Is it possible to wear a cross with stones?

The pectoral cross is a sign of love for God and faith in him for every Christian who always carries the accessory with him. This decoration is considered protection against evil forces and troubles in life. The cross is put on after baptism in infancy and is worn constantly. There are many superstitions and nuances associated with this accessory. Let’s figure out which pectoral cross a believer should wear and how to choose it.

What are Orthodox crosses?

• Six-pointed. A traditional type of Russian Orthodox cross, the most revered among ancient amulets. It always has a lower crossbar, but does not use the upper one. The lower bar, which is inclined, is considered to mean the spiritual balance of the believer, who balances between conscience and the temptation of sins, or the path from the Fall to spirituality.
• Eight-pointed. A more common type of decoration now. In it, the crucifix has three crossbars: the top, the middle and the inclined bottom. On the top there are always the letters I.N.HI (in Russian I.N.Ts.I. – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). It was this cross that was established as the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in the 8th century. Then he was depicted on the capes of knights and monastic robes.
• Four-pointed. They originated in the 3rd century in Rome and are still popular today. The element is the intersection of two crossbars, with the horizontal one placed at two-thirds of the height of the vertical one. This shape attracts jewelers more than others – they create four-pointed pieces from different materials. Some are sure that the Orthodox cross cannot have this shape, but the canons of Orthodoxy do not place such prohibitions.

The body crucifix is ​​a canonical form of jewelry that has many variations.

• The petal cross is similar to an inflorescence with rays branching towards the edges. This ancient form originated in Byzantium and is considered traditionally Orthodox. It was this symbol that was installed at the baptism of Rus’. Petal decoration in ancient times was considered feminine because of its rounded shape, but now it can be called universal.
• The teardrop shape is a little less common, but is also considered acceptable. The drops on the four sides symbolize the blood shed by Christ.
• The trefoil cross has thickenings in the shape of a trefoil. Jewelers create body jewelry of this type quite rarely.

If the cross was purchased in a church shop, then there is no need to consecrate it: it has already been sprinkled with holy water. But if you bought jewelry in a jewelry store, then you should bring it to church and, for example, before the service, ask the clergyman to perform the ceremony.

What is the difference between a Catholic cross and an Orthodox one?

A person who has little understanding of church paraphernalia is unlikely to be able to visually determine where the Catholic cross is and where the Orthodox one is. But if you delve a little deeper into the topic, you will find many features that differ markedly in these beliefs.

36 190 p. 72 380 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

31 390 p. 62 780 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

16 190 p. 23 129 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

8 490 p. 11 320 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

8 990 p. 24 690 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

1. Less naturalism. For Catholics, God is depicted as close to reality as possible, while for Orthodox Christians it is the opposite. In Catholicism, the face of Christ always clearly shows the suffering that he had to endure during the crucifixion. This is done so that people do not forget about the torment that Jesus went through to save human souls. In Orthodox crucifixes there is no emphasis on torture, and the image of the savior is depicted as spiritual, happy from the transition to another world.
2. Overhead inscription. In Orthodoxy it is written in the Church Slavonic language “I.N.H.I.” (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews), and among Catholics – in Latin “INRI” (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews).
3. Image of Christ. On the Catholic crucifix, Jesus is already dead and standing bleeding. In Orthodoxy, on the contrary, the Savior is depicted as resurrected – this places emphasis on rising above death.
4. Back side. In Orthodox crosses, in addition to the phrase at the top, on the back side of the amulet there are the words: “Save and preserve,” but in Catholic jewelry there is no inscription.
5. The number of nails with which Jesus was crucified. Orthodox sources indicate that there were four nails at the crucifixion, which is why Jesus’ feet are located next to each other. Catholics believe that there were three nails, so on the crucifix the limbs are drawn lying one on top of the other.
6. Crown of thorns. According to the scriptures, an accessory made from a plant with thorns was placed on the head of Christ by Roman soldiers before his crucifixion. This is a classic element of the Catholic crucifix; it is rarely found in Orthodoxy.

Another important difference is that the Orthodox associate the pectoral cross with a talisman that is always with them. Therefore, if a believer puts it on as an adult and in accordance with his desires and beliefs, he no longer takes it off. Catholics do not wear crosses every day; this is not customary among them.

Who buys a child a cross for christening?

