In earlier times, jewelry was used to visually demonstrate status, religion or material well-being; now we live in a time when symbolic things, including religious ones, are not always directly associated with their original meaning.
From sacred objects, crosses have also turned into decorative elements, to which everyone can give their own meaning in their wardrobe.
Such crosses differ from church body crosses in that there is no crucifix on them. Decorative models are more free in rules: they are given to family and friends for birthdays. But it is appropriate to present an Orthodox or Catholic cross exclusively to loved ones for christenings, Christmas, name days or one of the church holidays.
In modern fashion history, the brands Christian Lacroix and Dolce&Gabbana were the first to work with crosses. For example, starting in the late 80s, Christian Lacroix used crosses in clothing decoration. In 2008, crosses, only in the form of richly decorated pendants, appeared in one of the latest Christian Lacroix haute-couture collections.
The Dolce&Gabbana show in 2013 at Milan Fashion Week was perhaps the most striking demonstration of large decorative crosses. This can be considered a kind of manifesto of the fact that after rethinking the religious symbol of the cross, many began to perceive it as a fashion accessory.
The style of presenting crosses as decorative ornaments was adopted by other designers. Currently, we are seeing trends in different styles. While leading designer brands in their interpretations of decorative crosses clearly and clearly strive for maximalism and extreme festivity, young jewelry designers have the opposite approach.
Decorative crosses have acquired a completely new meaning, various jewelry brands regularly release their interpretations of the cross in a variety of styles: Tiffany&Co, Damiani, Cartier, Theo Fennell, Dionea Orcini and others.
When choosing a decorative cross made of silver or gold, you need to focus on your own taste and the recommendations of gurus from the fashion world. As a rule, such jewelry is complemented with various precious stones, crystals, and decorative inserts made of glass or ceramics. They come in both very small and large sizes. There are also a great variety of color options for decorative crosses. For example, a simple gold cross can be worn both in a business environment and in everyday life. But large cross pendants are best left for the holiday.
How to wear a decorative cross?
Crosses without a crucifix or religious symbols are made in a free design, which depends only on the boldness of the imagination of the jeweler and artist. And the rules on how and where to wear such accessories are not so strict. Rings, earrings, and entire necklaces made from several crosses are in fashion. Designers decorate the clasps on bags, shoes and embroider clothes with the sign. Sometimes creators, like D&G or Versace, come close to the theme of religion, drawing symbolism and secret meanings from there. This is not a sin or blasphemy, as some believers claim.
Religion is one of the themes of fashion. Deep and interesting. For many, fashion itself is a religion and faith. But serious symbolism should not be confused with attempts by designers to simply create and touch society with provocative themes.
When buying a cross, decide which one you need: a sign of faith or an accessory for creating original images? And in our store catalog there are options that will please everyone. The choice is yours.
Tips on how to wear fashionable crosses:
- with other pendants on one chain or several chains, each of which has a pendant;
- on the ear in the form of a pendant earring;
- like a ring with a pendant on it or in the form of a cross;
- combining different colors of metals, creating contrast;
- on chain bracelets in the form of pendants.
Chain weave and width
First of all, you should know one unshakable rule: the weight of the cross should be half the weight of the chain. This applies to both gold, silver and platinum, as well as alloys. When weaving chains, it is best to choose the strongest ones - this could be anchor weaving, bismarck, or shell.
If you choose an openwork chain for a cross, then there may be two drawbacks to it. The first is that the cross should slide along the chain, and in this case it will cling to the protrusions. Secondly, you can easily find a cross where it should not be in principle, for example, on the neck.
Age also plays an important role when choosing a chain for a cross. Older women rarely open their décolleté, unless, of course, they have had lifts. When choosing the length and width of the chain, you must again rely on your wardrobe.
In addition, build should also be taken into account. A thick chain on a thin neck can feel like an anchor chain, so be sure to consider its width and weave when choosing.
How to wear a pectoral cross with a crucifix?
The answer lies in the question itself - on the body. That’s why in Rus' the shrine was called a vest. It is not advisable to wear it over clothes or combine it with a deep neckline - in both the first and second cases, it is worth knowing that the cross is not worn for demonstration. The cross is a protection that is not made public. You need to wear a product with a crucifix consciously: it has its own special function. And this is definitely not a demonstration of the beauty of the cross itself or your appearance. Moreover, it is stupid to use a cross made of precious metal as a way to show your wealth.
Strict canons and variety of forms
According to the number of rays, the cross can be four-pointed, six-pointed, seven or eight-pointed.
- The four-pointed symbol of faith appeared in the 3rd century; it is still considered acceptable for the Orthodox. In the Greek type, the crosshairs are of equal length; in the Latin type, the vertical post is longer than the transverse one.
- Six-pointed cross - “Russian Orthodox”. It has a bottom bar, but no top bar. This symbol is not very popular now.
- The seven-pointed crucifix is a rare phenomenon for modern Orthodoxy. You can see it in the photos of preserved ancient temples.
- Eight-pointed is the most common type of decoration. The crucifix has three crossbars: a small upper one, a middle one, and an oblique lower one. According to spiritual sources, when Christ carried the cross, it was four-pointed; before the crucifixion, the foot appeared, and only after - the head.
Thus, almost all types of crosses can be considered reliable and acceptable for the Orthodox tradition.
