal jewelry pieces that capture the allure of intertwining Celtic patterns combined with zoomorphic animal imagery. Each hand-crafted piece is intricately detailed and can be appreciated purely for its beauty and symbolic meaning.
Shop Celtic Animal Jewelry →If you're looking for animal jewelry based on its zoomorphic meaning, consider the symbolism of these creatures:
Dogs symbolize loyalty, love and healing. They are also known for their heightened perception and ability to know the truth. Our Celtic dog pendant is a lovely gift for any canine lover or that special person who has shown you love and loyalty.
The fish represents wisdom in the zoomorphic tale of the Salmon of Knowledge. As a symbol of knowledge and power, our Celtic fish pendant is a meaningful gift for scholars and seekers of truth.
This delicate, winged insect represents both metamorphosis and wisdom, the ideal symbol for someone going through changes in their life or who is drawing on new-found wisdom as they move forward.
The butterfly, or Feilearcan, was believed to be a creature that could pass between the physical world and the magical world. It also symbolized rebirth and transformation due to its own startling metamorphosis.
The zoomorphic attributes of the bear include fierce loyalty, motherhood and protection of the young. The term "mama bear" is well known and based in Celtic perceptions of the bear as a protector and fighter.
Cats have been seen as mysterious, intuitive and resourceful. They were revered for their ability to adapt quickly and remain aloof in trying times. Do you know someone who is resourceful and unpredictable? Give them a Celtic cat pendant.
A symbol of fertility and the representation of the Goddess Eostre, who became a hare on the night of the full moon. In Celtic mythology, the hare was believed to be a link between earth and the underworld, admired for speed and magical powers.
The Celts revered horses as symbols of magic, mystery and spirituality. A white horse represented purity and freedom, while black horses represented the night and the pull of the moon. Our Celtic horse pendant is perfect for free-spirited souls.
The bee has long been a Celtic symbol of industry, brotherhood and empathy as well as humanity and kindness. It also represents secret knowledge and intellect. Celtic bee jewelry is a simple but elegant way to recognize someone's kindness.
Celtic tradition imparts the deer with traits such as virility, fertility and strength. Female deer were believed to be able to cross to the fairy realm. Deer were also seen as the embodiment of the forest and natural world.
Like the dog, the wolf represented loyalty in Celtic zoomorphic symbolism. Ancient Celts also believed the wolf could commune with Cernunnos, the forest god. The wolf was seen as brave, cunning and resourceful. Shop our Celtic wolf pendant.
Owls represent wisdom, intuition, and the ability to see what others cannot. In Celtic tradition, owls were connected to the underworld and served as guides through darkness and uncertainty.
Our collection of custom Celtic animal jewelry features designs created by our talented family of designers and metalsmiths to capture the beauty and power of Celtic animal symbolism. Each piece carries generations of meaning and beauty, handcrafted in sterling silver and gold.
The custom designed Celtic animal pendants join our collection of handcrafted Celtic jewelry pieces that include Celtic pendants, Celtic rings, and Claddagh jewelry.
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