Simple Pendants
Most people seem to falsely believe that cross pendants and necklaces are one and the same. This could not be further from the truth as we will discuss here. Cross necklaces are most commonly worn as a statement of faith. Most people who wear a cross wear it willingly and visibly as a sign they believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ.
To them a cross is symbolic of His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sin. Although crosses are fashionable, most nonbelievers would not wear them simply because Christianity is implicit in its intention. Bear this in mind as we continue talking about cross pendants or necklaces.
A cross necklace can be simple with no figure of the crucified Christ on them. When Jesus is on the cross it is referred to as a crucifix. Catholics and Orthodox Christians typically wear crucifixes.
What Does It All Mean?
The figure of Christ can be three dimensional or a flat icon as worn by the Orthodox Rites. Many Protestants believe that placing the figure on a cross implies idolatry and refuse to wear any graven image.
This has created much controversy over the years because Catholics contend that it is simply a visible sign while Protestants argue it is a false idol and that Jesus is no longer on the cross; He is risen. Depending on what you believe, you should choose what you wear accordingly in the case of pendants shaped as a cross.
Simple Is Better
A cross and crucifix necklace can be simple, inexpensive costume jewelry. They can also be exquisite pieces purchased from a high end jewelry store. While most chains they are worn on are sterling silver or gold, some have an alloy core and are plated with sterling or gold. Many diamond cross necklaces are sold exclusively in jewelry stores.
They are expensive and often hand crafted. You can even embellish on a diamond cross necklace by adding more to it. Use of other precious and semi precious stones may be artistically employed.
What To Look For
Sometimes cross necklaces are referred to as cross pendants. On the surface there appears to be little difference between a pendant and a cross necklace; that is unless you are a believer. A necklace is a piece of jewelry you wear around your neck while a cross pendant has special meaning or significance to the person wearing it.
Consequently, many Christians refer to them as cross pendants. In other words, if you simply want to show that you are of Christian faith while at the same time being fashionable, then you will get a necklace. However, if you want just want to wear something so that you can feel closer to Him, then you need something more specific to your faith, and you would be looking into pendants that resemble a cross.
Uncommon Choices
Stainless Steel Necklace
While not common, there is another type of cross necklace that wanes and waxes in popularity as fashions evolve. Wooden cross necklaces resurface from time to time and can either be fashionable or have deeper significance to Christians. Jesus died on a cross and the cross was made from wood so there is an implicit symbolism in wearing a wooden cross.
All in all, necklaces in the shape of a cross are not to be worn by everyone. However, whether embellished with precious stones, or simple yet meaningful as in the case of cross pendants, they are usually worn with pride and dignity.
