As we all know, the cross is the most representative symbol of Christianity, and we tend to wear cross jewelry to judge whether a person is a Christian or not. In addition to daily wear, it is also an important religious ritual to give cross jewelry to each other during some special religious festivals.
The cross is often seen by believers as an indication of their commitment to the Christian faith. In addition, some Christians believe that wearing cross jewelry protects them from evil. Crosses have been widely used as amulets since the fifth century, and the novel Dracula views them as a defensive weapon against vampires.
In fact, this belief seems ironic to other onlookers, as the image of the cross itself is derived from a form of torture suffered by Jesus.
In traditional Orthodox countries, the wearing of a cross is mandatory for baptism, and in many conservative Christian countries in Europe it is also required. On the contrary, in some atheistic countries, cross jewelry is even forbidden to wear.
Of course, there are many people who simply use cross jewelry as a daily fashion accessory. While the cross necklace is a symbol of Christianity, it is also common in secular styles, and it has little to no significance to many wearers beyond culture or fashion.
And the cross necklace is highly commendable, both in terms of religious and fashion history. As we all know, Christianity has always been in a very noble and sacred position in ancient Europe, and as a result, cross necklaces have gone through a period of extremely sophisticated and luxurious development.
In ancient Europe, as with other jewelry, cross necklaces have always been an important accessory for dress decoration, especially in some important religious activities, of course, at that time, many activities in people's lives are centered around religion, so the cross necklaces are also quite rich in wearing scenes.
And as a very valuable material culture, cross necklaces convey many elements of religious strength, faith, wealth, power, belonging, prestige, resources and skill level, as well as identity and status.
The history of cross jewelry (such as metal, glass bead, or gemstone necklaces) provides an opportunity to appreciate and understand the technology, cultural practices, artistry, and aesthetics of that period in Europe.
The cross pendant is an important type of pendant in the religious category of jewelry worn since the development of early Christianity. It can carry religious significance for ornamental, blessing, and devotional purposes. Wearing a cross can visually indicate a person's religious beliefs, and different shapes of crosses can symbolize different branches or subcultures of Christianity.
Originally displaying the crucified body of Christ, crosses were first worn primarily by clergy. Later, crosses used as necklace pendants began to be made from a variety of precious and non-precious materials to suit the various styles, tastes, and economic statuses of their wearers.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, crosses were made into sacred pendants to accommodate the "true cross". In contemporary Western Christianity, a small gold cross on a chain is an important gift for a child's baptism or first communion. The cross is also used as an amulet or talisman to ward off evil or protect the wearer from disease.
The same cross necklaces have been interpreted in very different styles in different times and regions, and have all influenced each other and even staged style revivals as well.
In the Middle Ages, when Christianity was prevalent, jewelry became an essential element of clothing, and necklaces replaced brooches as the main form of jewelry in the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods.
At this time, gem-encrusted cross pendants with heavy gold necklaces were popular from the 14th century to the early 17th century, with slight variations in shape and style, but all undoubtedly distinguishing wealth and social status.
And the trend of wearing such cross necklaces with large pendants also followed to a large extent the style of neckline changes in European and American fashion. In other words, as the neckline lowers, more and more elaborate cross necklaces can be seen. But that doesn't necessarily mean that cross necklaces aren't popular when necklines are high.
For example, a carcanet is a wide necklace that resembles a collar. In the 15th and 17th centuries, it was worn as a status symbol, with a "high collar" loop made of lace or gold chain worn around the neck, and a cross pendant, which was fashionable only for the upper classes.
Throughout the history of Western religion and culture, certain materials have long dominated the cross necklace, including gold, diamonds and pearls. Diamonds were one of the most expensive treasures in history and were a symbol of glamor and prestige, and as such were mostly used by royalty and top clergy.
Pearls were the decorative jewelry of choice for Roman women, and cross necklaces adorned with pearls were also exquisitely beautiful in the Renaissance or early 18th century neo-classical style.
Especially in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I of England was very fond of pearl cross necklaces, especially long pearl necklaces with cross pendants hanging down to her chest, leading the fashion of the time.
By the mid-20th century, the pearl or gemstone decorated cross necklace became a classic 16th birthday gift for young women in the United States and the United Kingdom, and it is still the perfect choice for women to wear with their bridal gowns today.
Cross necklaces are not just for women. Throughout Western history, necklaces were popular with both men and women up until the 18th century, but cross necklaces gradually became the preserve of women and clergy.
By the late 20th century, the cross was used as a fashion and pop culture motif without religious overtones or disdain for its traditional symbolism. In addition, pendants with other religious symbols-including medallions of Roman Catholic saints, the Jewish Star of David, the Islamic hand of Fatima, Hindu mantra symbols, or Jews, the box or amulet case used in Islam, and elements of Tibetan Buddhism-were used in fashion culture.
Influenced by American pop culture - the hippie "love beads" of the 1960s and the disco dance craze of the 1970s - men in Europe and the United States began to wear necklaces again, and so the cross necklace has returned to popularity among men. The cross necklace has also returned to popularity among men. Like the hip-hop gold chain, the gold cross necklace has a masculine appeal.
This popularity became prominent in the hip-hop music scene in the late 20th century when dazzling platinum and gold chains suspended diamond-studded cross pendants, which made them desirable to young men, even including a new generation of clergymen.
Cross necklaces have been through a period of quite high status and as such have left us with many extravagant and ornate treasures.
Let's continue to admire these exquisite cross necklaces!
