Religion and spirituality is an important part of life for many people. Practicing faith might look like going to church, reading religious texts, or praying before bed. Showing devotion to your faith can even be done by wearing jewelry.

One of the most abundant religious symbols to hang around the neck is likely the cross. While the universal representation of Christianity is symbolic of Christ’s death and resurrection, it is capable of standing for so much more.

The cross can mean different things to different people, and this is why it is so frequently used in necklaces and bracelets. Wearing a cross pendant is a perfect way to keep your faith close without having to sacrifice your own personal flair. 

But before you hang one around your neck, it’s important to understand the meaning behind this all-encompassing religious symbol.

History and Meaning of the Cross

Christianity remains the largest religious group in the world, with over 2.3 billion members in 2015. Because of its widespread nature, the upright post with a transverse bar is a universally recognized symbol of the Christian faith.

Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross, sacrificing his own life so that humans could be relieved of their own sins. This makes the cross symbolic of life and death in its most simple form.

But considering that Christ’s death was a conscious decision, the cross has come to mean so much more than just its literal interpretation. It is often viewed as a symbol of love and acceptance since Christ came forth and gave love to everyone even if they had sinned in his eyes.

Diamond Cross Pendant

The cross can also represent finality, allowing one to accept their mistakes as final and unchangeable. This type of closure can be necessary for growth moving forward, so wearing it around your neck can be a constant reminder that the past is in the past.

But the most important thing to remember about the cross, or any religious symbol, is that its meaning is highly personal. The cross can mean one thing to you that it may not mean for someone else. Regardless, attributing your own worth to the image is extremely important.

And since the cross is universal, you don’t need to be religious just to wear one. However, it is necessary to ensure that you assign your own individualized interpretation to it before you decide to hang it around your neck.

Benefits of Wearing a Cross Pendant

No matter how you decide to practice your devotion to religion or spirituality, you can find solace that you are doing your part to remain close to your beliefs. But sometimes, life can get in the way, and going to church or reading through the Bible just isn’t as accessible as we’d like it to be.

Wearing a cross in pendant form is a perfect way to constantly be close to God without having to set aside time in a busy schedule. Since the cross is literally always touching your heart, you can find solace that you’ll always be in communication with divinity.

Pendants also allow the people around you to respect your beliefs and affiliation before even meeting you. It makes a first impression that could make for a great conversation starter or even lead to a thoughtful discourse about opposing belief systems.

Last but not least, the cross is a simple design that can look extremely fresh and classy when paired with the right chains and accessories. It’s an amazing way to keep yourself tied to God while simultaneously upping your style game to the next level.

How To Wear a Cross Pendant

Before you buy a pendant, there are a few things that you should ask yourself to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your look.

What Color Pendant Do I Want?

Picking the right color for your pendant is more important than you might think, because this color will directly interact with its chain. Modern cross pendants are typically studded with diamonds. They’re eye-catching and fresh, combining a pristine icy appearance with a functional emblem of Christianity.

Something like a 2 Side Diamond Cross Pendant is a large piece with a clean, translucent appearance. Especially in white gold, this type of pendant would look great against a dark-colored shirt.

2 Side Diamond Cross Pendant

If you’re looking for a more classic look, you might want a cross pendant that is just made with gold. These are typically on the smaller side and are a lot more subdued, so it’s important to wear an outfit that won’t entirely overshadow the centerpiece.

What Size Pendant Works Best?

There is no one size fits all pendant because your look is entirely individualized based on your preferences. However, if you want to make a bold statement and get people talking, bigger is always better.

Bigger pendants can be studded with much more ice than smaller ones, which allows them to reflect the light in a way that’s unmatched. This Baguette Cross Pendant is a good example, as its large gemstones are sure to turn heads no matter where you go.

Baguette Cross Pendant

Of course, smaller pendants are just as great. Just remember to make sure that your outfit works with the piece so that it does not get drowned out by your shirt.

The size of your pendant also determines the size of the subsequent chain from which it will hang. Large medallions need a thicker chain of about 12mm or above to keep the entire piece looking balanced. It also helps to make sure that the pendant itself does not overshadow your studded chain.

Conversely, make sure that smaller pendants hang from thinner chains so that the piece retains symmetry.

What Should Be Worn With a Cross Pendant?

As with any chain, you shouldn’t stop at just that. Your fingers, ears, and wrists also need some fresh sets in the exact same way.

If your cross pendant is diamond-studded or plated with white gold, it might be a good idea to keep with that type of color scheme throughout. A Clustered Tennis Bracelet in White Gold would be a perfect accompaniment to a diamond pendant of any kind.

Clustered Tennis Bracelet White Gold

You could even use similarly shaped pieces as earrings for an all-around uniform look that exudes confidence and prestige. Try pairing Ankh Key Earrings with your cross pendant for a look that feels complete.

Other Religious Pendants

Islam is actually set to become the most practiced religion in the world within the century. Because of that, it is only natural that there are other religious pendants that have just the same amount of sentimentality as the cross.

Something like this Baguette Crescent Allah Pendant is a great way to show your devotion to the Islamic faith through the use of a truly stunning piece of jewelry. With variations in both 18k and white gold, you can be proud of your background while simultaneously investing in your look.

Baguette Crescent Allah Pendant

Judaism is another prominent religion that hasn’t been forgotten in the world of jewelry. While the Hamsa hand originated in Jewish texts, it has become a universal symbol of protection and hope. Because of that, a Baguette Hamsa Hand Pendant could be worn by anyone. And with its vast surface area, unique shape, and the 3D layer that shines from every angle, why wouldn’t you want to grab one right away?

If you aren’t able to find the exact symbol that fully represents who you are and what you believe, you could even customize your own. Put your favorite symbol into a locket, on a picture pendant, or even spell out a phrase with text. The possibilities are endless, and customization allows you to take full control.

In Conclusion

The cross is a universal symbol of love, faith, finality, and acceptance. But because of its wide breadth, it can come to have its own personal meaning for everyone.

Wearing a cross pendant is a great way to remain devoted to faith at all times of the day. And with so many different options, these pendants can work with whatever type of outfit you want to put on at the beginning of the day.

Keep a pendant’s color and size in mind when you look for a matching chain and be sure to wear rings, bracelets, and earrings to coincide with the pendant itself.

And since there are so many other religious medallions available, there is no limit to the accessibility of faith-based jewelry.

 

Sources:

World's Muslim Population Will Surpass Christians This Century, Pew Says | NPR

How the Meaning of the Crucifixion of Jesus Has Changed | Time

World’s largest religion by population is still Christianity | Pew Research