Celtic High Cross Necklace

From LoveToKnow Jewelry

For those seeking religious jewelry with an attractive twist or looking to show their Celtic heritage background, a Celtic high cross necklace is the way to go. With its solemnity and symbolism, a high cross necklace is a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewelry.

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Celtic Jewelry

When we speak of the Celts we are referring to the people who once inhabited Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Wales and Brittany, all of whom spoke Celtic languages. These ancient peoples used distinctive geometric designs on their monuments, artwork, and jewelry, and once they adopted Christianity they applied these unique designs to common Christian symbols such as the cross. Today's Celtic jewelry features these ancient symbols, such as the Celtic knot and the Celtic high cross.

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High Cross

A high cross is a particular type of cross that is decorated with celtic knots or symbols and has a circle around the point where the two arms of the cross intersect. These crosses were a symbol of Christianity for the Celts, who constructed many freestanding high crosses from stone as early as the 7th century. There are numerous explanations for the meaning of the circle - it is said that the circle at first served to strengthen the two arms of the standing cross, that it represents the sun, the moon or eternity. Whatever the original intent, the circle is an important component of the cross design.

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Styles of Celtic Cross Necklaces

Although the basic design of the Celtic cross remains the same, it is amazing how jewelry makers put their own twist on it so that each necklace is slightly different and unique. One might make it with a wider circle, while another might choose to design a narrower cross or decorate it with different markings. Celtic cross necklaces are often made of sterling silver, but are also seen in pewter and sometimes gold. Most are plain metal, but some boast adornments like gemstones or enamel. With so much variety available, you might want to get several cross necklaces to suit your different moods.

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Celtic High Cross Necklace Gifts

If you're looking for a gift for a special someone, you might want to consider a high cross necklace. Celtic High crosses make fantastic gifts for religious occasions, such as confirmations or first communions. They are particularly apt if the recipient is of Celtic heritage, but can be given to anybody. High cross necklaces need not only be given to comemorate religious milestones, however, but can make outstanding Christmas, birthday or Valentine's day gifts too.

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Where to Buy

Start your search for a Celtic high cross necklace on the internet, where finding what you're looking for is as easy as typing the name of the item into your favorite search engine. Celtic jewelry is so popular that there are a number of websites dealing in this unique type of jewelry. Here are a few to get you started:

Claddagh Store - The store carries more than just claddaghs! The site has an incredible selection of Celtic high cross necklaces - big and small, plain and ornate, silver, gold - this site has it all!

Amazon - Go with the name you know! Although it's still best known for selling books, Amazon deals in a wide range of merchandise, including Celtic cross necklaces.