Cross pendants have taken the fashion world by storm. All other jewelery brands from Valliyan by Nitya Arora to Sabyasachi are designing cross pendants in different styles. In the 80s and 90s, crucifixes and rosaries were all the rage, with every rock band member wearing a crucifix pendant or earrings. Crucifixions witness a revival, but with a twist.
If you trace the history of cross pendants in fashion, it all started with pop sensation Madonna in 1989, who first adopted this religious item as a symbol of rebellion for her music video Like A Prayer.
Credit for its revival in fashion goes to Kim Kardashian, who wore an amethyst and diamond necklace once worn by Princess Diana in 1987. Closer to us was reality TV sensation Shalini Passi wearing a cross pendant and earrings in Fairytale Lives vs Bollywood. Wives. Bollywood girls also quickly jumped on the bandwagon: Sonam K. Ahuja and Bhumi Pednekar recently sported crucifixes.
“I think with all the negativity going on around the world, we all crave and want that confidence of a positive tomorrow. And holy signs and symbols like the cross do absolutely that. They have always been icons of hope. Thus, wearing a cross in the form of an embroidered motif or a piece of jewelry resonates with the idea of praying for a better tomorrow,” says designer Aniket Satam.
Crosses are not only the epitome of Christian iconography, but are also sometimes symbolic of the Gothic movement, where inverted crosses were often used as antichrist motifs. Therefore, many people consider the use of the cross simply as a fashionable symbol to be blasphemous.
Cross pendants are spiritually meaningful symbols that cut across borders, cultures and religions, representing many civilizations and worldviews. As an accessory, it is a sign of hope, faith, devotion and personal expression.
“Thanks to their versatility and symbolic resonance, pendants and accessories with crosses have become the center of fashion. As this trend grows, many communities need to recognize the religious and cultural significance of the cross,” says designer Vidhi Taneja.
Styling tips
“Styling cross accessories is all about balance—pair bold, embellished pendants with minimal outfits for a statement look, or layer delicate cross motifs with other chains for a softer, bohemian vibe. Whether you embrace the trend for its symbolism or its aesthetic, it’s a versatile and meaningful addition to any wardrobe,” says accessories designer Saahil Kapoor of Doux Amour.
