The Jerusalem Cross is one large cross surrounded by four smaller ones, and its meaning is as clear as its shape: Christ at the center, and the Gospel carried to the four corners of the earth. This guide explains in plain terms what the Jerusalem Cross means, where it comes from and who wears it today, then shows how to choose a pendant or ring, with pieces from our collection, all original designs by Marina, designed in the Holy Land.
What Is the Jerusalem Cross?
The Jerusalem Cross is a Christian cross made of five parts: a large central cross with a bar across each of its four ends, and a smaller Greek cross in each of the four spaces between them. It is also called the five-fold cross or the cross-and-crosslets. The large cross is a cross potent, with a short bar across the end of each arm, and the four small ones are Greek crosses, with four arms of equal length.
Because it is made of five crosses, it is easy to recognize, even on a small pendant or the face of a ring.
What Does the Jerusalem Cross Mean?
The five crosses are most often read this way: the large cross is Christ, and the four smaller crosses are the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, who carried the Gospel into the world. A closely related reading sees the four small crosses as the four corners of the earth, a reminder of the words of Jesus:
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15 (NIV)
This is how the symbol is usually explained today. Whichever way a wearer reads it, the center is the same: Christ, and a faith that is meant to be shared.
The shape helps the meaning stay clear. On a pendant, the large cross is the first thing the eye finds, and the four small crosses sit around it like four directions around a center.
A Short History of the Jerusalem Cross
The Jerusalem Cross is tied to the medieval city of Jerusalem. By the late thirteenth century it was the main banner of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the earliest firm examples of the form in its full shape date from about the same time. Scholars note that some of the stories told about its first use are traditional rather than documented, so we keep to what the sources support.
Pilgrims carried the symbol home. The custom of receiving a Jerusalem Cross tattoo at the end of a pilgrimage is said to date back more than seven hundred years.
Today the cross remains the main emblem of the Custody of the Holy Land, which the Franciscan Order runs, and of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It is one of the most recognized Christian symbols of the Holy Land.
Who Wears the Jerusalem Cross?
Pilgrims wear it as a keepsake of the journey. Others wear it as a reminder of the Gospel, or because it ties them to the land of the Bible. It is used by Catholic institutions, and it is worn by believers of many traditions, so it suits a gift for almost any Christian.
It is also a strong choice for men. The clear, geometric shape reads well on a signet ring, and a pendant can be worn every day without drawing attention.
Jerusalem Cross Necklaces
A pendant is the simplest way to wear the symbol. It rests close to the heart, and there is no ring size to guess. Choose the chain length with our necklace size chart.
Engraved Jerusalem Cross Pendant
$79
A Jerusalem Cross in polished sterling silver, with "JERUSALEM" engraved on the back.
3D Layered Jerusalem Cross Pendant
$79
A Jerusalem Cross in raised, layered dimension, in polished sterling silver.
Jerusalem Cross Eilat Stone Disc Pendant
$110
A Jerusalem Cross set over blue-green Eilat Stone in a round, beaded frame.
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Jerusalem Cross Rings
On a signet ring, the five crosses sit on a flat face where every part of the symbol can be seen. Each of our men's rings has one price in every size. For more on the form, see our guide to Christian signet rings for men.
Men's Jerusalem Cross Signet, Blue Enamel
$200
A Jerusalem Cross in silver on a round face of deep blue enamel, with anchor crosses on the darkened shoulders and "Jerusalem" engraved inside.
Men's Jerusalem Cross Ring, 14K Gold-Plated
$280
A Jerusalem Cross raised in 14K gold-plating on a round face of deep blue enamel, with block-pattern silver shoulders.
Jerusalem Cross Eilat Stone Signet, Polished Rim
$120
A Jerusalem Cross atop blue-green Eilat Stone on a slim sterling silver band, with "Jerusalem" engraved inside.
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How to Choose a Jerusalem Cross
Choose the finish. Plain sterling silver is classic and easy to wear every day. Gold-plated pieces add warmth, blue enamel adds depth, and Eilat Stone adds a blue-green color found in no two pieces alike.
Choose the form. A pendant suits almost everyone. A signet ring suits a man who likes to wear a symbol on his hand. If you are buying a ring as a gift, borrow one he already wears on the same finger and have it measured, or see our ring size chart.
Look for the word on it. Many of our Jerusalem Cross pieces carry the word "Jerusalem" engraved on the back or inside the band, a small reminder of where the symbol comes from.
Jerusalem Cross Gifts
A Jerusalem Cross marks moments of faith: a pilgrimage, a Confirmation, a wedding or anniversary, a return from the Holy Land, or Christmas.
For a pilgrim or a returning traveler. The Engraved Jerusalem Cross Pendant ($79) carries the word "Jerusalem" on its back and is an easy keepsake of the journey.
For a husband or father. The Men's Jerusalem Cross Signet ($200) is a ring he can wear every day. For more ideas for the men on your list, see our guide to Christian gifts for men.
For Christmas. Any of the pendants above is a gift that is worn rather than put away. Our Catholic Christmas gift guide has more for the whole list, and you can browse everything in our Jerusalem Cross jewelry collection.
Jerusalem Cross FAQ
What does the Jerusalem Cross symbolize?
The large cross stands for Christ, and the four smaller crosses are most often read as the four Gospels, or the Evangelists who wrote them, carried to the four corners of the earth.
Is the Jerusalem Cross Catholic?
It is used by Catholic institutions, including the Custody of the Holy Land and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It is also worn by Christians of many traditions, and nothing about it limits it to one.
Why do pilgrims get a Jerusalem Cross tattoo?
Visitors to Jerusalem have long received the cross as a tattoo at the end of a pilgrimage. The custom is said to date back more than seven hundred years, and it is a way to carry the journey home.
What is the difference between the Jerusalem Cross and a Latin cross?
A Latin cross is a single cross with a longer lower arm. The Jerusalem Cross is five crosses in one: a large central cross and four smaller ones around it.
