Also called the Irish Cross, the Celtic Crosses originated in Ireland, Wales, England, and Scotland. In Western Britain, they were generally carved from soft sandstone, which was relatively easy to inscribe with the intricate knotwork designs that we associate with Celtic Crosses today. Dating back to around 800 A.D., these sandstone crosses were raised by Irish missionaries to identify monasteries and places of prayer.

The ornamented standing stone cross with a circle is also called a High Cross, and several examples can be found across the British Isles today. Another name for it is the Ionic Cross, because this Celtic representation of God was common on the Isle of Iona west of Scotland. Often worn by people who have a Celtic heritage, the Celtic Cross is also a perfect accessory for those who simply have an interest in Celtic culture and history.

It has been suggested that the Celtic Cross is derived from the Chi Rho symbol. "Chi" and "Rho" are the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek, and the overlapping letters are a bit similar to the Celtic Cross.

The first versions of the Celtic Cross were carved into recumbent cross slabs. Later, the crosses were placed upright, and were decorated with animal figures, biblical icons, foliage designs, elaborate knot work, and spirals.

Legends abound regarding the meaning of the circle in the cross. For instance, the most prevalent theory is that it is a symbol of eternity. Others claim it is a halo. It could also represent Christ's crown of thorns, or the circle of death and rebirth as demonstrated by Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Slightly more involved meanings that have been put forth include that St. Patrick once overlaid a circular moon or sun goddess symbol with a Latin cross, to demonstrate to converted druids that Christ was the one true God. Finally, the circle is also said to represent the unending love of God, as shown by the sacrifice of his only Son. Who knows? Perhaps the circle was simply placed there because it was aesthetically pleasing. In any case, although the Celtic Cross did not become a common symbol of Christianity until the 4th Century A.D., it is now one of the most beautiful symbols of the Christian faith in existence.

With its air of mystery and its ancient roots, the Celtic Cross is still a relevant emblem today, and some of the most entrancing jewelry ever created features this enduring Christian symbol.

See the beautiful selection of Celtic Crosses at Cross Pendants Online.

Melisa Moore is an SEO Marketing Specialist and jewelry lover at Lifetime Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas.