• Materials: 100% Sterling Silver
• Weight: 5.1 grams
• Size: More than 3/4 inch in diameter (20mm)
• Item number: wh540

A quaternary (or four-cornered) knot sits a little like a cruciform in the center of its round frame, with its four corners oriented to compass points. Four decorative 'keys' fill in the spaces between the corners giving the pendant a fuller and slightly floral look.

The pendant is domed-shaped and fairly thick so that it casts a shadow under it when lying flat against a surface, as can be seen in the pictures. The shadow almost has the effect of giving the pendant a darkened oxidized background, which highlights the brighter sterling silver knots. Yet when viewed without a background the cut-out areas give the pendant a lighter, more open character.

A four-cornered Celtic design such as this has many possible meanings:

The four directions: North, South, East and West
The four earthly elements: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air
The four seasons of Nature
The four branches of Brigid's wisdom: Hand, hearth, head, and heart
The four traditional Celtic fire festivals: Samhain, Beltanne, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh
The four magical treasures brought to ancient Ireland by the mythological tribe the Tuatha De Danann
A four leaf clover for good luck