Meaning of Christian Cross Jewelry

The cross has always been a familiar Christian symbol. It naturally symbolizes the Crucifix, joining both the Passion of Christ and Salvation. But if you didn't know, there are many different Christian crosses. Discover or rediscover them below.

Many Christians wear jewelry in the shape of a cross, knowing that these accessories symbolize Redemption and the Trinity. But each piece of Christian cross jewelry has an even deeper, often unsuspected meaning.

In this article, you'll find :

• The different types of Christian Cross Jewelry and Religious Jewelry
• Latin Cross Jewelry
• Crucifix Jewelry
• Fleur de Lys Jewelry
• Horizontal Cross Jewelry
• Orthodox Cross Jewels
• Jerusalem Cross Jewels
• Celtic Cross Jewels
• Maltese Cross Jewels
• Cross of Lorraine Jewelry
• Camarguaise Cross Jewels
• Templar Cross Jewels
• Pattée Cross Jewels
• Claddagh Cross Jewels
• Tau Cross Jewels
• Saint Benedict of Nursia Cross Jewels
• Inverted Cross Jewels: Saint Peter
• Croix de Saint André Jewelry
• Religious jewelry materials

Let's begin the article.

1) Christian Cross Jewelry & Religious Jewelry

A. Different crosses

Religious icon jewelry, including Christian crosses, is significant to those who wear one of these sacred symbols. Many Christians choose to wear the cross as a sign of their faith and a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. It's not up to any of us to judge whether wearing cross jewelry or religious jewelry is appropriate or not. Every Christian must seek God's approval in everything he or she does.

All forms of religious jewelry are used as a symbol of faith, hope and love among Christians. It's a popular gift for many religious holidays and events. The cross represents Jesus and his love for people, as Jesus is the only one to have been born with the intention of dying. Therefore, a cross is the perfect reminder of his sacrifice for religious holidays. There are many events and celebrations that lend themselves to the gift of a cross. Christmas, Easter, Baptism, First Communion and many more!

For secular milestones like graduation, the gift of a cross ora sacred image of a saint engraved on a piece of jewelry is a powerful symbol. In these times, it symbolizes the inner strength we receive from our faith as we enter new phases of our lives. It reminds us that we can achieve anything when we put our trust in a divine power.

B. Christian cross jewelry

The traditional cross is a simple image with two crossed bars, but there are a myriad of different variations. When choosing a piece of cross jewelry, you need to consider the different crosses and their meanings. Some crosses are simply more complex for reasons of beauty, while others have designs that indicate associations with different cultures or faiths. Many Christians wear crosses as a proud expression of their love, respect and service to Christ. And to remember what He has done for us.

Throughout its rich history, the cross has been represented in many forms, served many purposes and taken on many meanings. For many, the cross is most often associated with the Christian religion, where it is seen as a sign of sacrifice and salvation. This refers to Jesus Christ's death on the cross during his crucifixion. However, the appearance and use of the symbol of the cross or a religious icon long predates Christianity and has both ornamental and religious significance. We've put together a guide to the variations of several Christian crosses often found in jewelry stores. Use this guide to help you choose the perfect religious jewelry for an exceptional gift or for yourself. 🎁😇

2) Latin Cross jewelry: Simple Cross

This is the most traditional form of the cross that we usually see with a necklace around the neck accompanied by its cross pendant. The piece is in a vertical position. The side cross or horizontal cross is a more modern interpretation of the traditional form. It is turned 90 degrees to the side and the result is that it lies horizontally, but we'll come back to that a little further down. 👇

When you think of the traditional cross, you probably imagine the Latin cross. The Latin cross is a simple T-shaped cross. The horizontal beam known as the “patibulum” is shorter than the vertical beam known as the “stipe”. Many Christian denominations use a bare cross to emphasize Jesus' resurrection. Many churches in the Western Hemisphere have a design based on the Latin cross. People who tend to appreciate classic jewelry will love the beauty of the Latin cross. Its simple, uncluttered design is attractive. The Christian faith shines as brightly on this sign as any other form of Christian cross! ✞

3) Crucifix jewelry

The crucifix cross is the classic Christian cross, but it also bears the figure of Jesus representing his death by crucifixion. This cross represents the actual crucifixion of Christ. Of all the Christian crosses and their meanings, the crucifix is probably the one with the greatest interpretation. The crucifix has significance for all Christians, but it is particularly important in Catholicism and for Orthodox Christians. They see the crucifix as a stronger reminder of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. As opposed to a simple cross without the crucified Christ. A crucifix necklace can be a beautiful work of art and a sublime piece of jewelry to wear for the glory of the Lord.

