In the past, people used jewelry to demonstrate their status, faith, or material well-being. We now live in an era where symbolic elements, including religious symbols, are not always directly associated with their original meaning. Once sacred, these objects have now become decorative elements, and everyone can give them their own meaning. A striking example of this transformation is jewelry with crosses. Such pieces still carry the significance of the most important symbol of Christianity but at the same time, they can be interpreted in different ways without any offensive context.
Men's Cruz de Quesada Necklace by Santa Muerte
A cross as a symbol of faith
A cross is given to a person during the rite of baptism. According to church laws, it must be worn constantly without being removed. At the same time, a cross is a rather intimate element, which should not be displayed. Therefore, it is suggested that people wear it under their clothes.
Speaking of this, it is preferable to wear a cross pendant with modest clothing. After all, if a person is baptized, then they must spiritually attain that status. This, in particular, suggests that such a person's clothing should be discreet and not provocative. That said, the combination of such jewelry and outfits should not contradict each other.
Men's Santa Necklace by Santa Muerte
The ideal Size of a cross is small. After all, in the religious world, it is not an ornament; it is a symbol of faith and spirituality. Therefore, it should be neither large nor clearly visible under clothing. Only priests are allowed to wear crosses over their clothes.
The cross necklaces can be made from any metal and even wood. A cross is normally placed on a chain or a special thread. The face of the cross is the one that represents Jesus Christ.
Cruz de Soto cross necklace - Santa Muerte Paris
The cross as jewelry
Fashion dictates its own rules and today, it is quite common to wear a cross or a rosary even if a person is an atheist. In this case, a cross has no sacramental meaning and is rather an ordinary piece of jewelry. These crosses differ from church ones in that they do not have a crucifix. These crosses can be decorated with multicolored gemstones or be made of metal alone. The cross necklaces are also popular accessories in informal subcultures such as rockers, bikers, goths, etc.
Unlike crucifixes, these ornaments are generally worn on a bare body. Men wear pendants with unbuttoned shirts or place them on a bare chest. Women usually place such decorative crosses in the deep neckline area. In this case, there are no restrictions regarding clothing.
Thus, a cross, over the past few decades, has acquired a completely new meaning. It has become a recognizable symbol that fits harmoniously into a variety of styles. Whether you are a fan of dark gothic, lush royal style, or looking for an elegant ornament suitable for everyday use, you can easily choose a fashionable and stylish cross pendant to complete your look.