In historical literature there are other forms: T-shaped, anchor, with a crown of thorns in the middle, but they are not used for the production of Orthodox crosses, but serve only as a source of inspiration for jewelers.
A body crucifix is a traditional, iconic form of jewelry, but you can choose a beautiful accessory with an image and a decorative interpretation of the rays.
- The petal cross looks like an inflorescence with rays expanding towards the edges. This ancient form dates back to Byzantium and is considered traditionally Orthodox. This is exactly the symbol that was installed during the baptism of Rus'. Petal decoration was previously considered feminine due to its rounded natural outlines.
- The teardrop shape is also common. The droplets on the half-arcs at the 4 ends symbolize drops of blood.
- The trefoil cross is characterized by trefoil-shaped thickenings at the ends. This is what an altar cross might look like; trefoil body decorations are rare.
Is it possible to wear a religious attribute with other jewelry?
If you have already bought a cross with the image of Christ or the inscription “Save and Preserve”, and follow church laws, then it is absurd to hang a pendant in the form of the letter of your name or Zodiac sign next to the face of a saint. Firstly, the church and astrology are different poles. Secondly, from a stylistic point of view it looks absolutely rude and inappropriate. A cross with a crucifix is exclusively a sign of belonging to the faith. At the same time, it is acceptable to wear them with other pendants if they do not carry a special meaning, are not made in the form of funny inscriptions or are decorated with bright paintings or funny designs.
There is nothing wrong with combining a pectoral cross with a laconic diamond stone on a miniature chain. Incense should also be worn with a cross on different chains or laces.
Superstitions are the main mistake
Ignorant people associate many superstitions with crosses. You cannot give it as a gift (you are giving a difficult fate), you cannot pick up a found cross (you take on someone else’s cross), you cannot wear the cross of a deceased person (you yourself will die). If the cross has darkened, this is a sign of illness: a lost cross means impending trouble, and a broken one generally turns into a “tragedy.” Priest Andrei Efanov believes that this is magical thinking, which is unacceptable for a Christian.
The fate of a thing cannot in any way influence a person’s life, which is in the hands of God. If the cross is broken, you should take it to be repaired, and if it cannot be repaired, then to the church and buy another cross there.
You can and should give a cross; A cross consecrated at a special shrine can be given to a loved one. Godparents can and should give a cross to a child godson.
The found cross should be raised so that the crucifix is not trampled underfoot. If you like the find and like it, you can consecrate it and wear it, and if the cross is old and broken, you can give it to the temple. It is worth doing the same with crosses that remain from the dead: they can be worn as a memory, they can be stored on a shelf with icons, or they can be taken to church.
Chain or lace: what to wear with a cross?
In the context of faith, this has no meaning. It all depends on financial capabilities, taste and comfort. The only thing you should not do: hang a symbol of faith on a massive chain in complex weaving. It looks unaesthetic and like an attempt to demonstrate your well-being. Luxury and Christian values, if you really follow them, should not be combined. And for very young children under three years old, it is better to buy a cord made of leather or silk for every day: the child will be much more comfortable than wearing a chain.
Chains depending on metal
A pectoral cross may not necessarily be gold. It is made of silver, platinum, metal, stone or wood. If the cross is not metal, then it is best to choose a ribbon or rubber rope with a strong lock. Such crosses are not worn on a chain.
If the cross is gold or silver, then the easiest way is to choose a chain. But what if you only wear gold, and your cross is silver or cast from a metal alloy? But this is the same cross with which you were baptized in church, and you do not plan to part with it.
- If you wear silver and the cross is gold, then you can buy a white gold chain. Then there will be no color dissonance in your image.
- If the cross is silver and you wear gold, then choose a gold chain. The cross will not be visible, as it should be hidden under clothing.
A simple church cross most often has a regular metallic color. You can buy a chain made of white gold or silver for it. The color in any case depends on your decorations and preferences.
Pectoral crosses in our catalog
Our store's assortment includes decorative and Christian/Catholic models of crosses with silver and gold plated for women, men and children. You can purchase crosses with various inserts: cubic zirconia, semi-precious and precious stones.
Crystals
Pectoral cross with crystals
29.00 rub.
Pectoral Orthodox cross Save and Preserve golden
28.00 rub.
Jewelry glass PreciosaJewelry glassGlass
Do not wear over clothing
The pectoral cross should be worn under clothing. Only priests have the right to wear crosses over their clothes, and even then only in the Russian Orthodox Church. Among the Greeks, even priests wear a cross under their clothes. You cannot boast about an expensive cross, showing it to everyone - this is a sign of pride and boastfulness.
The cross is worn secretly so that the pagans cannot desecrate the shrine. A priest from the village of Aleksino near Moscow, Archpriest Igor Fomin, believes that faith must be demonstrated through deeds and actions. He says that passers-by twice tried to spit on his crucifix - once in Moscow, and the second time in Jerusalem.
Is it possible to pick up a found cross?
There are various superstitions on this issue. Many are afraid to touch a found cross, so as not to take on the grief and troubles of the person who lost it or left it. The Church assures that the cross carries with it pure energy that comes from the Lord himself and cannot pose a danger.
Having found a cross on the road, a person should at least take it to the temple. Thus, a Christian will not leave a holy object on the street. You can take it with you and put it in the red corner where the shrines are located in your home, so the cross will be beneficial.
