

Written by Benoît Santos - Updated on Feb 4, 2025
Christian Cross jewelry has been around since the Christianization of the Roman Empire under Constantine. And to this day, these religious jewels are present in every jewelry store in the world. Moreover, more than 50% of Catholic Christians own a cross-shaped necklace.
In reality, you have a choice between different Christian Cross jewelry: necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, rings, etc. But do you know exactly what it means to wear one? It is to give you the answer to this question that we have prepared this article.
In this article, you will therefore find:
-
The History of the Crucifix and Wearing as Sacred Jewelry
-
The History of the Cross Necklace
-
Cross Jewelry for Men and Women
Let's start the article now.
1) Religious Jewelry: History of the “Crucifix”
A. Apparition of the Glorious Cross: Religious Church
After the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, Lutherans generally retained the ornamental and ceremonial use of the cross. Reformed churches, however, resisted this use until the 20th century. When ornamental crosses began to appear on church buildings and on communion tables. The Church of England retained the ceremonial signature with the cross in the rite of baptism. Since the mid-19th century, Anglican churches have seen a revival of the use of the cross. The crucifix, however, is almost entirely confined to private devotional use. A Christian devotion in memory of the Incarnation.
With the advent of Christianity, new importance was given to the crucifix. It was seen not only as a symbol of Christ, but also as his sacrifice for humanity. Over time, it became a symbolic piece of jewelry often worn by people who had faith in the church.
B. Crucifixion Representation
For several centuries after Constantine, Christian devotion to the cross focused on Christ's victory over the powers of evil and death. The first crucifixes (crosses containing a representation of Christ) depicted the living Jesus nailed to the cross. With open eyes and outstretched arms, and in each crucifix the divinity was manifested.
By the 4th century, however, artists had begun to emphasize the realistic aspects of Christ's suffering and death . Subsequently, Western depictions of the Crucifixion, whether painted or sculpted, showed increasing subtlety in suggesting pain and agony. Roman crucifixes often show a royal crown on Christ's head. In the 20th century, Roman Catholicism placed a new emphasis on crucifixes in the liturgical setting. Christ on the cross is crowned , invested as king and priest, and the marks of his suffering are much less visible.
C. Cross Jewelry: History & Symbolism
The cross, the main symbol of the Christian religion, recalls the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redemptive benefits of his passion and death. The cross is therefore a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. In ceremonial use, making the sign of the cross can be, depending on the context, an act of profession of faith, a prayer, a dedication or a blessing. Many people keep their crosses at home and wear them only on the day of Mass in the house of the Lord. We can see these people wearing a Latin Christian cross or crucifix around their neck.
D. Meaning of Religious Rings
Although when it comes to talking about cross jewelry, we think without thinking about Christian cross necklaces. Indeed, due to their trend and their place in the Christian world, it is the cross necklace that is one of the religious jewelry most worn by Christians. But if we look a little more at all the forms of religious jewelry that exist, it is the religious rings that could probably be one of the most common ways to express one's passion in Christ.
E. Wearing Religious Bracelets
If we have told you about religious rings, we must also tell you about religious bracelets. Cross bracelets were shared in the world long after Christian necklaces became widespread. They were, like religious rings, another way to express one's will to the Lord.
Today, you will find several models of religious bracelets , all of which were made in homage to the Son of God. 🙏
Following the religious bracelet, it is the anchor bracelet which takes a very important place, not for religion, but for its popularity and its beauty reminding us of the Christian symbol of the Camargue cross .
2) History of the Cross Necklace
A. The First Christians
The history of the cross necklace begins with the Lord Jesus Christ carrying the cross up the hill to Mount Calvary. The cross is sometimes called "the cross of Calvary". The man wearing the cross with a chain or leather necklace bows to the cross of Calvary in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. The early Christians in Ephesus began to use the cross as a symbol of their belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the Messiah. As such, it was also a symbol of liberation and freedom. It can be considered as the flag of a newly independent country. When the Lord Jesus declared that His kingdom was coming, believers were freed from condemnation and fear.
Wearing symbols on necklaces was already common at the time in history when Jesus Christ came to be crucified and resurrected three days later from the dead. As the cross became a symbol of faith , it was normal for the cross to also be worn as a necklace. However, early Christians, especially in Roman cities like Athens or Jerusalem, risked martyrdom by doing so. Wearing the cross at this time defied both pagan Roman tradition and Jewish religious authority. It was a powerful act of defiance, an expression of their faith, and a figurative way of showing that they were also carrying their own cross in following the Lord Jesus.
B. The Benefits of Cross Necklaces
Crosses have spiritual power associated with the power, strength, authority, and proven power of the Lord Jesus’ loving, protective, healing, and saving abilities. There are countless testimonies of the cross saving lives and thwarting evil . Cross shapes were used as symbols, religious and otherwise, long before the Christian era. But it is not always clear whether they were simply marks of identification or possession or whether they were significant to belief and worship.
God looks at a person's heart and knows why they wear a cross. We must realize that what we wear will have an influence in our lives. The positive effects of a cross come from the fact that we have found the meaning that a Christian cross can have in our lives. We know where the first cross was born and we know that by wearing it we pay homage to the sacrifice of Jesus . Sharing the cross of Christ is and always will be of great importance to the Lord.
