The return of a sacred symbol: the cross

A spiritual symbol that has nurtured the inspiration of new jewellery designs for centuries, the cross is strongly coming back to impose its unique aesthetic. Not a new trend since it has seen several glorious moments even in distant historical periods.

Already during the Byzantine Empire, for example, crosses were worn by members of the nobility and elite to assert their status and power, as well as a sign of religious devotion. Later, during the Renaissance in Europe, they continued to be popular among the nobility and aristocracy. In that period, elaborate and sophisticated jewellery was created, often commissioned by wealthy patrons to express their wealth and artistic taste, and crosses were decorated with enamel, pearls and precious stones. Over the following centuries, crosses remained a prominent element in jewellery with periods of greater and lesser popularity, depending on the trends of the moment.

Nowadays, their profile captivates us with the paradigmatic meaning that encases both tradition and innovation, sacred and profane. From bijoux designed for everyday wear to one-of-kind pieces, crosses are proposed in many styles to suit the personal tastes and needs of those who choose them.

Casual and irreverent, like all Amen jewellery, the pendant cross is illuminated by multi-colored zircons. With its rosary-inspired bracelet, Laurent Gandini, on the other hand, proposes a joyful and celebratory version, giving it a floral look made with labradorite drops set in sequence. Lastly, for its precious Python pendant, Akillis gives the cross a graphic shape, releasing it from its usual symbolism to create a unisex piece of jewellery with a glam rock style in white gold and diamond pavé.

Antonella Reina, Editor VO+