Religious themed jewelry has been around ever since there have been religions. Today, the most popular type of religious jewelry is cross jewelry. Most of the Western Hemisphere follows the 
Judeo-Christian religious influences. Of course there are many sects and denominations in Christianity as well as many other cultural influences.
This diversity in Christianity is reflected in an enormous variety of design in the simple symbol that is the cross. You would be hard-pressed to find a single jeweler that did not carry cross jewelry of one kind or another.
Basic cross styles like the classic crucifix with Christ figure to the right are ubiquitous and the more theme oriented designs are carried by specialty stores.
Celtic cross jewelry is one theme oriented design that shows up over and over in ancient and modern day cross jewelry.
The identifying characteristic of the Celtic cross is the inscribed circle around the center of the cross. The meaning of this circle has been debated for centuries but is often thought to represent the endlessness of God’s love. It has also been said that the ring represents the halo of Christ.
Whatever the meaning, this circle is the main 
differentiator in Celtic cross jewelry. The other differentiator is of course the Celtic knot pattern that covers the surface of the cross.
Check out the Celtic cross to the left and note the detailed Celtic Knot patterns. Gemstones suit this style of cross just fine so long as there are not too many of them to overpower the detailed Celtic Styling.
Gemstones can be put anywhere in this style. Small diamonds can be pave mounted in the circle portion only for a stunning Celtic Crucifix.
Maltese cross jewelry is another very popular cross style that people like to wear. Unlike the more benign symbolism of the Celtic cross, the Maltese cross symbolizes the group of Christian warriors commonly called the Knights of Malta.
Crosses that came about since the first Crusade are commonly eight pointed with two V points sticking out from each arm of the cross. The eight points represent chivalric virtues commonly adhered to by Christians of this period.
The silver cross pendant to the left is of a Medieval style that also displays the familiar double knifed styling of the Maltese style although this is not a Maltese cross in its purest sense since the arms of the cross are actually Fleur De Lis.
The most popular forms of cross jewelry include cross pendants, cross rings and cross earrings. Cross pendants have been the most visible and ubiquitous type of cross jewelry that is normally seen in a jewelry store and on people.
Cross pendants have always been popular because people like to keep this symbol close to their hearts literally and figuratively.
Gold cross jewelry is more seen in the form of a charm or pendant. People prefer to use a precious metal when wearing a cross and the more expensive the better. Although the first preference would be gold people increasingly like to wear silver cross jewelry. This is because there is so much variety in cross jewelry that many people like to wear a different style in cross necklace jewelry. They like to change the style according to their attire or according to how they feel that 
day.
Increasingly the more modern type of crucifix is favored by men in alternative metals like stainless steel and Titanium. The cross to the right is a masculine style made from stainless steel and blackened titanium. It has a fresh, edgy look that men like to wear.
Diamond cross jewelry has been quite popular for people who want to add precious stones to their cross pendants. The popular types of diamonds added are usually round diamonds of various sizes. People like diamonds in their cross jewelry because it makes the cross more visible and also because it makes for a nice piece of jewelry whether as a pendant or necklace. You will rarely see cross is used in bracelets unless it’s a charm bracelet with crosses dangling from it. For many people who actively follow their Christian religion, nothing beats a diamond cross as a symbol of their faith and as a fine piece of jewelry.
