The Cross - A Powerful Symbol

Sterling Silver Cross Necklaces with gemstones

The cross is one of the most ancient of human symbols and is the universal symbol of faith of the Christian religion. The cross is related both to the crucifix and to the more general family of cross symbols. The ancient Greek goddess Diana was often pictured in art with a cross over her head and Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, was depicted wearing a headdress adorned with crosses. Different types of crosses were used in Mexico centuries before the Spaniards arrived. The Egyptians used cross symbols in abundance, as did the Hindus. Use of the cross as a symbol of faith was seen as early as the 3rd century when it became hugely popular in Christian art.

Aside from its religious symbolism, the cross is also sometimes used to indicate the division of the world into four elements (earth, water, air and fire), into four cardinal points (north, south, east and west), or as the union of the divine (the vertical line) and the world (the horizontal line).

Whatever you understand the cross to represent for you, you are sure to appreciate the artistry of the sterling silver crosses shown as part of the Cherish Collection:  the dramatic sterling silver cross earrings, the simplicity of the petite hammered silver cross necklace or the swirling drama of the Byzantine cross necklace. 

 

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