This cross, like the Latin cross, is one of the most recognizable and famous symbols of Christianity! It represents the crucifixion of Jesus and the faith of believers in their religion. Theimage of Christ's body on the cross is used to represent his sacrifice. Whether we choose to wear cross jewelry or religious jewelry, this is a reminder of Jesus' love for sacrificing himself to save us! 🙇

4) Fleur de Lys jewelry

As its name suggests, the fleur de lys is the image of a lily or sometimes a lotus flower. While this symbol has often been associated with French royalty, it also has religious connotations. The Roman Catholic Church associates the lily with the Virgin Mary. While the three petals of the flowery symbol can be interpreted as the Holy Trinity. All the arms of the receding cross are of equal length. Each arm ends with the three petals of the fleur-de-lys. ⚜️

5) Horizontal cross jewelry

The horizontal cross, also known as the side or lateral cross, is a common style for necklaces. Each of these jewels usually features a simple Latin cross. The meaning of this type of cross is a little more open to interpretation. It can be seen as a simple symbol of the Christian faith. Others may interpret the lateral position simply as an aesthetic choice. Another interpretation suggests that the cross is lateral because Jesus laid it down after securing the salvation of mankind.

The beauty of religious symbolism, especially the symbols you choose to wear yourself, will have a meaning that is personal to you. Choose this cross if you feel connected to one of the possible interpretations, or simply because you think it's a beautiful way to share your faith. 🙇‍♀️

6) Orthodox cross jewelry

The Orthodox cross, Greek cross or Russian cross, is a cross used in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It was also common in the earliest years of Christianity.

This Eastern Orthodox cross has three bars: the upper bar symbolizes the sign on which the accusation against Christ was written. Some crosses bear Slavonic letters signifying Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. The central bar is where Christ's hands were nailed. Some models are engraved with a sun-shaped design on this bar, symbolizing Christ's light. The lower bar represents a footrest. Some sources suggest that the inclined footrest symbolizes the balance of justice. Those on Christ's right will ascend to heaven, and those on the left will descend underground. ☦

7) Jerusalem Cross jewelry

What place does the Jerusalem cross have in our faith? The Jerusalem cross is rich in symbolism and meaning and goes by many different names, including the Crusader cross and the quintuple cross. It is a variant of the heraldic cross and the Christian cross. It consists of a large, powerful cross in the center surrounded by four smaller Greek crosses, one in each quadrant. Throughout history, there have been many variations of the Jerusalem cross. Each with its own historical or cultural significance. The Greek cross, the Latin cross, the Celtic cross and the Jerusalem cross are just a few examples of the different types of cross created throughout the history of our faith. 🙏

The Jerusalem cross is made up of Greek crosses. The symbolism of the five crosses has several origins. Here are a few of them:

The first is: that the five crosses represent the five wounds Jesus received on the cross. The large central cross signifies the wound on Jesus' side, while the four smaller crosses represent the wounds he received on his hands and feet. The second assumption is that: the large central cross represents Jesus and the four smaller crosses represent the four evangelists. The third is that: the five crosses represent the five nations active in the Crusades: Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. And the fourth interpretation is that: the five crosses represent the five principalities of the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem. ☩

8) Celtic Cross jewelry

This cross is most common in Ireland and the British Isles. It has the shape of a traditional Christian cross with a circle around the intersection. The Celtic cross is linked to Gaelic culture. The crossbars originate from a central circle, and the horizontal crossbar is shorter than the vertical crossbar. 🕈 The central circle could represent a halo. Others claim it symbolizes the Roman sun god Invictus. The idea of Roman gods was often mixed with Christian beliefs when Christianity began to spread in Ireland. Some traditions suggest that the Celtic cross evolved from the “Chi Rho” symbol of Christianity, the first two letters of the Greek “Christ” popularized by Saint Constantine. This made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in the fourth century. 🕈

The Celtic cross evolved in the British Isles. Its earliest forms (seventh to ninth centuries) being carved into large slabs of rock resting on the ground. Later forms were erected in a vertical position. There are various traditions concerning theorigin of the circle of the cross. One of them involves the story of Saint Patrick. The illuminator of Ireland who took a standing stone engraved with a circle symbolizing the Druid moon goddess and marked a Latin cross on the circle. Thus incorporating a pagan symbol into a new Christian cross for converted Druids.

