Anglo-Saxon Cross Pendants: Northumbria and Choosing a Reproduction
An Anglo-Saxon cross pendant brings a recognisable Christian symbol into a piece of personal jewellery. Its interest lies in the particular object as well as the wider history: the shape of the arms, the centre and the surviving surface all help distinguish one cross from another.
BHJ's Northumbrian Anglo-Saxon Cross Pendant reproduces a find from Northumbria. Here is how to explore that background and choose a new pendant without confusing it with an ancient original.
Why Northumbria matters
Northumbria was an important centre of early English Christianity. English Heritage's history of Lindisfarne explains that King Oswald invited Aidan from Iona in AD 635 and granted him the island on which to establish a monastery.
The later community associated with Cuthbert helped make Lindisfarne a major centre of pilgrimage and learning. That history gives a cross from the region a wider setting. It does not establish that BHJ's original cross came from Lindisfarne, belonged to a monk or was worn by a named person.
One famous cross, a separate object
Durham Cathedral's account of Saint Cuthbert's treasures describes his pectoral cross, meaning a cross worn on the chest. Made of gold with garnet and shell, it also preserves repairs, including red glass replacing a lost garnet.
That surviving object shows how materials, wear and repair can form part of a cross's history. It is a separate treasure, not the artefact behind BHJ's pendant. Its materials and association with Cuthbert should not be transferred to the Northumbrian find reproduced here.
Look at the outline first
The BHJ pendant has a circular centre and flared arms. Start with that overall outline, then look more closely at the surface detail in the product photographs. Consider whether you prefer the shape at normal viewing size as well as in an enlarged image.
Compare the photographs labelled as the original artefact with those of the modern jewellery. The original provides the historical form; the piece offered for purchase is a museum-quality reproduction cast in new precious metal.
Choosing the metal
The current pendant listing offers silver, 9ct gold, 18ct gold and platinum. Compare the metal you already enjoy wearing with the pendant photographs, then select your preferred option for the current price.
These are material choices for the new jewellery. Choosing gold today does not establish that the original cross was gold. For a wider comparison, read our guide to silver, gold and platinum historical jewellery.
Check the pendant and chain together
If you plan to use an existing chain, check that its end fitting can pass through the pendant's suspension opening. Ask for the pendant's dimensions and opening measurement before buying a chain for it, and confirm whether a chain is included in the option you select.
For a gift, these checks are useful alongside the choice of metal: the pendant needs to work with the chain and the length the recipient prefers.
From the find to a wearable cross
Each item is cast individually in our UK workshop and finished by hand. Our craft process page explains how the surviving form and surface character of British finds become new jewellery.
Explore the Anglo-Saxon collection, then return to the Northumbrian cross pendant to compare the available metals and photographs.
Explore our Christian Heritage Jewellery collection to compare historical cross pendants, crucifixes and cross rings cast from original British finds.