Celtic Cross Earrings with Amethyst & Malachite

- Ireland-Inspired Gemstone Dangle, Small Cross Charms -

These handmade earrings feature Celtic cross charms, purple amethyst gemstones, and verdant malachite rounds in a lovely evocation of Ireland's ancient high crosses. The cross charms are small (around half an inch in length) but well detailed and ornamented with simple eternal knots. They are antiqued silver-on-pewter charms that were made in the USA by TierraCast. Anyone who has visited the high crosses of Ireland will likely find their memories stirred by these little charms, just as I did.

The genuine green malachite round beads, with their variegated green bands, suggest the verdant richness of the Irish countryside, while above them, ornamenting the earrings hooks, two sparkly emerald crystals evoke the more brilliant green of the Emerald Isle. The crystals are bicones from Swarovski and were made in Austria. The purple amethyst suggests the lovely heather that lends a royal quality to the Irish hills once late summer comes around.

Also used in these earrings are TierraCast bead caps and sterling silver round beads. The earring hooks are sterling silver and come with ear guards to help keep this special pair more secure on your ears. The earring length is about 2 inches, including the hooks.

Pretty and meaningful, these Celtic cross earrings were inspired by Ireland and would make a lovely gift for anyone who loves Ireland or is interested in it. The tiny endless knots inside the cross charms are each a little reminder of eternal love and caring. Designed and handmade by me with care, though, and best wishes for their destined wearer, these sweet dangles come wrapped in an organza bag, all set for gifting!

ABOUT THE CELTIC CROSS SYMBOL
This symbol is usually distinguished by an ornamental ring encircling the intersection of the arms and shaft of the cross, and may be decorated with various Celtic knotwork designs or, in the case of certain high crosses, Biblical motifs. Legend has it that the ring is a pagan solar circle adapted by St. Patrick and synthesized into a Christian context when he was working to convert the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century. As a sign of divine light, it has affinities with the halo or heavenly nimbus that became an attribute of divinity in Christian art.

Among the most outstanding expressions of this cross symbol are the historic Celtic high crosses, which date from the 8th century to the 12th and are constructed of stone. It's likely that they were preceded by wooden and metal counterparts now are lost to us. Although there were high crosses in the British Isles (with some excellent artifacts surviving in Scotland), it is in Ireland where they have best endured the course of history and where they take on monumental stature. I've visited various ancient sites with high crosses, and even the simplest of these crosses is impressive and thought-provoking. With a few exceptions (such as the now-sheltered Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnoise), they are situated in the open air of cemeteries, church yards, and ancient monastic ruins, exposed to the elements and often surrounded by the beauty of the Irish countryside.

ABOUT CELTIC KNOTS
There are several variations of the Celtic knot, but all share the notable absence of a beginning or an ending to their interlacing line: they are endless knots. Also known as mystic knots, they may be interpreted as symbols of eternity and timelessness, thus possessing a spiritual dimension. Some consider Celtic knots protective of current good fortune; others see them as representing the inner integration of the self.

ABOUT THE GEMSTONES
Amethyst - A member of the quartz family, amethyst is traditionally considered a protective, talismanic stone. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethusos," which means "not drunk." The gemstone is associated with the crown chakra, and is the birthstone for February. Amethysts are crystals and often have inclusions, varied color shades, and other interesting elements to them.

Malachite - This gemstone has been treasured and used for jewelry since ancient times. It was especially valued in Greece, Rome, and Egypt. It also ornamented amulets and statues, and was even ground into powder for use as eye shadow. Malachite's name may have come from the Greek "malache," which means mallow (a green plant). This mineral was also popular in medieval times as a talisman to protect its wearer against the evil eye. Perhaps malachite has attracted so much attention over the ages because of its green coloration, which always varies and suggests nature and growth. Currently there are many inexpensive synthetic forms of malachite on the market. I am a stickler for authentic malachite, and pay what I must for the genuine gemstone.

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