Celtic knots are well-known but did you know that they are not exclusive to the Celts? They in fact begin at an earlier time in history in Roman mosaics and were also used by the Vikings and Saxons. They stand for patterns made by ropes, intricately woven, not inevitably in the shape of a knot. On occasion they are continuous, i.e. lacking any loose ends, and are then called Gordian knots, after the legendary knot that Alexander the Great attempted to unfasten. When he was unsuccessful, as he must be as the knot had no end, he took his sword and sliced it through, cutting it in half so as to create two ends.

Intricately knotted patterns are often found in art work from the early Roman Empire chiefly during the 3rd and 4th A.D., mainly in floor mosaics. Prior to the Christian affect on the Celts, i.e. prior to in the region of 450 A.D., Celtic decorative work integrated key patterns, spirals and step patterns. Early Christian texts from the Celts display these patterns plus more art work that depicts plants, animals and other images from nature. To begin with these patterns patterns of woven plaits were also found in various other places and time periods. One of the very earliest illustrations of Celtic knots may be seen in the Gospel book which was produced in Northern Britain in the 7th century and is nowadays in the collection at Durham Cathedral.

Plaitwork refers to an uninterrupted woven cord and appears in earlier art work previous to the development of genuine Celtic knots. The initial designs typical of Celtic knots were seen in southern Gaul and northern Italy and  they reached Ireland by the seventh century. Although we correlate this style of knot with the Celts they were also used in other parts of the British Isles and from there carried to other countries of Europe by traveling monks. In our time Celtic knots are associated with Scotland, Wales or Ireland.

One type of Celtic knot, called the triquetra or Trinity knot, is often found at first in very old Germanic rune stones and coins from the northern part of Europe where it was used as a pagan symbol, probably related to the Norse god Odin. The triquetra is linked to the Insular art phase of Celtic and was used in illuminated texts, such as the well-known Book of Kells, and on metal work. It was usually used along with other types of Celtic knots and very infrequently used on its own. Although we don't know if the Trinity knot had any symbolic meaning to the Celts more contemporary interpretations have given it a particular implication as a symbol of things that are threefold, for instance, as mother, daughter and granddaughter, the past, present and future or the Holy Trinity.

In the present day the Celtic knot is a widespread motif in both gold and celtic knot silver jewelry. Lots of designs and styles are produced and Celtic knots can be seen on rings, earrings, wedding bands, pendants and anklets. The Trinity knot is a popular design and the complicated knots so esteemed by the Celts are equally loved by those who wear Celtic knot jewelry nowadays.