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SOURCING
We visit Ireland to find most of our items, where our sources range from cottage crafters to brand name suppliers such as Belleek and Waterford. Also many of our Irish and Celtic themed items come from Scotland, Wales, England, Continental Europe, the United States and imported from Asia.
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Necklaces and Pendants
Women's 14 Kt. White Gold Cross Necklace with Emerald and Diamonds
Enduring inspiration. This extraordinary Celtic cross of 14 kt. white gold is centered with a claddagh of brilliant pavé diamonds and a sparkling emerald heart. From Ireland. Shipped separately; allow 2-4 weeks. 1 x 5/8" cross on 18" chain. Boxed.
History
Celtic Crosses dot the Irish countryside, as well as parts of Scotland and other homes of the early Celtic Church. Celtic Crosses can be characterized by their massive size, some reaching twelve to fifteen feet high, and featuring a ring around the intersection of the cross. The ring, a symbol of eternity, is thought to blend the pre-Christian Celtic traditions with the concepts taught through Christianity. Creation of the earliest crosses dates back to about the 8th Century, though it is believed that some were created as late as the 12th Century. Though none survive, scholars speculate that the precursors of the stone Celtic Crosses were made from wood. Later, the crosses were carved from sandstone or granite. But wood or stone, Celtic Crosses, specifically Celtic High Crosses, represented the largest freestanding sculptures between what was once the Roman Empire and the Italian city-states during the Renaissance.
The purpose of the Celtic Crosses is not completely clear, but it is known that many were built near monasteries, either to mark the boundaries of the monastic lands or to serve as a devotional function. In addition, some believe that others commemorated a miraculous event. Many crosses vary in their state of preservation, but the High Cross at the Monasterboice Monastery is among the best preserved.
The artwork carved into Celtic Crosses is typically narrative, many times portraying the lives of saints or other Bible stories, as these crosses were sometimes used to educate communities that were either illiterate, or did not have access to the written word. Other crosses are adorn with abstract ornament or interlaced designs. It is also thought that weathering has taken its toll on the appearances of these unique landmarks, deteriorating away paint that highlighted the figures and ornaments of the Celtic Crosses. It stands to reason that the colors used to paint the crosses were reflective of manuscripts of the times. Colors such as those used in the Book of Kells, yellow, green, blue and deep red.
Click for larger image.
Order by 2009-12-01 for Holiday delivery.
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* Item ships free of charge
* Drop ship item, will be shipped separately and cannot be gift-wrapped. Shipped separately personalized items shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico incur additional shipping fees that require approval prior to processing your order, please call for quote.
* This item cannot be express-shipped and cannot be shipped outside the US. This item CAN be shipped into Canada when using our Canadian Border Free check-out process
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