Celtic Pectoral Crosses

Colum Cille Pectoral Cross

Size 3 x 1.5 inches Design carved on both sides	Stone choices: Green Iona Marble, Iona Bloodstone Green Connemara Marble Garnet or Amethyst
Above left: 14 Karat Gold with Iona Marble Carved on both sides. Call for Current pricing	Sterling silver, shown with Iona Bloodstone SW-350 Sterling without stone, a triquetra knot replaces the setting,

Larger Celtic Pectoral Cross

Cross SW361 3.75 inch (without loop)
Carved both sides Sterling Silver
Stones available are Amethyst (shown), Iona Marble, Iona Bloodstone, Connemara Marble, Garnet.

Approximate size 2 1/2" x 1 3/8", 60 x 32 mm, Carved both sides
Silver SW349

Trinity Cross

Silver SW349 Without Stones
SW349 With garnet, amethyst or Connemara marble

14K Gold w/ garnet, amethyst , Connemara Marble,
emerald or ruby or 1/4 ct diamond

Gold SW449

Other Celtic Crosses

Colum Cille Cross Symbolism

To the early Christians the cross was a symbol of salvation and victory rather than a symbol of shame and torture. The circle that is characteristic of Celtic crosses is a symbol of eternity. Like God, the circle has no beginning or end. Celtic interlace knotwork is also symbolic of eternity as it is also unending. The weaving and repeated crossings of the strand of the knots are symbolic of the weaving together the spiritual and physical paths of our lives.

One side of the cross is decorated with Celtic interlace ornament. The triangular "triquetra" knots are trinity symbols of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three lobed spirals and the three knots in a single unending strand at the bottom are also symbols of the Holy Trinity. The knot at the top of the cross is a triquetra interlaced with a knot from above and symbolizes the union of Heaven and Earth that is God’s gift to mankind in Christ’s sacrifice and triumph over death.

Colum Cille [Kal um kill] is the Gaelic name for Saint Columba. Colum Cille translates to "Dove of the Church". Colum Cille was a 6th century missionary who left Ireland to bring the Gospel to Dalriada and the Picts of Northern and Western Scotland.

Colum Cille’s main base was the Island of Iona. The stone set in the center of the cross is cut and polished from a pebble from Iona. Iona remains a religious center 1400 years after Columba’s rustic monastery was established. The doves are symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Columba’s Gaelic nickname also was the Dove and actual doves still live at the Abbey on Iona as they have for centuries.

At the last supper Our Lord said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." This mystery is recalled symbolically on the shaft of the cross were the Tree of Life is carved growing out of the a communion chalice. There are twelve leaves on the vine that symbolize the twelve apostles.

The Colum Cille cross is an original Celtic design, (c) copyright by Stephen Walker 1996.

Colum Cille's Heron
Married Metal and Mokume bowl
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For more information about the history and symbolism of the Celtic Cross click here

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Walker Metalsmiths Celtic Jewelry Homepage

14 May 05
updated 2013