9) Maltese Cross jewelry

The Maltese cross is a symbol most often associated with the Knights of Malta. The shape of the Maltese cross resembles a star with four V-shaped arms joined at the ends. Although the Maltese cross is most often associated with the Knights of Malta, as well as with Malta itself as a country, the symbol originated in Amalfi. An Italian republic in the 11th century. ✠

The Maltese cross, officially adopted by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John in 1126, owes its stylistic origins to the crosses used in the Crusades. It was at this time that it was identified as the sacred symbol of the “Christian warrior”. ⚔️ With its eight points indicating the eight obligations or aspirations of knights. Namely: to live in truth, to have faith, to repent of one's sins, to give proof of humility, to love justice, to be merciful, to be sincere and unreserved, and to endure persecution. Over time, the eight points also became the eight languages of the nobles who were admitted to the famous order, namely those of Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castile and Portugal, Italy, Bavaria (Germany) and England (with Scotland and Ireland).

Today, the cross can still be found everywhere in Malta. It is worn by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. For them, the eight points represent the eight beatitudes that depict the ultimate goal of human acts in the Christian faith. It is also found on Malta's tourism industry, sports teams and Air Malta.

The Maltese cross can also be found all over the world. It is used by various militias to signify bravery. Germany, France, the Philippines, Sweden and Poland all use the Maltese cross on their highest medals of honor. It also appears on many coats of arms. This sacred Christian cross is still considered a symbol of honor and courage the world over. 🙋‍♂️

10) Cross of Lorraine jewelry

The Cross of Lorraine is made up of a vertical bar and two evenly-spaced horizontal bars. It is a heraldic cross used by the Dukes of Lorraine (formerly known as the Dukes of Anjou). The cross is related to the Crusader cross, Joan of Arc's standard, and the six globes of the Medici family. The Lorraine cross was carried to the Crusades by the first Knights Templar, who had been granted the cross by the Patriarch of Jerusalem for their use. Hermetic alchemists of the Renaissance used the emblem as a symbol of earth and spirit, combining the square earth cross with the cross of Christ.

The bars are supposed to be evenly spaced, as can be seen on most images relating to the Free French Forces, although several variations exist. In France, the Cross of Lorraine is the symbol of the Free French Forces of the Second World War. Of the liberation of France from Nazi Germany and of Gaullism. ☨

11) Croix Camarguaise jewelry

The Camarguaise cross or Camargue cross has the two recognizably short arms running horizontally through a slightly longer vertical bar. Instead of being a simple unadorned bar, the vertical part of the cross incorporates elements of a ship's anchor. ⚓ The lower part of the bar rises in the shape of an anchor bottom. This cross is traditionally centered with a heart. Christianity, for many Christians, is the anchor that holds their lives and loved ones together. 🤝

Anchor crosses come in a variety of styles, from the traditional anchor shape to those with hooks, swords, ropes and more. For Christians, Jesus Christ is the anchor of the soul: that hope we have as the anchor of the soul, a hope that is both sure and firm. It enters into the veil where Jesus entered as a forerunner for us, having become high priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-20).

12) Templar cross jewelry

The original meaning of the Templar cross is protection against evil forces and nuisances. It is believed that this cross can attract negative energy and transform it into positive energy. This is why it is often used to protect against the evil eye, rumors and false gossip. What's more, this amulet can protect its owner from jealous, angry and cruel people with malicious intentions.

