What to Look for When Buying Gold Crosses

The purchase of a gold cross necklace is not just about acquiring a beautiful piece of jewelry; it’s an expression of faith and personal devotion. Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, choosing the right cross involves considering a variety of factors, including style, material, craftsmanship, and symbolism. With so many options available—14K gold cross pendants, 18K gold crosses, platinum cross pendants, and more—it can be overwhelming to decide. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed choice when purchasing a gold cross necklace. We will cover different designs, materials, and practical tips to ensure that you choose a cross that reflects your faith and personal style.

14K Gold Cross Pendants: The Classic Choice

14K gold cross pendants are perhaps the most popular choice for gold cross necklaces due to their perfect balance of purity and durability. 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold, mixed with other alloys to strengthen the metal, making it an ideal option for everyday wear.

• Why Choose 14K Gold?
• Durability: 14K gold is strong and resistant to scratching, making it ideal for necklaces that will be worn regularly.
• Affordability: Compared to higher-purity gold like 18K gold crosses, 14K gold is more affordable without sacrificing quality.
• Aesthetic: The rich, warm color of 14K gold makes it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

When shopping for a gold crosses, be sure to check for the hallmark stamp that guarantees its purity. It's also important to research the jeweler's credentials and reputation. For instance, Apples of Gold Jewelry boasts a 4.9/5 star rating from verified shoppers and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, ensuring you’re purchasing from a trustworthy retailer.

18K Gold Crosses: A Touch of Luxury

18K gold crosses contain 75% pure gold, making them richer in color and slightly more luxurious than 14K gold. While slightly softer and more prone to scratches, 18K gold is often preferred for its higher gold content and deeper hue. This option is perfect for special occasions or if you want a cross that reflects a heightened sense of opulence. 

While some stay away from 18k gold because it is softer, Apples of Gold Jewelry crosses are thick and substantial and this has not been an issue with our customers, when purchasing our more substantial, thicker, quality gold crosses.

• Pros of 18K Gold Crosses:
• Higher purity and richer color.
• Seen as more luxurious and prestigious.
• Excellent for formal occasions or as a cherished heirloom.

However, the softness of 18K gold makes it more suitable for crosses that won’t be exposed to harsh daily wear. When purchasing, make sure you understand how to care for it to maintain its luster.

22K Gold Crosses: The Ultimate in Purity

22K gold crosses are made from 91.6% pure gold, offering a stunning, almost orange-gold hue that is rich and deep in color. This level of purity makes 22K gold highly prized, but it is softer and more delicate than 14K or 18K gold. Again, with Apples of Gold Jewelry, since our crosses are heirloom quality, more substantial quality pieces, you do not have to worry about the softness of the metals. You may see some very minor surface scratches depending on your level of wear and care, but this can easily be polished again to look brand new at any time. When jewelers or other online steer you away from higher purity metals, this is often because they are referring to thinner, less substantial, lighter-weight jewelry pieces.

• Why Choose 22K Gold Crosses?
• Rich color and high gold content.
• Ideal for those seeking a more traditional and rare form of gold.
• Symbolizes the value of faith with the highest level of purity.

Be sure to handle these pieces with care and store them in a secure place when not in use.

Platinum Cross Pendants: Strength and Grace

For those who prefer something different from gold, 950 grade pure solid platinum cross pendants offer an alternative that is both durable and refined. Platinum is known for its strength and resistance to tarnishing, making it a highly sought-after metal for jewelry. While more expensive than gold, platinum crosses are ideal for those who want a piece that will stand the test of time and also have hypoallergenic properties for a white metal.

• Benefits of Platinum Cross Pendants:
• Durability: Platinum is highly resistant to wear and tarnish.
• Rare and luxurious: Platinum is more rare than gold, adding an element of exclusivity.
• Hypoallergenic: Ideal for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

Platinum crosses make a strong statement, combining strength and grace. Their neutral color makes them versatile and appropriate for both men and women.

Sterling Silver Cross Pendants: Affordable and Elegant

For those seeking an affordable yet elegant option, silver cross pendants are a popular choice. Sterling silver offers a sleek and polished look, making it a timeless option for those who appreciate simplicity.

