About this Piece Sterling silver Celtic cross with gold plate trinity knot detail. This beautiful design features pave set diamonds in the circle and a brilliant emerald in the center. Specifications Metal: Sterling Silver Weight: 2 grams Width: 19mm Height: 30mm History of the Celtic Cross The Celtic Cross first appeared in Ireland and Britain during the early middle ages, when missionaries were busy planting the roots of Christianity among Celtic populations. The style represents a unity of Christian and Celtic motifs - after all, early missionaries are largely responsible for recording and thus preserving many Celtic customs and artwork. This hybrid art form is known as insular art (from 'insula', the Latin for 'island'). The cross typically features a nimbus - a ring around the intersection - which also provides support. Its true origin is unknown, though some historians have suggested it may have originally represented the Roman sun god Invictus. The most famous surviving versions of these crosses are found in the monumental stone 'high crosses' erected from the 9th-12th centuries, which also depicted stylized Biblical scenes. Though insular art would later be overtaken by Romanesque art, it earned a comeback with the 'Celtic Revival' of the 19th Century, during a time when Ireland was rediscovering its heritage. For designs rooted in Irish tradition, explore our range of Celtic necklaces. You can also find more unique pieces in our complete Celtic jewelry collection. About the Maker For over 35 years, ShanOre have been keeping Celtic history alive by allowing wearers to celebrate their Irish heritage. Taking inspiration from ancient Celtic design while adding their own contemporary flourishes of Irish culture, the family-owned jewelers have won dozens of awards, including the NACTA Jewelry Supplier of the Year.