C. Wearing a Cross Necklace
Over time, wearing a cross as a necklace has become more and more common. In free countries, wearing a cross is widely accepted as an expression of faith in the form of freedom of speech and choice of personal style. Christian and Catholic churches frequently give new believers cross necklaces at the time of their baptism, which some wear for the rest of their lives as symbols of their dedication to the faith. Today, we are blessed with a wide selection of cross necklaces in online stores. You will be one of the first to enjoy fast and free shipping by ordering your religious necklace online. 😇
D. Which Cross Necklace to Choose?
In addition to a simple Latin cross, you will find a wide selection of designs in which crucifix crosses and Christian crosses are represented in several ways. From simplistic crosses to crucifixes, through to oversized crosses that can become the focal point of your ensemble. It is possible to find crosses with very varied designs . Such as the Maltese cross, the Celtic cross, the Jerusalem cross, the Camargue cross or the Lorraine cross and many others.
The cross you choose will not only depend on its size and weight, but also on its history and what importance it will have in your life. If choosing a cross is difficult for you, we invite you to read our article about the Meaning of Cross Necklaces . After this quick read, you will know which Christian cross is right for you!
E. Why Wear a Silver Cross Necklace?
Made from 55% to 91.7% sterling silver, our jewelry is not only beautiful, but it is also of quality. Add to that designs that will suit the tastes of those who wear it.
You will find silver Christian cross necklaces that would go perfectly with formal or religious attire for a priest or nun. As well as pieces that could easily be worn to work or added to your holy day outfit or other festivities. It would also be the perfect gift for someone wishing to increase their faith in the Lord . 🕊️
3) Men's & Women's Cross Jewelry
A. Women's Cross Jewelry
WHY DO WOMEN WEAR RELIGIOUS JEWELRY?
For a foreigner, wearing the cross must seem inappropriate. But for those who have experienced its transformative power, it has become the remedy for many women and the world . 😷 It seems that given the number of Catholics being 2.2 billion, more than half would wear one. Women would be those who wear the cross the most whether it is through a religious ring, a bracelet, a necklace or even earrings. The question remains: why do women wear a Christian cross?
Seeing celebrities like Kim Kardashian wearing a Christian cross and keeping it in her makeup storage , the answer is more than obvious! Wearing a simple cross or crucifix for a woman comes in the search for faith in her life . This is to support her faith towards religion and glorifying the cross where Jesus Christ sacrificed himself. The added beauty on some Christian crosses is also a more dynamic way to share your passion with your loved ones . There are plenty of other jewelry made of diamonds, gold or silver with symbols larger or more impressive than a simple Latin cross.
B. Men's Cross Jewelry
WHY DO MEN WEAR RELIGIOUS JEWELRY?
The first men to carry the cross were the first Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ. They carried it as a divine symbol of the spiritual power of God. In addition to being the sacred sign of Jesus' sacrifice, the cross was also a good way to spread the faith of the disciples to future converts who would follow the word of God. Carrying the cross was also a way to fully assume one's religion wherever they went. They were not ashamed of their faith towards religion and they could even be persecuted for carrying the symbol of the cross.
In our modern times, men wearing a cross has become a form of worship . Many men are inspired by specific beliefs or sects. While others are simply personal manifestations of belief. Today, we find more and more men wearing the cross of Jesus to match their outfits. On the other hand, if it were only for style, why take a cross as a decorative accessory? In fact, even if we look closely, many men wear a cross without being practicing. This certainly means that a search for faith has manifested itself in their lives. By wearing a Christian cross, they will feel a source of protective energy coming from God that will bring them luck.
C. Is it a Sin to Wear Cross Jewelry?
The question of whether Christians should wear religious jewelry is often debated. While scripture makes no direct statement about whether religious jewelry is good or bad , there are some biblical principles that can apply to this question. From a practical standpoint, we can also ask ourselves: Does wearing this particular piece of religious jewelry help me serve God and share my faith? Am I glorifying Christ’s sacrifice? Will this cross bring me inner happiness? If so, then it’s probably a good thing for you to wear one. As long as wearing a cross isn’t for ill-intentioned ideas, you can wear the cross of Christ . 😌
Jesus Christ died for all the sins of the world so that we could have eternal life. God changes men and women through the message of the cross of Christ . God designed the cross to defeat Satan the deceiver, and Satan’s power was broken on the cross. “For this purpose the Son of God appeared, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8, ESV). Through the cross, God not only defeated Satan, but He also drew near to man . This is glorious news!
4) Choose your Christian Cross Jewelry 🙏
As you have seen through this article, wearing a Christian cross jewelry is a way to express your belief and your belonging to Christianity. It also means that you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. The Cross is the ultimate symbolism of the Passion of Christ , the immense sacrifice that God made to give us access to eternal life.
Do you wear a necklace? Do you know someone who does? Do you want to know the story behind this piece of jewelry? Then we have a great blog that will answer all your questions. Click here to find out.
You can choose the Christian Cross Jewel that suits you best by taking into account your preferences: necklace, pendant, bracelet, earrings and ring.
1 comment
To write a comment
Pierre
Jun 27, 2020Cette boutique offre un bon contenu et des articles qualitatifs. Lorsque je leur ai envoyé un mail, ils m’ont répondu rapidement. Vous pouvez voir leur page d’avis client avant de faire un achat. Pierre
https://croix-chretiennes.com/pages/avis-croix-chretiennes