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.

Silver Cross Necklace

For centuries a cross necklace was the epitome of Christian jewelry.  The person wearing the cross was making a profession of faith.  The cross identified the wearer as a Christian.  This is not necessarily the case any more.  Today cross necklaces can be fashionable or gaudy, large or small, expensive or cheap.   They are made from a variety of materials and may or may not be embellished with precious and/or semi precious stones.

A Celtic cross necklace is worn by both men and women.  They are generally larger and more cumbersome than a traditional cross pendant.  A Celtic cross is defined by its ornate, filigree design.  They are often fashioned from silver, pewter and wood.  Because of their innate beauty they are often worn as a stylish piece of jewelry as opposed to being worn to identify with a religious belief system.

Cross necklaces and pendants are the focal point of a cross necklace set or a set of Christian Jewelry.  A set may include other adornments such as Christian rings, bracelets, earrings and pins.  Many sets are crafted in silver, gold or white gold.  Although expensive, a platinum cross necklace is worth the expense because it is truly exquisite.

Men’s cross necklaces are quite often larger than styles worn by women.  As with women’s cross necklaces, the cross may or may not be embellished with the figure of Jesus on it.  If the figure is on the cross it is a crucifix necklace.  While many crucifixes are fashioned from gold or silver, wood crucifix necklaces are also an option and generally are hung from a leather strap.  They tend to be large and worn with casual, everyday fashion.  Another type of cross that is commonly worn for everyday wear is the large pewter type.  Pewter crosses are also commonly hung from a leather strap but may be hung on sterling silver or stainless steel as well.

As with any other type of jewelry, cross necklaces and cross necklace sets can be found in stores ranging from discount retailers to fine jewelry shops.  Cross jewelry can be extremely expensive if crafted from gold and precious stones or it can be inexpensive if wood, stainless steel, sterling or pewter.  A cross necklace can be worn for any occasion and with any fashion.  Because there are so many to choose from you will easily be able to find one that meets your needs and fits your budget.