Few designs have lasted the test of time. Many ancient art forms are now only available at a museum. Art from civilizations like the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians are iconic, but no longer made in any great quantity. That’s a shame because each culture produced art of amazing beauty and character. One such culture that has survived through the ages is the Celts.

Originally from the north of England and Ireland, the Celtic tribes were around from at least 3000 b.c. We know this as we have archaeological evidence of them from that time. Since then, their particular style of art and craft have endured, and are still made today.

While the methodology may have changed, the form and structure of the art remains. Celtic jewelry for example is still very popular across northern Europe and North America. Celtic wedding rings are some of the most popular alternatives to fashion and designer jewelry around, which has helped the form endure.

Despite wars, changes to our culture, modernization, globalization and economic meltdowns, jewelry still survives. Gold especially has appreciated in price and popularity in recent times. Part of that interest in pure investment. Precious metals are a finite resource that hold its value well. While currencies around the world have their ups and downs, the price of gold, like oil, continues to climb.

Gold bullion is now regarded as one of the best investments in the world. If it’s kept safe, and in good condition current trends show that appreciation of value is almost guaranteed. Such is the demand for the metal, old jewelry is now a hot commodity. Stores are springing up all over the country that offer to buy old gold for cash. Only some of that jewelry will ever be resold, the rest will be melted down and reused. Such is the value of it.

If like me, you’re interested in jewelry, take a look inside some of these stores at the pieces they buy. The stuff they resell is predominantly from the 1930′s and more modern pieces. One thing you won’t see is much Celtic jewelry. That isn’t because it gets melted down, it’s because it doesn’t get sold by those who own it. There is something timeless about Celtic jewelry that causes it to endure. Families keep hold of them as heirlooms and hand them down through the family.

Celtic wedding rings are passed from mother to daughter, father to son. Brooches, necklaces and bracelets are kept for their originality and history. Even if you buy a new Celtic piece, it still has the character and history of its ancestors.

So while the world worries about money, gold and Celtic jewelry endures. If you have some, don’t be tempted to sell it. It’s always going to be worth more when you wear it. It sets you apart, displays good taste, and is worth much more whole than melted down.

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For many, the choice of metal in a wedding ring is more down to color than anything else. The advances of metallurgy now allow metal to be formed into almost any shape and color, so this is less of an issue. In traditional designs, like Celtic wedding rings for example, the choices tend to be more traditional.

With modern jewelry, the pieces are taken for what they are. Unless the material used is pertinent to the design, or intention it’s unimportant. Some metals lend themselves to be shaped in particular ways more than others. As some jewelry pieces are molded, others shaped, the choice of metal available will be down to its properties.

For example, we know gold is a soft, malleable metal that can be shaped into almost anything. Palladium or titanium is a harder metal and is more suitable for simple shapes and designs. Depending on the shape and complexity of the design, some options won’t be available as it simply isn’t possible to make them with any degree of success.

Yellow gold is the traditional choice for Celtic wedding rings. It’s soft, malleable and is easy to mold into shape. It’s also relatively straightforward to implement the complex Celtic designs onto it. Aside the practical aspects of the metal, it’s also what Celtic jewelry was traditionally made of.

Silver is also a traditional material that the Celtic tribes used in great quantity. It isn’t so popular now as it tarnishes and scratches quickly. However, it is an unmistakable color, and is available if you really want it. Often, modern silver rings come with an rhodium coating to protect them from damage.

White gold is a relative newcomer to the fold. It’s a combination of gold and other metals to produce a “white” alloy. This metal is ideal for jewelry as it polishes up well and is the ideal setting for precious stones. White gold is becoming increasingly popular for Celtic Wedding Rings as it’s still relatively soft, but can be strengthened to survive the wear and tear of our daily lives.

Platinum is another newcomer to the scene. It is a very hard metal, and quite rare. That makes it expensive, which is off-putting for some. That said, if looked after properly a platinum ring will last much longer than a lifetime. Due to the strength of the material, it’s quite limited in what can be done with it. It’s generally used for simpler or plain wedding ring designs.

Palladium is ideal for those who would love platinum but find it too restrictive or expensive. It’s less prone to damage than gold or silver, but less expensive than platinum, even though it looks just like it.

The choice of metal in Celtic wedding rings depends entirely on what kind of design you want, the color choice and the budget. Those who value the spirituality will often choose the traditional gold or silver, whereas those who are more interested in longevity and value will pick the newer metals.

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