The sacrament of baptism is the initial stage when the soul becomes recognized in the church. The best time to carry it out is considered to be the fortieth day after birth. But it is permissible to do this later, when the baby is a little older.

The task of acquiring a pectoral cross lies with the godparents, who are considered the child’s spiritual teachers. It is advisable that the godfather purchase the christening cross for the boy, and the mother for the girl.

But there are no fixed recommendations for purchasing a cross in the Orthodox Church: any person belonging to the same faith is allowed to bring a cross to the church. This could be grandparents, parents, close family friends. It is important that the cross be consecrated before baptism.

Each family also decides for itself which cross to buy for baptism. It is only important to remember safety: a cross for a baby should be small and light, as flat and smooth as possible, without sharp edges.

890 p. 1 369 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

3 690 p. 5 677 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

1 290 p. 1 985 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

Varieties of ancient crosses

In Byzantium, Christians began using crosses in 300. Since those times, the appearance of pectoral crosses has hardly changed. Let’s look at the most common ancient types of jewelry that are still found today:

• Double-sided, where the face of the Savior Not Made by Hands is visible (an icon from Novgorod of the 12th century), but images of other saints are often placed. This image is associated with the sacrifice that Jesus made to help people. On the back side there is a figure of the Mother of God holding in her hands a cover for the protection of all humanity.
• Petal – four-pointed symbol. The sides of the cross symbolize the rays of the Light of Life, and in the center you can see the image of Jesus or a circle with a cross. This element is recognized as one of the most frequently encountered amulets of Christians in past years.
• Pre-Mongol, known since the beginning of the 9th century. On the front, small lead crosses depict the Mother of God and Saints. Many ancient crosses of this type were decorated with Scandinavian and Byzantine traditional patterns.
• Wedge-shaped, which appeared everywhere around the 12th-13th centuries. The amulet is made in the form of intersections of elements, increasing on the sides. At the upper ends of the symbol there are lily buds. In some cases, instead of flowers, they drew a circle with dots standing on the tops of a triangle – this is how the Holy Trinity is depicted.
• Drop-shaped four-pointed, consisting of a crosshair, at the ends of which there are small drop-shaped figures. They are associated with the blood of Christ, which was sprinkled on the tree during the crucifixion.
• Lunnitsa with a cross, most revered among the Slavs among women. The amulet is made in the shape of the moon, on which there is a four-pointed cross. There are a lot of types of lunars: two-horned, three-horned and even round, where the Sun is drawn instead of the Moon. Often the accessory was supplemented with metal balls and 28 divisions for the number of lunar days. The lunnica was made by the oldest women in the family and passed on to newborn girls. Our ancestors believed that under the auspices of the symbol they would be healthy, attractive, build happy families and raise strong children. The talisman was worn around the neck as a pendant, woven into the hair, and attached to the waist.

Around the 10th century, the tradition of decorating crosses appeared. For this purpose, enamel was used, which gave the decoration volume and relief. It differed in color depending on the region of the masters.

27 490 p. 39 271 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

16 190 p. 23 129 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

18 890 p. 23 613 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

20 690 p. 27 587 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

1 590 p. 2 446 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

How to choose a pectoral Orthodox cross

It is often difficult for parents (blood or godparents) to decide on the choice of symbol for baptism. This same task is also sometimes faced by adults who decide to be baptized at a conscious age.

In the case of children, one rule applies: a baptismal cross should be pleasant to the body and safe for the baby. For adults, the choice is based on their own ideas and wishes.

Here are some recommendations for choosing:

1. A Christian cross for adults can be made of any material, but for children it is better to take silver ones. This metal is affordable, hypoallergenic and has disinfecting properties.
2. When buying a cross for a deeply religious adult, it is better to give preference to the canonical eight-pointed one. Usually Orthodox believers prefer a cross with a crucifix, but this is not regulated anywhere, so it all depends on the person himself.
3. The cross can be decorated with precious stones – this is not prohibited. But for children, it is better to avoid any decor on jewelry. The cross should not have protruding parts; only an engraved crucifix is ​​acceptable. The cross should have rounded tips so that the baby’s soft skin is not scratched. Since baptism is carried out early, it is advisable to select a small accessory (up to 2 cm) and hang it not on a chain, but on a cord. There is no need to wear it during the first 12 months: it is enough to place the symbol of faith near the cradle of the newborn.
4. To make it easier to navigate when buying a cross, you should take into account the gender and age of the person who will wear the amulet. Answering the question of what an Orthodox cross should be like for a woman, many are inclined towards models of fine jewelry work, with elegant details. Large crosses with a minimalist design are more suitable for men.

