Styles of crosses in Catholic jewelry:

The cross is of course the most recognizable symbol of Catholic jewelry, and with so many variations it is easy to find one with a special personal meaning. Here are a few examples of crosses and the symbolism behind them:

The Latin cross: The Latin cross is the most commonly used form of the cross. It cross is a cross with a long vertical bar intersected slightly above center by a shorter horizontal bar. The Latin cross is the form upon which Jesus was crucified. The Latin cross is left blank as a representation of hope, faith, and joy in Christ’s resurrection.

The crucifix: The crucifix is the ultimate symbol of the Catholic Church. The crucifix is a Latin cross with the body of Christ (corpus) upon it. It is used as a representation of the sacrifice and suffering of Christ as a cleansing of mankind's sins.

The Greek cross: The Greek cross, a cross with equilateral arms, is the most ancient form of the Christian cross, and is used to represent the union of the divine and the human worlds.

The Celtic cross: The Celtic cross is a cross with a circle around the cross bar. The circle is believed to originally have represented the sun, or possibly the moon, both of which were worshiped by the Irish prior to their conversion to Christianity. Nowadays the circle has come to represent to many the endless love of God as shown through Christ’s sacrifice.

The Russian Orthodox cross: The Russian Orthodox cross has three cross bars with the lowest bar slanted. The top bar represents the “INRI” sign placed over the head of Jesus, while the slanted lower bar is believed to represent the St. Andrews cross, which resembles an X.

All of these variations of the cross are stunning representations of faith, and beautiful symbols for Catholic jewelry.

Saint medals:

Saint medals are medals with the depiction of a patron saint upon them. Usually worn on necklaces, saint medals are a reminder of a patron saint’s triumphs and sacrifices, as well as an evocation of his or her protection. A saint medal can be the perfect piece of Catholic jewelry, as each saint has his or her own special qualities, just like every individual has his or her own special personality. Patron saints include:

St. Francis of Assisi: born c. 1181 in Assisi, Italy. In 1206 St. Francis made a pilgrimage to Rome, and upon his return devoted his life to poverty and the care of the sick. In 1209 he founded the Franciscan order, and in 1224 he received the stigmata. He died in 1226, and was canonized in 1228. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace.

St Patrick: born c. 389 somewhere in Roman Britain. At the age of sixteen St. Patrick was captured by Irish raiders, and held captive for six years. He was consecrated a bishop by St. Germanus c. 432, and returned to Ireland to succeed St. Paulinus. St. Patrick is well known for converting the Irish to Christianity. He died c. 461. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and excluded people.

St. Helena: born c. 250 at Drepanum, Bithynia. She married the Roman General Constantius Chlorus c. 270, and gave birth to Constantine, who would later become Emperor of Rome, c. 280. In 313 Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, permitting Christianity in the Roman Empire. Around the same time St. Helena converted to Christianity. She traveled to Palestine c. 324, and while there is reputed to have discovered the True Cross. She died c. 330 and was buried at Constantinople. St. Helena is the patron saint of archeologists and converts.

St. Christopher: according to legend St. Christopher was an ugly giant who made his living carrying people across a river. It was his quest to find someone more powerful than himself, and, after many years of searching, he decided that this could only be Christ, since the devil feared the Savior. One day, while carrying a child across the river, the child grew so heavy that St. Christopher feared that they would be drowned. The child then revealed that he was Christ, and that the heaviness was the weight of the world He was carrying on His shoulders. St. Christopher is reputed to have died in Lycia c. 251. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.

These are just a few examples of the many patron saints. There are literally hundreds of saints, and with so many to choose from one can be sure to find a saint medal that represents perfectly his or her own individuality.