Our 316 L Stainless Steel Ruthwell Cross is a replica of a stone Anglo-Saxon cross dating to around 7-8th centuries, when the village of Ruthwell, now in Scotland, was part of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria. The Ruthwell Cross is located inside Ruthwell Parish Church in Ruthwell, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

We are excited about this one because it is our first four-sided carving. The Ruthwell Cross shares the story of Christ's life from the New Testament.

Both faces of the Ruthwell Cross are divided into ten panels. The front features scenes such as the miracle of Christ healing the blind and the Crucifixion. The back includes St. Paul and St. Anthony breaking the loaf of bread in the desert and the flight into Egypt.

Writing on the front and back of the cross includes short passages from the books of Luke and John. Among those on the front are Saxon capitals that translate as: ‘In the beginning was the word.’

Vine scrolls dotted with birds and beasts eating fruit cover the sides of the cross shaft. A runic inscription also means: ‘Christ was on the cross. Yet / the brave came there from afar / to their lord.’ This comes from the Anglo-Saxon poem of the ‘Holy Rood.’

Carved scenes illustrate Christ's divinity, the Holy Trinity, and the four Evangelists who wrote the gospels - Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.

It may have been a preaching cross, helping priests spread the Christian gospel. Literacy was not widespread then, so its carvings would have been valuable tools for teaching and preaching.

If you are moved by ancient artifacts, this incredible piece of jewelry is for you.

Other details of the 316 L Stainless Steel Ruthwell Cross of Scotland include:

Stamped 316 L stainless steel

Suitable for both men and women

Approx.62mm

Approx. 12mm width