Despite the large number of recommendations for choosing, it is worth remembering that the Orthodox cross is a detail that is important to wear with trepidation and reverence. The rest is secondary.

Types of materials

The Orthodox Church does not have specific requirements for the material of the cross. It can be either carved from wood or stone, or made from an expensive jewelry alloy. The spiritual essence of such an accessory is not at all affected by the material from which it is made.

What types of crosses are there:

• Budget. Made from simple inexpensive materials. For example, aluminum, stone, copper, brass and others. They are less wear-resistant compared to types made of precious metals. For those whose skin reacts to inexpensive metals with allergic reactions, it is better to buy models made of stone. The cheapest crosses made of plastic, which are also often found, are not at all wear-resistant and quickly lose their appearance. Therefore, when choosing a product from the budget segment, it is advisable to choose a slightly more expensive model.
• Made from expensive metals. It is silver, gold or platinum. They usually do not cause skin irritation, are resistant to wear and tear and retain their original appearance longer. A similar pectoral cross is sometimes decorated with carved or soldered parts, as well as inlaid with precious or semi-precious stones. Models from this category, made of silver, belong to the budget segment, but their quality will be excellent.

13 590 p. 16 988 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

44 590 p. 46 937 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

16 090 p. 21 453 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

8 190 p. 10 920 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

7 790 p. 9 738 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

31 690 p. 39 613 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

9 190 p. 18 380 p.
Add to cart Buy in 1 click
Select size
Add to Cart

It is worth remembering that the church classifies pride and love of money as mortal sins. Therefore, even if you buy an expensive platinum accessory with diamonds, you should wear it closer to the body, where no one can see it.

What does a skull on a cross mean?

Adam’s head is an image of a skull and crossbones, which is located not only on crosses, but also on icons and frescoes. It symbolizes the bones of the first man Adam, who, according to legend, was buried on Golgotha.

The skull symbolically depicts the frailty of life, fallen humanity, struck spiritually and physically by sin, and then by death.

What does the inscription NIKA mean?

Translated from Greek, “Nike” means “victory.” This word refers to the ancient Greek goddess who patronized warriors. But on crosses this word is used in a slightly different meaning.

According to legend, Emperor Constantine, after one of his victories, ordered the installation of three crosses with the golden letters “IC.XC.NIKA” in Constantinople. Jesus Christ rose again, that is, he surpassed death itself. In honor of this, such an inscription began to be used everywhere. Therefore, “Nike” on the cross reminds us of the Savior’s ascension over suffering, sin and death.

What do Muslims, Jews, Protestants wear?

The Muslim faith is based on the fact that every person is protected by Allah, so the use of amulets is meaningless and even prohibited. Permission to use ta’awiz (texts written on paper or other surfaces) is possible to obtain, but it is considered quite difficult.

In the Jewish faith there are fourteen symbols that are acceptable as amulets. More common than others:

• The two Tablets that God gave to Moshe Rabbeinu on Mount Sinai. Such a talisman symbolizes the special mission of the Jewish people. A similar symbol is often found on synagogues, healthcare institutions, and also as part of various ornaments decorating clothing, shoes and furniture.
• Star of David. A popular symbol in the form of a six-pointed star, including two equilateral triangles superimposed on each other. Jewish sources say that for King David this star became a personal talisman. In ancient times, Jewish monks used this sign as a seal, they used it to decorate the pages of medieval scriptures, and since the 19th century, the star was added to the flag of Israel.

• The word “Hai”. A popular symbol among Jews that signifies “life” and the number 18 is considered sacred by believers. It is customary to wear a decoration with this word on the neck, like a cross among Orthodox Christians. Jews believe that such an amulet can protect against everything bad.

Protestants do not recognize any signs and symbols of faith, so they do not wear crosses. They are also not used in worship, and are not taken as an object of worship. Representatives of this religious movement explain this by saying that true faith does not require material symbols.

Diamonds are timeless. Especially high quality ones. Especially if these are diamonds from Zbird. We talk about one of the top jewelry with your favorite stones and show that stars around the world also adore them – crosses with clear diamonds.