• Why Choose Sterling Silver?
• Affordability: Silver is significantly less expensive than gold or platinum, making it a great option for those on a budget.
• Versatility: The neutral tone of silver works well with any outfit or style.
• Variety of designs: Sterling silver crosses come in a wide range of styles, from simple and plain to intricate or ornate designs, and even with diamonds or gemstones

One thing to keep in mind is that silver can tarnish over time, so proper care is necessary to maintain its shine. For those who want to avoid tarnishing but want a white precious metal, opt for the more expensive white gold or platinum crosses.

Gold Crosses for Men: Bold and Masculine

Gold crosses for men are often designed to be bolder and more substantial in size, offering a masculine statement of faith. These crosses typically feature thicker designs, plain or embellished, and are crafted from various metals including 14K gold, 18K gold, 22k gold and platinum.

• Styles of Gold Crosses for Men:
• Thick Gold Crosses: Bold and durable, these are perfect for men who want a strong, noticeable piece.
• Celtic Crosses: For those who appreciate cultural and historical significance, Celtic crosses blend historic tradition with faith.
• Simple, Plain Gold Crosses: For men who prefer understated elegance, plain gold cross pendants exudes quiet strength.

When choosing a cross for men, consider the chain as well. Heavier crosses may require thicker chains for support.

Gold Crosses for Women: Delicate and Elegant

Gold crosses for women are often more delicate, featuring finer details and smaller designs. Women’s gold crosses may be adorned with diamonds or gemstones to add a touch of elegance, making them ideal for both religious expression and stylish fashion.

• Popular Styles for Women:
• Small, Dainty Crosses: These crosses are perfect for everyday wear and can be layered with other jewelry.
• Diamond-Accented Crosses: For a touch of sparkle, diamond crosses elevate the appearance of an ordinary cross.
• Decorative Designs: For women who prefer something unique, decorative and cultural crosses are available in a variety of styles.

Women’s crosses are typically available in 14K gold, 18K gold, 22k gold and platinum, offering versatility in terms of material and design.

Shopping Tips: What to Look for in a Gold Cross Necklace

When shopping for a gold cross necklace, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’re making the right purchase:

• Material: Whether you choose 14K gold, 18K gold, platinum, or sterling silver, ensure that the material fits your budget and lifestyle.
• Hallmark: Look for a hallmark that guarantees the purity of the gold or platinum. This ensures you are buying a genuine product.
• Design: Choose a design that reflects your personal style and faith. From plain gold crosses to decorative or Celtic designs, the cross should feel meaningful to you.
• Reputation of Jeweler: Buy from reputable sources like Apples of Gold Jewelry, which offers handmade crosses, free shipping in the USA, and a 45-day return policy.
• Pricing and Valuation: Higher-purity gold like 18K and 22K gold crosses will be more expensive than 14K gold crosses. Consider your budget and how often you plan to wear the cross.

Checking Company Credentials

When purchasing a gold cross necklace, it’s crucial to verify the jeweler’s reputation. Look for customer reviews, ratings, and credentials to ensure you’re buying from a trustworthy source. Apples of Gold Jewelry has a 4.9/5 star rating from verified shoppers and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, giving buyers confidence in their purchase.

Additionally, most of their crosses are handmade in the USA, reflecting both quality craftsmanship and faithfulness to Christian principles. Shopping from a reputable jeweler ensures you’re getting an authentic, high-quality piece that will last a lifetime. For American made cross pendants, simply look for the USA Flag on the product page underneath the "add to basket" button.

Finding the Perfect Gold Cross Necklace

A gold cross necklace is a symbol of grace, faith, hope, and devotion to God. Whether you’re looking for a 14K gold cross, a luxurious 18K gold cross, or a timeless platinum cross, there are many factors to consider when making your purchase. By understanding the materials, designs, and reputation of the jeweler, you can find a cross that not only complements your style but also carries the deep significance of your deeply held Christian faith.

At Apples of Gold Jewelry, we offer a wide range of high-quality, handmade gold crosses for men and gold crosses for women, crafted to reflect grace and faith in every detail. With free shipping in the USA and a 45-day return policy, you can shop confidently knowing that your cross will be cherished for generations.

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