The Matt Redman song “Blessed Be Your Name” beautifully describes the sort of faith that remains and that is able to praise God in both good times and bad:

Blessed Be Your Name/In the land that is plentiful/Where Your streams of abundance flow/Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name/When I’m found in the desert place/Though I walk through the wilderness/Blessed Be Your name

Faith takes different forms as we walk through life’s joys and challenges, becoming deep and multifaceted as we learn to trust God fully in all circumstances and to give Him glory in every situation. Gemstone crosses in a variety of colorful designs are the perfect way to celebrate the many shades of your faith, and the many ways that your Creator has shown Himself to be trustworthy in your life.

The deeply-colored gemstones in the Sapphire Flower Cross Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold can serve as a reminder that even when life seems the darkest, God will never leave you or forsake you. A single diamond glitters from the center of this striking cross, accented by 12 sapphires that provide richly-hued contrast. Six of these dark blue gems are round stones that surround the center diamond like the petals of a flower, while the remaining six are baguette shaped and form the arms of this statement of faith. A setting and bale of shining 14K yellow gold makes these gemstones stand out and gives this pendant a sense of timeless class.

If you’re looking for a gemstone cross with distinctively feminine flair, don’t miss the sparkling Princess-Cut Pink Sapphire Cross Necklace in 14K White Gold! This perfectly pretty pendant is hard to miss as a total of 12 princess-cut pink sapphires, weighing in at over three-quarter carats in all, fill a gleaming white gold cross with eye-catching color. These unique, vibrant gems are accented by tiny diamonds that glimmer from the end of each arm of this budded-style cross, for a look that’s sparkling and sophisticated. At 1 1/8” high including the gleaming 14 white gold bale, this piece is big enough to be noticed, but small enough to retain its feminine charm.

Gemstone cross pendants with red stones are reminders of Christ’s matchless love that was demonstrated by His ultimate sacrifice, and the Diamond and Ruby Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold is a gorgeous example. A 2mm-high heart-shaped ruby draws eyes from the center of this cross, while 15 round diamonds accent the arms, held by shining 14K white gold.

Women’s cross pendants that feature colored gemstones are the perfect way to declare the many shades of your faith. One glance at one of these pieces can remind you that you can place your faith fully in your Creator in all situations.

The author of Hebrews wrote about the confidence that we have as a result of Christ’s death and resurrection:

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Because of the cross, we can be confident, not only when we approach God, but also when we share our faith. Cross pendants that use the contrast between two metals to draw attention to their message are a lovely way to declare and celebrate this confidence.

For example, the 14K Two-Tone Gold Quilted Cross Pendant beautifully demonstrates the way that two differently-colored metals can call attention to a message of faith. The main body of this lovely 1 3/16″-high pendant is crafted from 14K yellow gold and given a unique quilted texture, as well as a polished finish that instantly draws the eye. In contrast, caps of 14K white gold cover the ends of each arm of this cross as it hangs from a shining white gold bale.

The Two Hearts Cross Pendant in 14K Rose and Yellow Gold places two interlocking 14K rose gold hearts atop a polished cross of 14K yellow gold, creating a gentle contrast that subtly draws the eye. In addition to symbolizing the love of Christ, demonstrated on a cross, these intertwining hearts also represent the bond between two people who are joined by their faith. At just over 1 3/16″ high, this piece makes its message known in a manner that’s unashamed, but that doesn’t shout.

Apples of Gold’s selection of Gold crucifixes contains a number of pendants that use two colors of gold to emphasize their message, and the Modern Crucifix Pendant in 14K Two-Tone Gold is a lovely contemporary example. This minimalistic crucifix places a stylized figure of Christ, crafted from 14K white gold, upon a single 14K yellow beam to create a pendant that calls to mind the suffering of Christ on our behalf and its relevancy today. This 1 1/4″ tall piece hangs simply and meaningfully from a shining 14K yellow gold bale.

The message of the cross is strong no matter what and two-tone cross pendants emphasize this strength in eye-catching fashion. Try one to celebrate the confidence you have through Christ.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

White gold cross necklaces for women are lovely ways to honor any woman in your life who models a praiseworthy life of faith! And, they come in a wide range of styles, allowing you to find one that suits any woman whose faith you admire, as find one that matches your sense of style. Or, choose a matching pair of pendants, one for you and one for a friend, to celebrate the bond you share as sisters in Christ.