Diamond cross as an ideal jewelry purchase

Reason # 1 The motive is as simple as it is ingenious. There is no clear link to religion, as is the case with crucifixes. Neutrality is maintained, which can be very important, while the style remains a strong line.

Reason # 2 Crosses with transparent stones can be combined with as many jewelry as possible! You can mix them with a whole waterfall of other pendants and chains, or you can walk solo in splendid isolation. The result will still be beautiful. Here she is – jewelry versatility. And with a biker jacket, and with a cardigan, and under a cocktail dress. Reason # 3
This is one of the best ideas for decorating as a family treasure. A cross with diamonds will not only be kept, but also worn with pride.

Reason # 4 Despite the simplicity of the idea, the diamond cross has dozens of variations. Classic – transparent diamonds in white gold or platinum. But you can also put together a collection of the following combinations:

• clear stones + yellow gold;
• clear stones + rose gold;
• clear stones + red gold;
• a mix of colored and transparent stones + any color of gold (red, yellow, white) or platinum.

You can play with the cut of the stones, their location, the size and design of the cross itself, make it wider, narrower, longer or shorter.

Reason # 5
It’s just beautiful. Enough, right? And Zbird will take care of the quality.

We show as proof of beauty photos of celebrities wearing diamond crosses. These beautiful women can do no wrong!

How to wear a diamond cross beautifully: photos of stars

Chiara Ferragni – blogger, model, designer originally from Italy. The girl loves to wear jewelry crosses with transparent stones, made of white and yellow gold.

Insta Chiara Ferragni

Chiarra wears crosses very often and combines them with different clothes and favorite jewelry. Here is a wide diamond cross paired with large hoop earrings.

Insta Chiara Ferragni

A diamond cross pendant on a chain goes perfectly with a necklace in one look.

Insta Chiara Ferragni

Here is proof that white gold crosses with diamonds can also be combined with more massive neck jewelry.

Insta Chiara Ferragni

The girl combines a wide golden cross with diamonds with warm-colored chains and pendants.

Insta Chiara Ferragni

How many accessories does the girl have? Contrary to the usual rule of three jewelry, the girl is wearing much more. Wherein! How beautifully everything comes together. And earrings, and tennis bracelets, and bracelets in the form of headbands! Moreover, the metals are also selected with contrast. So maybe it’s time to break the old rules?

Insta Chiara Ferragni

Selena Gomez – American singer, idol of millions. She chooses crosses with clear crystals both for performances and for every day.

Teenvogue

Everyday look couldn’t be simpler. The delicate and graceful cross does not stand out from such a daring and unpretentious bow.

Look, the same decoration is on the neck. Context: singer’s birthday, bachelorette party, pink dresses.

Instagram Selena Gomez

Rihanna, a singer and probably more of a businesswoman lately, has been choosing massive crosses.

Hailey Bieber, an Instagram star and model, shows how a superbly graceful diamond cross fits into a trendy autumn-spring look with a warm cardigan.

Another similar look with a light chunky knit sweater, black sunglasses and large gold earrings.

Kim Kardashian’s iconic image on Met Gala in 2015. Do you recognize the combination of two crosses on chains of different lengths? Then all the bloggers in the world repeated this. The fact is indisputable: Kim (with the help of stylists) is a trendsetter.

Bright look with a very massive necklace at the award ceremony Emmy in 2019. And the cross still fits perfectly here!

Fresh May 2022 outfit. Two more massive crosses, but different in shape.

Kourtney Kardashian, Kim’s sister, did not limit herself to two crosses. There is a whole waterfall of elegant pendants on chains of different lengths.

From the Kardashians to Royal family and Kate Middleton in royal blue. Shine!

Stylebistro

Same combination of decorations: precious earrings with sapphires and diamond cross. By the way, the photo is from 2011.

But let’s rewind the footage to 2001 for the award People’s Choice Awards. Yes, this photo of Jennifer Aniston is over 20 years old. But there are no complaints about the image! Still relevant today.

As you can see, cross pendant with diamonds relevant at all times. It emphasizes the elegance of classic looks, fits perfectly into fashion trends and remains the favorite jewelry accessory of girls with completely different appearances and styles.

That CHOOSE A CROSS WITH DIAMONDS, click on the link and go to the catalog. You can also contact the Zbird manager in any convenient way and tell about your precious wishes.

Author: Garashchenko Anna