Thanks to its shape, the Templar cross can share positive energy with its owner. It brings vitality, which is very important, especially for the elderly. The wearer of this symbol can experience an increase in efficiency and energy, becoming more active. The Templar cross attracts good luck and happiness. It can enhance your well-being and help a person choose the right path in life. 🛣️

The Templar cross is a symbol of the Poor Companions of Christ and the Temple of Solomon. The best-known name for the Templar cross is the Order of the Knights Templar. It was famous for its fight for Christianity, Christian values and the destruction of those who would not accept this faith. The Order of the Knights Templar received the Pope's blessing for the liberation of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The knights who belonged to this order were known for their crusades and brutal reprisals against people of the other faith.

Today, Templar crosses are one of the most powerful amulets offering a man or woman the necessary protection against evil forces and negative emotions. 🛡️

13) Croix Pattée jewelry

This round Christian cross has four arms of equal length, which widen at the outer end so that the edges almost form a circle. The patté cross is the heraldic name for a common style of cross, particularly in “medieval” art. The term “pattée” means that the cross has flared arm ends. The arms can be straight or concave. The name “pattée” comes from the French word for paw.

There are several variations on the design of the cross pattée. When the arms meet at a central point, they produce a cross composed of four triangles. The triangle represents an arrow in heraldry, or the Holy Trinity in a Christian context. One interpretation is that the arms represent rays of light seeing the Cross of Glory.

14) Claddagh jewelry

The Claddagh symbol is made up of three parts: two hands, a crown and a central heart. The two hands represent friendship and the crown loyalty. The heart represents love. This symbol has Irish roots, and today an Irish engagement or wedding ring can feature the Claddagh symbol. The Claddagh symbol combines this sign with a traditional T-shaped cross. The hands form the horizontal crossbar. The heart and crown rest on the vertical crosspiece. The Claddagh signifies a love centered on Christian faith and ideals.

15) Tau Cross jewelry

The Tau cross is an ancient symbol and is also known as the Crux Commissa, the Franciscan cross, the Anticipation cross, the Advent cross, the Crutch cross and the St. Anthony cross. Tau rhymes with comment and takes its name from the last letter X in the Phoenician and Hebrew alphabets, also pronounced to rhyme with comment. Sharing the same pronunciation as the Greek letter “T”. Dive into heraldry and we see that its naming conventions often have profound meaning. The heraldic term for Tau is Crux Commissa, meaning “commanded cross”. A cross to which a higher authority (God) has entrusted a mission (crucifixion).

The Tau cross is an emblem of immortality, life in general and sometimes a phallic symbol. It is a pagan sign of the mystical Tau of the Chaldeans and Egyptians. Where it represented the Roman god Mithras, the Greek Attis and their precursor Tammuz, who was the Sumerian god who died and rose again, companion of the goddess Ishtar. The original form of the letter “T” was the initial letter of the God of Tammuz. During baptism ceremonies, this cross was marked on the forehead by the pagan priest.

As mentioned above, Tau is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and this has significance: it represents the fulfillment of God's revealed Word. It is quite possible that this form of cross was used to crucify Jesus. The Latin cross is generally associated with crucifixion. But some believe that a tau pattern may have been used. The reasoning being that the Tau cross places the victim in the highest possible position. This allows a large crowd to see him, and also corresponds to the soldiers' desire to mock Jesus. The Tau cross is also associated with the most eminent saints of the Catholic faith.

16) Saint Benedict of Nursia Cross Jewelry

For early Christians, the cross of Saint Benedict was a favorite symbol and insignia of their faith in Christ. From the writings of St. Gregory the Great (540-604), we know that St. Benedict had a deep faith in the cross of Jesus, and performed miracles with the sign of the cross. This particular faith and devotion to the Cross has been passed on to successive generations of Benedictines.

Devotion to the Cross of Christ also led to the manufacture of medals bearing the image of Saint Benedict holding a cross aloft in his right hand and his Rule for Monasteries in the other. Thus, the Cross has always been closely associated with the Saint Benedict Medal, which is often referred to as the Saint Benedict Cross Medal.

We don't know when the first Saint Benedict medal was conceived. At some point in history, a series of capital letters was placed around the large figure of the cross on the reverse of the medal. For a long time, the meaning of these letters remained unknown. But in 1647, a manuscript dating back to 1415 was found at Metten Abbey in Bavaria, giving an explanation of these letters. They are the first letters of a Latin exorcism prayer against Satan. The sacred symbol of the Cross of St. Benedict is therefore a source of spiritual energy protecting you against the devil Satan.

