Religious Cross Jewelry

Wearing religious cross jewelry can be an excellent way to express one's faith with an outward symbol, to remind one's self of personal beliefs, and to remain faithful to one's creeds and spiritual commitments. While many people may think of gold religious jewelry, for example, as gaudy or tacky, there are actually many beautiful and meaningful pieces to suit any person's taste and style. Lots of these items can be found in traditional jewelry stores or online, especially on websites dedicated entirely to religious ornaments. These ornaments make excellent gifts for family and friends, particularly at special times like confirmation and baptism; they can communicate wishes of peace and blessing, give hope in difficult times, and help to guide one along the spiritual journey.

Perhaps the most popular item in this category is religious cross jewelry, a symbol worn by Christians all over the world, as well as non-Christians who appreciate its beauty and style. The cross is probably the most important symbol in the Christian faith, as it represents Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on a cross as God's communication of his love for the world. The cross also symbolizes the Christian's commitment to following the way of Jesus: "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me" (Mark 10:21). Wearing the sign of the cross is a way to keep one's mind on the things that really matter and to remember that the way of the Christian life is sacrificial love. Sometimes, wearing a tangible, physical symbol of one's religion, like a cross or a star, can make the invisible, spiritual aspects of faith feel a little more sure and accessible; symbols are powerful, even when they are dangling from a fashionable anklet or earring.

Religious cross jewelry can be found in many different styles and varieties, including crucifixes, Byzantine, Celtic, and plain crosses. Crucifixes are unique because they show the dying body of Jesus stretched out on the instrument of his death, while most crosses only serve as symbols rather than actual depictions. Byzantine, Roman, and Celtic crosses have unique and lovely designs and are very popular items. Many persons prefer to wear plain jewelry with little ornamentation, and there are plenty of options out there for them; men might especially appreciate a pewter cross on a rope necklace. Crosses are made from many different materials including gold, silver, wood, crystal, and porcelain and can feature beautiful etchings, religious sayings such as prayers and creeds, and be accented with gemstones.

Crosses are popular features for earrings, a gift that women and girls are sure to appreciate. They also make lovely charm bracelets, brooches, prayer rings, and rosaries. Religious cross jewelry has expanded tremendously in its options, offering trendy beaded crosses, sophisticated and elegant rose gold and gemstone crosses, even crosses with pearls. Less ornamented crosses often include ancient Christian symbols such as the Chi- Ro or the Monogram of Christ (XP) with the Alpha and Omega letters. Sometimes crosses are also paired with doves (a symbol of the Holy Spirit), the crown of thorns, crucifixion nails, or the ancient fish symbol, Ichthus, which early Christians used to recognize one another during times of persecution.

Other examples of gold religious jewelry are confirmation, first communion, and baptism medals, Bible or Holy Spirit pendants, and symbols of saints and angels. Shoppers might find a Lord's Prayer ring, a sacred heart pendant, or a bracelet with an Ichthus symbol. Persons interested in the lives of the saints might enjoy items with pictures or symbols of patron saints such as St. Christopher or St. Patrick; these especially make good necklace pendants. Different saints can remind wearers of important spiritual characteristics like courage or unconditional love or tenacious commitment. One very beautiful item is a hand-painted porcelain medal depicting the face of Jesus, Mary, or other religious figures.

Christian symbols, however, are not the only ones included in gold religious jewelry options. Other popular items include the Jewish Star of David, the Mezuzah, and the Menorah. The Star of David is the most well known Jewish symbol, recognized by Jews and Christians alike. The Mezuzah, often featured as a necklace pendant, is an important aspect of Jewish culture resulting from God's command to the Jewish people to write his commands on the doorposts of their homes; in jewelry it is a symbol of the Torah. The Menorah, of course, is a feature of the religious season of Hanukkah, but also a well-known symbol of Judaism.

Gold religious jewelry continues to be popular, as it has been for thousands of years. Perhaps it remains a standard feature of ornamentation because it allows ordinary people to add a sense of the sacred to their daily lives--even their daily outfits. Just as clothes reveal the unique personality and values of a person, so does jewelry, especially when it holds spiritual significance. Religious jewelry, in all its various shapes and forms, remains a significant outward sign of an inward life, reminding its wearer of spiritual realities that can sometimes be forgotten in the hectic, busy dash through life so typical of contemporary persons. Religious cross jewelry can be a powerful reminder of love and sacrifice; key words like love, peace, hope, and faith inscribed on jewelry can help the wearer through a difficult time; and religious mementos like confirmation rings can be a wonderful way to remember special landmarks in one's life.