Mary Magdalene was among the first to experience the joy of Easter. Here’s how the apostle John described her experience:

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”

Of all Christian jewelry , gleaming cross pendants often portray the joy of the resurrection most clearly. For instance, the Rose of Sharon Cross Pendant in 14K Gold is a beautiful reminder that Jesus is alive and that He gives life to all who trust in Him. A meticulously crafted 14K rose gold rose blossoms from the center of this cross, formed from 14K yellow gold stems and leaves.

Plain cross pendants such as the plain Men’s 14K White Gold Cross Pendant are strong and straightforward symbols of faith that leave no question about what you believe. Apples of Gold carries simple crosses in several metals and styles, allowing you to choose one that you’ll want to wear day after  day, long after the Easter season has past.

Diamond cross pendants such as the Diamond Solitaire Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold create a picture of the preciousness of Christ’s gift of life. Though this gift is worth infinitely more than diamonds, these stones serve as pictures of the treasure of the true meaning of Easter. The Diamond Heart Swirl Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold is another striking example as it combines a timeless symbol of love with the cross to create a beautiful emblem of the motivation behind Christ’s death and resurrection.

He is risen! Cross pendants are lovely ways to celebrate the matchless joy of the resurrection.

The Apostle Paul knew that understanding Christ’s love makes all the difference and he prayed for the members of the church in Ephesus, asking that they would personally understand it:

“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

White gold crosses are timeless emblems of faith, and their lasting beauty makes them jewelry staples for anyone who believes. When these pieces are accented with hearts, they bring a reminder of the ultimate act of love to any outfit, from the most casual to the most formal attire.

The 14K White Gold Diamond Heart Cross Pendant is a versatile and graceful style. This cross presents its message plainly, but doesn’t shout, allowing the beauty of Christ’s gift to take the spotlight. Drawing attention to the nature of this gift is a simply-crafted heart that’s placed in the center of this cross, serving as a symbol of the motivation behind this life-changing act of love. A diamond in the center of this heart adds sparkle and represents that precious nature of Christ’s gift.

The Two Hearts Cross Pendant in 14K Rose and Yellow Gold has a subtle two-tone look that gently draws the eye to the message of love it contains. This pendant utilizes a 1 3/16″-high 14K yellow gold cross with a stylized yet simple look that is always in good taste. In the center of this cross are two intertwining hearts crafted from 14K rose gold, adding a slightly softer touch of warmth and creating gentle contrast. This pendant is a fitting reminder that nothing can separate you from God’s love, and could also serve as a symbol of the connection between two people who are joined in Christ. If you’d prefer a more noticeable two-tone look, try the Intertwined Hearts Cross Pendant in 14K Two-Tone Gold, a similarly-styled piece that places two interlocking 14K yellow gold hearts on top of a cross of shining 14K white gold.

The Cross and Heart Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold is another graceful piece that calls to mind the endless love of God. A shining 14K white gold cross is surrounded by a graceful heart that sweeps around it like the arms of a warm embrace. Eight round diamonds stud this heart, giving it a sparkling look that draws eyes to its design and its message.

Christian pendants that feature crosses and hearts are enduring emblems of the love that’s changed your life. They serve as reminders that this love has made all the difference.

Although the origins of the Celtic cross are uncertain, there are many legends about how it came it be. One popular legend tells how St. Patrick, the priest known for spreading the gospel in Ireland, made the mark of the cross over a circle that the Druids had made on one of their sacred stones, adapting an existing symbol to make the cross more relevant within the culture.

While many believe that the Celtic cross was in existence long before St. Patrick, this story is a testament to the significance that has been given to this emblem since the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. What was once a symbol of a Druid deity (a circle) has been combined with the symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, and has been used to represent faith for centuries.

Apples of Gold’s collection of gold crosses contains a number of striking Celtic crosses and The Celtic Cross Pendant in 14K Gold is a striking example as it fills a strong outline of a Celtic cross with interweaving Celtic knot motifs. These designs have been used by many as symbols of eternity as they have no beginning or end, and when they’re combined with this powerful cross, they serve as a reminder that Christ’s love endures forever.

The 14K White Gold Claddagh Cross Pendant puts a twist on the Celtic cross by using a Claddagh in place of the circle that’s usually seen.  Centered on this simple 1 3/16″-high white gold cross is symbol that’s more often seen in Celtic rings, but it adds a welcome and meaningful touch. The three parts of the Claddagh each hold significance: the heart represents love, the hands represent friendship and the crown represents fidelity.  This is a lovely piece to give to anyone with whom you share faith and friendship.

Although the Celtic cross has Irish origins, when it’s incorporated into pieces such as the US Army Cross Pendant in 14K Gold it can help to convey your support of the troops that serve on behalf of the United States. A round medallion engraved with a U.S. Army insignia is placed atop of a gleaming 14K yellow gold Celtic cross, creating a declaration of your gratitude for our troops and your faith in God to watch over them. Similar styles are available for other branches of the military, allowing you to show your support for anyone serving our country.

Sterling silver cross pendants are versatile and affordable symbols of faith and Apples of Gold carries a range of Celtic crosses in this cool, stylish metal such as the Celtic Cross Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. No matter which metal you choose, Celtic cross pendants are meaningful accents for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and all year long.

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.

Of all symbols, the cross is most deserving of treatment that highlights its strength. The Apostle John wrote about Jesus, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” On the cross, He took on the punishment for the sins of the entire world, giving every person an opportunity to have true life. What could be more powerful than that?

The Diamond Cross Ring in 14K White Gold keeps a bold statement of your faith close at hand.  Six round diamonds form a straightforward cross, a lasting picture of your gratitude to Christ for giving His life on your behalf. The octagon-shaped surface on which this cross rests gives this piece a look that’s reminiscent of a signet ring, demonstrating that you identify with your Savior. A wide band of shining 14K white gold provides both substance and class, while tapering toward the back of the wearer’s finger for comfort.

The message of the cross is more than strong enough to stand on its own, and simple cross pendants allow this message to come through loud and clear. For example, the style of the Men’s 14K Gold Polished Cross Pendant isn’t complicated, but it’s undeniably powerful. This pendant features a solid 14K gold cross, polished to a high shine. At 1¼” tall, it makes a strong statement that declares without screaming.

Adding a reminder of what you believe to a piece of jewelry that you wear every day can provide you with a continual reminder to live accordingly. When that piece is your wedding ring, both the symbol of the cross and the symbolism of eternity contained in every wedding band take on a new shade of meaning. By adorning the circular shape of the wedding band—a picture of the unending, unbroken nature of love—with crosses, you declare that your faith is essential to your relationship with your spouse.

For instance, the Parisian Cross Bible Verse Wedding Band encircles a wide band with carved Parisan crosses, a variety of cross similar to the Greek cross that resembles a plus sign. This is one of several of Apples of Gold’s mens two-tone wedding bands with an extra measure of symbolism. While the majority of this ring is crafted from 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold edges provide eye-catching contrast. However, there’s more to this band than meets to eye. The inside is engraved with a Bible verse of your choice: pick one of the 16 suggested verses or a personal favorite, up to 225 characters, for a piece of jewelry that’s rich with significance. In addition to serving as a wedding band, this ring would also be an excellent choice for your right hand.

No message is more powerful than the message of the cross. Express your faith with strength with mens Christian jewelry from Apples of Gold.