Cross Necklaces or Cross Pendants?

Simple Cross Pendant

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.

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.  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.

Cross and crucifix necklaces 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.  Use of other precious and semi precious stones may also be artistically employed.

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 pendant has special meaning or significance to the person wearing it.  Consequently, many Christians refer to them as cross pendants.

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, cross necklaces are not to be worn by everyone.  However, whether embellished or simple, they are usually worn with pride and dignity.