Jerusalem Cross Pendant

A uniquely beautiful jewelry item

By Courtney Kelly

A Jerusalem cross is a heraldic cross or Christian symbol. It is represented by a large Greek cross, surrounded by four smaller Greek crosses—one in each quadrant. It is said that the four smaller crosses represent the four books of the Gospel—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—and the largest cross represents Christ. Others say that the smaller crosses represent the four directions in which the Word of Christ spread from Jerusalem, where Jerusalem is represented as the large center cross. Additionally, it is said that all five crosses together represent the five wounds of Christ during his crucifixion. In any interpretation, the Jerusalem cross is an ancient symbol representing Christian faith.

The Jerusalem cross was often worn by the Knights Templar and first appeared on the coat-of-arms for the Templar Godfrey of Bouillon. This Templar Knight was idolized as the perfect Christian knight and was the leader of the First Crusade during medieval times. Since the era of the Knights Templar, the Jerusalem cross pendant has been a symbol of Christian crusades, heroism and knights.

Wearing Jerusalem Cross Jewelry

As a necklace or pendant, a silver Jerusalem cross is a fashionable way to express your faith. The center cross is one of the oldest human symbols. It is prominently associated with Christianity and should not be mistaken for a crucifix. The difference between the cross and the crucifix is that the cross has two lines, vertical and horizontal, crossing at the middle. The crucifix has the horizontal line crossing the vertical line closer to the top, and it directly represents Christ's crucifixion.

The added four crosses surrounding the large center cross create a well-balanced pendant that is a unique form of a standard Christian cross. As a necklace, the Jerusalem cross can be delicate or boldly adorned. In either form, the Jerusalem cross is a unique piece of jewelry that can be worn not just for special occasions, but for everyday wear as well.

Shopping for Jerusalem Crosses

Traditional Jerusalem cross jewelry is made from silver and can be adorned with precious stones or engraved with an intricate design. It has recently become popular for silver Jerusalem crosses to be made plainly in order for the wearer to engrave a name or a quotation on the cross itself. With hundreds of styles and sizes to choose from, the Jerusalem cross has the unique ability to be worn by both men and women.