This ornate crucifix necklace gives you a raised figure of Jesus on a polished gold-colored cross that reads clearly from across a room. Each arm ends in an open three-lobed shape, so light passes through the tips and the outline looks lacy rather than solid. The pendant is 925 sterling silver plated in 18K gold and measures 2.16 x 1.05 in (5.5 x 2.7 cm). The polished surface feels smooth under your fingers, with the figure standing slightly proud.

Is an ornate crucifix necklace too detailed for daily wear?

At 2.16 in (5.5 cm) tall, the detail is visible without turning the cross into a statement piece.

• Look: A polished yellow-gold color, a raised figure of Jesus and INRI lettering above the head.
• Wear: Choose an 18 in (46 cm) or 20 in (51 cm) chain, a 24 in (61 cm) rope, or the pendant alone.
• Build: The pendant is 18K gold-plated 925 sterling silver, and the chains are 925 sterling silver.
• Detail: A smooth tapered bail links the cross to the chain, and the back carries an S925 marking.

How do the chain and rope options change the way this crucifix hangs?

Walking in a Good Friday procession, you want the cross visible over a dark coat without searching for it. The 24 in (61 cm) black rope drops it to mid-chest, where the gold color stands out against the braided cord and dark fabric. If you prefer it higher, the necklace sizing guide shows that the 18 in (46 cm) chain rests just below the collarbone, while 20 in (51 cm) sits a little lower. For other figures of Christ, our crucifix necklaces and the wider range of cross necklaces sit side by side. Either way, the open tips keep the outline light as you walk.

Who this openwork crucifix suits

This piece suits someone who wants a recognizable crucifix with decorative edges and a bright polished gold color. The gold crucifix with an INRI plaque from the same collection has a wood-grain texture and squared arms. If you prefer a rustic, carved-wood look, that cross is the better fit; if you like open, rounded tips, this one is.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do the cross ends have three rounded lobes?

  The three-lobed ends follow the trefoil cross form, where each lobe is commonly read as a sign of the Trinity. On this pendant the lobes are open in the middle, so the tips look airy and catch light from both sides, which softens the outline of a fairly tall cross.

• What does the S925 marking on the back of the pendant mean?

  S925 is the standard stamp for 925 sterling silver, the metal underneath the 18K gold plating of this crucifix. It sits on the smooth reverse side, so it stays against you when worn and does not show from the front.

• Why is the figure of Jesus raised from the surface of the cross?

  The raised figure gives the crucifix depth, so the arms, head and body show as distinct shapes instead of a flat outline. On a polished gold color, the raised areas reflect light differently from the flat cross behind them, which keeps the figure readable even at a distance.