Yellow Gold Celtic Crosses

A Celtic cross is a cross with a ring through the intersection, usually with interlaced knotwork across the arms. The ring is the identifying feature. The Iona cross is a close relative with a narrower ring. Knotwork lines have no beginning and no end, which is the eternity reading usually given to them.

Yellow gold is the color gold comes out of the ground, warmed by the copper and silver it is alloyed with for strength. It is the traditional choice for a religious piece and the one most often asked for by name.

Gold does not tarnish. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth are the whole routine. Take it off before a chlorinated pool.

The ring through the intersection is the feature that identifies a Celtic cross. Readings vary — eternity, the halo, the sun — and no single one is authoritative. The interlaced knotwork across the arms has no start or finish, which is the eternity symbolism most often attached to it.

Yes. 14K is 58.3% pure gold, alloyed with copper and silver for strength, and every piece is stamped 14K. Pure 24K gold is too soft to hold a cross arm or a bail, which is why fine jewelry is alloyed.

It describes construction rather than quality. A solid piece is metal all the way through. A hollow or semi-solid piece is formed with a cavity, which lets a large cross stay light and affordable in precious metal. Both are the stated metal throughout — the specifications on each product page say which it is.

Every gold piece is stamped with its karat and every sterling piece with .925, and the stamp is the guarantee. Lovely Rita's has sold fine jewelry since 2001 and lists the metal, purity and construction in the specifications on each product page.

Bail sizes across this range fit standard chains, so a piece here will generally hang on a chain you already have. Each product page lists the bail measurement where the supplier provides it. A heavier cross is steadier on a slightly thicker chain, simply because a fine chain shows the weight.