Meaning of Cross Designs in Jewelry 

Many people wear crosses of different styles because they like the meaning of each design. Do you know what your cross means?

THE LATIN CROSS

“The cross is the center of the world’s history; the incarnation of Christ and the crucifixion of our Lord are the pivot round which all the events of the ages revolve. The testimony of Christ was the spirit of prophecy, and the growing power of Jesus is the spirit of history.”—Alexander MacLaren

The most instantly recognized cross symbol since Calvary is the basic Latin cross, also sometimes known as the “Knight Cross.” Its upright base is noticeably longer than the other three arms, which are of equal length. The symbolic cross represents Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and brings the wearer peace and comfort. It is not unusual to see a Christian hold the cross in their hand during times of stress.

The most easily identifiable symbol of Christian faith, you can find this cross in many sizes and finishes in our collection of Gold Crosses from Apples of Gold Jewelry®. Our bestselling Men’s 14k Gold Polished Cross Pendant (shown) is a solid gold cross, beautifully crafted from 14k gold. It is always welcome by any Believer in Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind!

THE MALTESE CROSS

“Come, and see the victories of the cross. Christ’s wounds are thy healings, His agonies thy repose, His conflicts thy conquests, His groans thy songs, His pains thine ease, His shame thy glory, His death thy life, His sufferings thy salvation.”—Matthew Henry

Perhaps best known as the cross of the Crusader Knights, the Maltese cross has a rich heritage in history and politics. First appearing in the Middle Ages, its association with the Knights Hospitallers or the Knights of St. John started as linking to the Knights tasked with caring for pilgrims in the Holy Land. However, it became the cross of warriors when the hospitallers were charged with helping the Knights Templar in battle.

The Maltese cross features four v-shaped quadrilaterals, meeting at a single point in the center. The outer edge exhibits eight points and the overall shape looks like four arrows meeting in the middle, a fitting symbol for both warriors against evil and against ill health. The Maltese Cross symbolizes their vows to live in faith and truth, to be humble and merciful and to fight for justice even if it meant enduring persecution for their faith.

Our beautiful 14k Gold Holy Warrior Maltese cross Pendant is a beautifully polished, solid gold cross that is especially relevant to first responders (many wear it as part of their commitment to help those in dire need. You can find this one and more in our collection of White Gold Cross Pendants.

THE PASSION CROSS

“Only in the Cross of Christ will we receive power when we are powerless. We will find strength when we are weak. We will experience hope when our situation is hopeless. Only in the Cross is there peace for our troubled hearts.”—Michael Youssef

The Passion Cross is highly symbolic of Jesus’ death, representing His Passion. He was betrayed, mocked, scourged, and suffered the agony of death on a cross. When this cross has three pointed ends, they represent the nails that held His hands and feet the the torture stake; when there are four pointed ends, the fourth, longest end represents the spear that pierced His side.

Our version, our Sword of the Spirit Cross Pendant Necklace, also represents the Word of God, spoken of in Hebrews 4:12. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

This is the perfect cross to give to a seminary graduate, a high school graduate, or anyone who is a student of the written, infallible Word of the Lord. Find this one in our collection of Christian Pendants.

Watch this space for more cross types and meanings!

Category: Christian Jewelry, Cross Jewelry