17) Inverted Cross Jewelry: Saint Peter

An inverted Latin cross is also known as an inverted cross or St. Peter's cross. Depending on who you ask, the inverted cross serves either as a satanic symbol or of the Christian faith. 👺🙏

According to tradition and extra-biblical sources, the apostle Peter was crucified under the reign of Nero on an inverted cross. In this sense, the inverted cross symbolizes humility in faith, as Peter would not be crucified in the same way as the Savior Jesus Christ. However, these details of Peter's death were not explicitly recorded in the Bible. In John 21:18, Jesus predicted the desperate nature of Peter's eventual death: “Truly, I say to you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus' expression “stretch out your hands” probably implied St. Peter's death by crucifixion. As traditional interpretation has affirmed since Tertullian's book on the prescription of heretics (200 A.D.).

In popular culture, as in music and film, the inverted cross can signify anti-Christian and Satanist sentiments in particular, or rebellion against social and political power in general. In Hollywood films such as Rosemary's Baby and The Conjuring, inverted crosses are associated with demonic activity and general wickedness to viscerally scare the audience away. The symbolic nature of the upside-down cross is best determined by its context!

18) St. Andrew's Cross jewelry

This type of cross is associated with Saint André because of its shape. The cross has four arms of equal length. It is tilted to one side, creating an X shape instead of the traditional vertical cross. It is thought that Saint André was crucified on this form of cross. Anyone in favor of Saint André will appreciate the significance of this cross.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the cross shapes available. The shapes, sizes and styles of crosses on jewelry vary enormously and are limited only by the creativity of the jewelry artist. The crosses described above appear to be the most common cross designs in various types of jewelry for women and men.

19) Religious Jewelry: Manufacturing

When we browse a website or a department store jewelry counter, we see cross jewelry in all shapes and forms. They come in different colors and designs. Some religious jewelry is made of stainless steel, others of silver or diamond, and also of gold.

A. Cross & Religious Jewelry in Stainless Steel

Chlorine-resistant and easy to match with any outfit, try a piece of religious jewelry in 316L stainless steel. Resistant to daily wear and tear, it's also very comfortable to wear and can sometimes be perceived as silver or gold jewelry. Treat yourself to a cross, religious Jesus ring or other religious symbol in stainless steel that lasts the test of time by preserving its silver or gold color from our two collections:

B. Bijoux Croix & Bijoux Religieux in Solid Silver

For greater resistance, be led by this type of high-quality jewelry. In rhodium-plated silver or pure solid silver, this jewelry offers you the same accessorizing possibilities as stainless steel, but for longer wear. It's the perfect option for those who prefer something more solid and to enhance the value of the sacred symbol worn around the finger, wrist, neck or even in a pair of earrings.

C. Cross & Religious Diamond Jewelry

Many materials can be used: Stone, metal, resin, leather, steel... The list is as long as man's imagination. So it's not surprising that it includes religious diamond jewelry decorations! Diamonds can be large or small, numerous or few, and can include other gems such as a zirconium diamond centered at the junction of the transverse arms. It's said that the greatest jewel in the world is its own nobility, but even so, men and women love other sparkling things. For jewelry, the cross is a good background for a group of diamonds or gem substitutes like glass crystals that don't cost so much.

D. Cross & Religious Wood Jewelry

The wooden cross is a beautiful, understated version of the cross worn on necklaces. Its simplicity underpins its spiritual significance in the belief that Jesus was crucified on a wooden cross. The wooden Christian cross pendant is used as a sacred religious symbol throughout the world.

20) Conclusion: should religious jewelry be worn?

There is much debate about whether or not it is appropriate or even sinful to wear religious jewelry such as crosses or crucifixes. It's not for any of us to judge whether wearing religious jewelry is appropriate or not. Every Christian must seek God's approval in everything he or she does.

By now, you know that all Christian crosses have great value in the religion of Christianity. They all pay homage to Christ's Passion and Redemption, but each has its own origin and meaning.