Some objects are bought for yourself. Others are chosen with the thought that one day they may be given to someone in the family. A gold crucifix belongs to this second category. It is worn for years, kept with care, and eventually passed on: to a son on the day of his Baptism, to a granddaughter for her Confirmation, or to someone beginning married life.
Gold has one advantage that time cannot take away: it does not oxidize and does not lose its light. That is why a crucifix ages beautifully and, as it passes from hand to hand, becomes even richer in meaning. It is no longer simply a piece of jewelry. It becomes grandfather’s cross, mother’s necklace, the memory of a very specific day.
We have selected five pendant crucifixes from our collection, all made in Italy, designed to accompany one lifetime and then another.
Take a look at our full collection of Gold Crosses and Crucifixes.
The Five Crucifixes to Pass Down
Pastoral Crucifix in Yellow Gold
A crucifix that carries with it a piece of Church history. The cross is inspired by the ferula, the pastoral staff of the Pope: unlike the staff of bishops, which ends with a curved crook, the ferula is topped by the crucified Christ. This pendant is inspired by the one used by Pope Benedict XVI during his pontificate and later by Pope Francis.
It is crafted in 18k yellow gold and available in two heights, 30 and 45 mm. Its meaning recalls the role of the shepherd, who guides and protects the flock, and the words of Jesus to Peter: “Feed my sheep.”
Why it stays in the family: it has a story to tell. Whoever receives it does not wear only a cross, but a symbol connected to the heart of the Church, and to Rome. It is the right gift for someone with a strong bond to the Pope and to St. Peter.
Saint Benedict Crucifix in Yellow and White Gold
Saint Benedict of Nursia, who lived between the fifth and sixth centuries, is considered the father of Western monasticism and has been the patron saint of Europe since 1964. His Rule, summarized in the motto “Ora et labora,” pray and work, was the most widespread among monks for centuries. He has long been invoked as a protector against evil and the snares of the devil.
This pendant has a flat shape in yellow gold, with the body of Christ in white gold: the contrast between the two colors highlights the figure and gives the crucifix an elegant, defined appearance. It is available in four sizes, from the most discreet, 17 x 25 mm, to the most important, 41 x 64 mm.
Why it stays in the family: it unites the cross and the protection of Saint Benedict, two signs that parents gladly entrust to their children. It is a pendant that passes from one generation to the next with a very simple message: I am with you.
Truncated Crucifix Pendant in White Gold
The cross is the Christian symbol par excellence, and yet the earliest Christians hesitated to represent the Crucified Christ. In Rome, on the wooden door of the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill, one of the oldest depictions of the Crucifixion is preserved, dating back to the fifth century. Since then, the image of Christ on the cross has never ceased to accompany believers.
This pendant interprets that image with a clean and sober line, without unnecessary ornamentation. White gold, bright and refined, is discreet and pairs easily with any chain and any outfit. It is available in three heights: 23, 28, and 34 mm.
Why it stays in the family: its design never goes out of style. Precisely because it is essential, it does not age, and whoever receives it twenty years from now will wear it with the same natural ease as today.
Modern Style Crucifix in Yellow and White Gold
A pendant that stands out, but never feels excessive. The yellow gold cross is raised, giving it depth, while the light moves across it differently depending on the angle. On top of it rests the body of Christ in white gold, with a modern style that stands out clearly against the warmth of the yellow gold.
Carefully finished in every detail, it measures 18 x 29 mm: a balanced size, ideal for everyday wear, even under a shirt or a light sweater.
Why it stays in the family: it has a character all its own. It is the crucifix that grandchildren will recognize at first glance, the one that comes to mind when someone says “grandma’s cross.” It is an excellent choice for a wedding, an anniversary, or an important family occasion.
Truncated Crucifix in Yellow Gold
The warmth of yellow gold, the color traditionally associated with family jewelry, in a simple and contemporary design. Compared with a more decorated crucifix, this pendant lets the symbol speak for itself: the cross, and nothing else.
It is the model with the widest range of sizes in this selection: five sizes, from 15 x 20 mm to 27 x 46 mm. It is practical and elegant, suitable both for everyday life and for formal occasions.
Why it stays in the family: it is the right pendant to begin with. A small size for a child receiving the first sacraments, a larger one to give later as the child grows: the same cross, changing size together with the person who wears it.
How to Choose the Right Crucifix
Every occasion has its own pendant. Here are a few suggestions to help guide your choice:
- Baptism and First Communion: the smaller sizes of the truncated yellow gold crucifix, easy for a child to wear.
- Confirmation: the medium-size truncated white gold crucifix, sober and suitable for daily wear.
- Weddings and anniversaries: the modern style crucifix in yellow and white gold, a piece that tells the story of a special day.
- For those seeking protection: the Saint Benedict crucifix, in one of its four sizes.
- For those who love Rome and Church history: the pastoral crucifix, with the ferula of Benedict XVI.
Yellow gold or white gold? Yellow gold has a warm, traditional tone, the kind associated with jewelry passed down through a family. White gold is brighter and more discreet. If choosing is difficult, two-tone pendants bring the two together. You can find all the models in our Yellow Gold Crosses and White Gold Crosses collections.
How to Care for Gold Over Time
Gold is resistant, but a little care helps it last much longer. To pass it down in good condition:
- Gentle cleaning: use lukewarm water, a few drops of mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. Then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
- Keep it away from harsh products: remove the pendant before using perfumes, creams, or detergents, and before entering a swimming pool, where chlorine can damage gold.
- Give it its own place: when you are not wearing it, store it in its box, separate from other jewelry, to avoid scratches.
- Check it from time to time: look at the jump ring and the chain, as these are the parts that wear first, especially when the pendant is worn every day.
Why Choose Mondo Cattolico?
A gift meant to last a lifetime deserves to be chosen calmly, and perhaps with someone by your side. We are a family: since 1952, we have been just steps from St. Peter’s Square, welcoming pilgrims and travelers from all over the world for three generations. We know well what it means to receive an object from those who came before us and to pass it on to those who will come after.
Every pendant crucifix in this selection is made in Italy, from the design to the finished product, and arrives in a gift box ready to be given. You can also add a personal message to your order: a few words that, over the years, may become as meaningful as the jewel itself.
Not in Rome? Book a live video chat with a member of our staff. We will show you the crucifix up close, in the sizes you are interested in, just as we would for someone walking into our store.
And if you would like to give the gift an even deeper meaning, we will bring your crucifix to St. Peter’s Square during the Sunday Angelus and photograph it, at no additional cost, at the moment when the Pope imparts the Apostolic Blessing. The photo will arrive with your order.
Discover the full collection of Gold Crosses and Crucifixes and choose the one that will pass from your hands to the hands of someone you love.