Women’s cross pendants that feature floral designs are excellent symbols of the life that we’ve been given as a result of Christ’s sacrifice, and their elegant motifs give them unmistakably feminine style. The Flower Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold is a lovely example. This 7/8”-high piece is meticulously engraved with a delicate floral pattern, placing a single open blossom in the center of the cross and filling in the rest with elegant paisley-like swirls. A thin border of shining 14K white gold frames this design as it dangles from a gleaming white gold bale.

If you’d prefer a cross pendant with a more contemporary feel, or are shopping for a lady who would, don’t miss the Diamond Solitaire Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold! This modern minimalistic look communicates an anything-but-minimal message. This chic piece creates a stylized cross, just over ¾” high, from two freeform arcs of gleaming 14K white gold that curve toward the single glittering diamond at the center of this symbol of faith. While this piece has an up-to-the-minute look, the message it conveys is timeless. An 18” white gold box chain is included, making this pendant ready to wear or to give.

Gold crosses that combine hearts with crosses provide vivid reminders of the love that Christ demonstrated on the cross, and pieces such as the Diamond Heart Swirl Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold are perfect ways to remind yourself of God’s matchless love for you. This graceful pendant places an asymmetrical looping heart in the center of a gleaming 14K white gold cross, and accents half of this heart with an arc of sparkling diamonds. This glittering, gleaming piece is a symbol of precious nature of God’s ultimate gift of love.

White gold crosses for women are the perfect way to honor any lady whose faith you admire! Try one to celebrate the inner beauty that never fades.

If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,

which has become the cornerstone.’

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

A cornerstone the first stone that’s laid, and it serves to align an entire building. If it isn’t straight, the entire building will fall. Jesus as the metaphorical cornerstone provides the critical foundation for faith. His ultimate act of love on the cross aligns our faith, and cross pendants for men can provide powerful reminders to build upon Him.

Apples of Gold’s plain Men’s 14K White Gold Cross Pendant isn’t fancy, but its simple, flawless styling allows it to communicate a message of faith with clarity and power. Clean lines and sleek, shining surfaces form this unfussy 1 ¼”-high cross, making it truly timeless and always in good taste. Unlike many similarly-styled pendants, this piece isn’t hollow or gold plated: it’s crafted from solid 14K white gold and suited to pass on to future generations. It’s no surprise that this is Apples of Gold’s bestselling men’s cross pendant. While this white gold version is a winner, you can also purchase the same style in in 14k yellow gold, 18k white gold or platinum.

Titanium crosses communicate the strength of the message of the cross like few other pieces can. They’re crafted from a metal that’s incredibly strong and resistance to tarnish and scratching; their durability makes them fitting symbols of the resilience of your faith. For instance, the Men’s Titanium Cross Pendant crafts a cross from this performance metal with crisp, modern beveled edges and a distinctly masculine look.

If you’re looking for a cross that provides a bold touch of contrast that allows both style and message to stand out, don’t miss the 14K Gold Onyx Cross Pendant. This sleek design accents a cleanly-crafted polished 14K yellow gold cross with four onyx insets, one on each arm. At over an inch high and 2.5mm thick, this is a substantial piece, both in its ability to communicate and in its strong design.

Each of these men’s cross pendants communicates a faith that’s strong and that calls to mind the one on whom it’s built. Try one to remind you of the chief cornerstone.

Care For African Kids provides care and support for orphans and disadvantaged children and youth in Uganda. Their orphanage provides a safe, stable home for over 225 children, as well as food, medical care and education. (To learn more about Care For African Kids, check out our earlier blog on them, or visit their website at www.careforafricankids.org.)

Not sure what sort of cross you’re looking for? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Apples of Gold’s Plain Men’s 14K White Gold Cross Pendant  is a strong, simple testament to the power of this timeless symbol. Unlike many similarly-styled crosses, this pendant is crafted from solid 14K white gold, making it a piece of fine jewelry with substance—both literally and metaphorically. This gleaming style makes it clear to all who see that your faith plays a central role in your life. With its unfussy yet striking look, this cross is a straightforward, timeless declaration.