Jewellery is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a powerful tool for non-verbal communication. Since ancient times, people have worn jewellery to express wealth, status, commitment, beliefs, and interests. Its meaning holds significance for every wearer, reflecting culture, identity, and personal values.
As human beings, we naturally form connections over shared interests and beliefs. By wearing symbolic jewellery, we can recognise and relate to those around us who hold similar values.
If you want to convey a message through your jewellery, knowing how to wear it with thought and care makes all the difference.
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What Does The Cross Symbolise?
The cross symbol has existed for centuries, transcending religion and culture. Archaeologists have even discovered depictions of the cross in early cave art, cementing its presence long before the birth of Christ. Throughout history, crosses have carried profound meaning, particularly for Christian believers.
The symbol is made up of two intersecting lines: one vertical and one horizontal. The horizontal line is often said to represent earthly struggles and human suffering, while the vertical line symbolises the transcendence of these pains, pointing to the spiritual experience.
In Christianity, the cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Since its adoption into Christian imagery, it has become one of the most powerful symbols of hope, sacrifice, and redemption.
In today’s religious practices, crosses appear in countless forms and designs. Each style reflects different theological concepts, Christian denominations, or representations of God and the Holy Spirit.
How the Cross Symbol has Influenced Fashion
Religious iconography began making its way into mainstream fashion in the late 20th century. Designers like Christian Lacroix and Alexander McQueen experimented with crosses and stained-glass patterns in their collections, creating striking runway moments.
In the 1980s, Vivienne Westwood, famed for her rebellious style, introduced the cross into her designs by pairing it with her iconic orb logo. This symbol blended history with modernity, merging Catholicism, monarchy, and counterculture in one emblem.
Crosses in fashion reached new heights of popularity when Madonna wore an ornate silver cross in her 1989 Like a Prayer music video. The bold styling inspired countless trends and firmly established the cross necklace as both a statement of faith and a fashionable accessory.
Fast forward to the present, the various designs of cross necklaces remain an influential part of style. The 2019 Met Gala theme, Heavenly Bodies, was dedicated to exploring religion in fashion, with the cross appearing in countless couture looks.
Today, subtlety is key. With modest dressing gaining popularity, cross necklaces and cross motifs are enjoying a resurgence. Luxury brands like Chrome Hearts create clothing adorned with crosses, while social media influencers and celebrities are frequently spotted styling dainty cross necklaces in everyday outfits.
What Does a Cross Necklace Signify?
Why do people buy cross necklaces? The answer is fairly simple. They want to express their beliefs through jewellery. The cross and crucifix symbol hold great meaning for Christians. By wearing cross motif jewellery, they not only display their religious values, but they also have a way of keeping their faith close to their heart, both physically and spiritually.
If you are a Christian and want to know why you should wear cross necklaces more often, here are some great reasons:
- Good Conversation Starter – Jewellery of any kind sparks conversation and interest. If you are wearing a cross necklace, there is a great chance someone you are conversing with will ask you about it. This way, you spark an interesting conversation and share your beliefs with other people.
- Faith Proclamation – As the cross is the main symbol of Christianity, wearing it as a necklace pendant, you publicly proclaim your faith. When people spot the necklace you wear, they will immediately assume you are a fellow believer.
- Staying Grounded – When people are in distress, they tend to turn to religion. Touching a cross necklace can help you feel grounded during stressful moments in your life. Putting on your cross in the morning is a meaningful act of centring God in your thoughts.
- Stay Elegant – Cross necklaces are elegant and timeless. They pair well with every outfit and help bring your look together. Your pendant fits every style and works well in any setting.
How to Pick the Right Necklace
Crosses hold deep historical and religious significance, so choosing a necklace isn’t just about fashion—it’s about meaning. To select the right piece, consider the following factors:
Here are some things you should consider when buying cross necklaces:
Type of Cross
The cross is a versatile symbol. For that, cross necklaces come in many different forms and styles.
You should consider which denomination of Christianity your beliefs align with. Every Christian denomination has its representative cross. All of them significantly vary in style from one to another.
Besides the Christian cross, many historical crosses can be found as pendants, but aren’t a symbol of Jesus Christ, such as the Maltese cross, Celtic cross, and the Ankh cross. Ensure you can differentiate between them.
Type of Material
Like every other form of jewellery, you can find cross pendants made of various materials.
- Gold is the most popular choice. It’s timeless and comes in the typical yellow gold or in a modern white colour.
- Silver is a versatile option that pairs well with any outfit and is perfect for any occasion.
- Rose gold is a fairly new and popular choice. It’s made from a mixture of pure gold, silver, and copper, giving it a reddish tone.
- Wood, although not the most aesthetically pleasing, is a popular choice among Christian men. When carved right and with great skill, it produces intricate designs.
Type of Chain
Lastly, carefully choose the chain so that it suits both the pendant and your personal style as well.
Your choice of chain heavily influences the final look of your necklace. Most cross necklace chains are about 50cm long, but can vary because of height and personal preference.
Choose a chain that complements the cross, but doesn’t take attention away from it. It’s preferred if the cross and chain are made of the same material, if possible. Go for bolder chains for loud cross designs and daintier chains for smaller crosses.
Conclusion
Crosses are deeply embedded in Christian history and are a symbol of a widely shared belief. They are an identifiable mark that serves as a symbol of devotion to God and the church. Cross necklaces are a great display of faith, so do your research before buying one, and be knowledgeable of the significance they hold.
