Collection · 12 pieces
Gold-plated men's and women's cross necklace set with zircons: Latin cross, crucifix, Egyptian Ankh cross. How to choose your size and chain.
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Of all jewelry, the cross is the one most often passed down. A men's cross necklace or women's cross necklace is not a seasonal accessory: it is a piece you keep for years, often given to mark a milestone. This page brings together Emir ICE models in yellow and white gold plating, set with zircons, across the three main families of crosses we produce.
First and foremost, a point of honesty: the stones in these necklaces are zircons, synthetic stones. They are brilliant and well-cut, but they are neither diamonds nor natural precious stones. Gold plating refers to a layer of gold deposited onto a base metal — it is not solid gold. We prefer to state this clearly rather than let ambiguity do the work.
The classic shape, with an elongated vertical branch. The Christian cross necklace comes in a plain version — the cross alone — or as a crucifix, with the figure of Christ. The former is more discreet and easier to wear every day; the latter is more explicit and carries more symbolic weight. The choice is not aesthetic; it is personal.
Recognizable by its top loop, the Ankh is the hieroglyph for life in ancient Egypt. It has been widely adopted by African-American culture and the hip-hop scene, which gives it a double reading today — spiritual and cultural. It is our most requested gold cross necklace model.
Paved with round or baguette-cut zircons, the cross changes category completely: it shifts from a discreet symbol to a piece that catches the light. This format is the closest to the diamond cross necklace aesthetic sought after in the hip-hop world, without the pretense of passing off zircon as something else.
Between 2 and 3 cm, the cross remains discreet and can be worn under a collar: this is the most common format for a women's cross necklace or for daily wear. From 4 to 6 cm, it becomes clearly visible and makes a statement — this is the format most often chosen by men. Beyond that, the piece becomes a statement and requires a simple outfit to let it breathe.
45 to 50 cm places the cross at the base of the neck, visible in the opening of a shirt. 55 to 60 cm makes it fall to mid-chest, the most classic position for a medium-sized men's cross. Measure a necklace you already wear, laying it flat against a ruler: this is more reliable than guessing.
Yellow gold plating remains the majority choice for a cross, largely because it corresponds to the traditional image of religious jewelry. White gold plating offers a colder, more contemporary look, visually close to a silver cross necklace — keeping in mind that it is indeed white gold plating and not silver.
A cross should be worn alone. This is the only real rule: it should not be layered with another pendant, which would distract from its meaning. If you insist on layering, the second chain should remain plain and be at least 5 cm shorter.
The cross can be worn either over or under clothing — this is a matter of personal relationship to the symbol, not style. For those who wear it visibly, match the metal color with your other pieces: ring, bracelet, watch. See men's ring and men's gold chain.
A paved cross traps residue in its prongs and angles — this is where the jewelry tarnishes first. Three steps are enough. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after each wear, focusing on the back and the crevices. Remove it before showering, swimming, exercising, and sleeping. Put it on last, after perfume and lotion, never before: the alcohol in perfumes is the primary enemy of plating.
Store it flat, alone in a soft pouch. Never use silver polish or an ultrasonic cleaner: these methods are designed for solid metal and will strip away gold plating. Our guide how to care for gold-plated chains details the complete method.
Other symbols: men's pendant, lucky charm pendant, astrological sign. Women's necklaces: women's necklace. For engraving or customization: personalized pendant.
