17 Different Styles of Crosses Found on Cross Jewelry

Cross jewelry is fashionable but also rich in religion. The cross is one of the oldest religious symbols of all time. In past times a cross necklace was worn for only its religious connotation but in the modern world cross jewelry is fashionable and sought after regardless of the persons religious beliefs. Here are 15 different styles of crosses to choose from


1. Cross of LorraineConsists of one vertical and two evenly spaced horizontal bars. It is a heraldic cross, used by the Dukes of Lorraine.


2. Troll CrossIs an amulet made of a circle of iron crossed at the bottom. It was worn by early Scandinavian peoples to protect against trolls and elves. Iron and crosses are both used to ward off evil creatures.


3. Crucifix or Latin CrossThe most well known is the Latin Cross which to Christians is representative of Christ's crucifixion. The true Latin cross, when folded, creates a cube which is symbolic of earthly authority.


4. Tau CrossIs a symbol of the Roman God Mithras and the Greek Attis. It takes the shape of the letter of his name, and is one of the oldest letters known.


5 Serpentine CrossRepresents the fixing of the volatile by removing the 'volatile' or poisonous element. The picture is derived from the biblical story of Moses, who erected a brazen snake as a charm against the plague.


6. Atlantis CrossThis is the emblem used by groups which claim to claim literal or spiritual descent from inhabitants of the fabled isle of Atlantis.


7. Baptismal or Atlantis CrossThis is a very old symbol found back as far as ancient Egypt, where it is a symbol of the Ogdoad. It is also called the baptismal cross. The eight spokes on the cross in represent the age of baptism in the church and the eight day interval between Christ's entry into Jerusalem and his resurrection.


8. Ankh CrossIs an ancient Egyptian symbol of life. The ankh is a combination of male and female symbols which represent the feminine and masculine energy.


9. Orthodox CrossIs the symbol of the Russian orthodox church and is made up of two horizontal and one diagonal bar. The upper bar represents INRI. The lower slanted bar is a stylized footrest that is common in early Christian crosses.


10. Celtic CrossThe Celtic cross dates back as far as 5000 years BCE. Its origins are not known, but it was known to be an early symbol of the sun god Taranis.


11. Coptic CrossThere are two Christian crosses referred to as Coptic. The original Coptic Cross is derived from the Ankh and was used by early Christians in Egypt. The newer form is sometimes referred to as the Ethiopian cross and it is worn mainly by African Christians.


12. Crucified Bacchus CrossA rather unusual amulet that depicts a crucified figure labeled Orpheus-Bacchus. It dates from the third century when it was used as a magical charm.


13. Papal CrossIs a Catholic cross. It is the emblem of the authority of the Pope.


14. Wolf's CrossThe Wolf's Cross has only been referred by that name in modern times. In ancient times it was called the Mjolnir or Thor's hammer. It is an ancient Norse symbol that represents the legendary magical weapon of the Norse God Thor.


15. Methodist CrossThe Methodist cross is the official symbol of The United Methodist Church, adopted in 1968. The cross symbolizes Christ; the flame, the Holy Spirit of Pentecost.


16. Chi Ro CrossA pre-Christian symbol that signified good fortune. It became an important Christian symbol when adopted by the Roman Emperor Constantine. After the battle was won the symbol became the standard of the Emperor's army, prominently displayed on the Emperor's labarum.


17. Zia Sun CrossAn ancient Zia Pueblo sun symbol. The number four is sacred to the Zia Indians, and this emblem embodies this number as the powers of nature- the sun, the four directions, seasons, and the ages of man.


There are many more types of crosses rich in symbolism and religion. There 15 crosses only touch the surface of what is available. Whether you chose a cross for its religious meaning or simply as a fashion statement, no one can argue that cross jewelry is distinct and beautiful and certainly worth adding to ones jewelry wardrobe!

About The Author:
Gil is an artist and a professional writer for last 15 years. He has over 10 years of experience in ornaments and jewels. Visit the website at http://www.ontargetjewelry.com to learn about different jewelry, earring available in market.