Meanings Behind Ornamental Crosses

Do you see cross jewelry that seems askew?   As a Christian looking for a classic faith symbol rather than just fashionable jewelry, you may want to better understand your main options.  What is the symbolism behind the standard cross, sideways , equal-sides, and upside-down versions?  Also, you may wonder what is the difference in a cross and a crucifix?

A standard cross (aka: Christian Cross, Empty Cross, Latin Cross, or Protestant Cross) looks like a small letter "t." It is made with 2 intersecting bars;  a vertical bar that is longer than the horizontal bar.  This symbolizes the cross on which Christ was sacrificed for the salvation of mankind.  This version most closely resembles the wooden execution crosses, which were utilized in the time of Christ's life on earth.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: 

the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." 

- Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

A crucifix (aka: Catholic Cross or Orthodox Cross ) is a standard-style cross with an image of Jesus Christ on it.  The image may be carved into the cross or more frequently a 3-d image may displayed be on top of the cross. This symbolizes Christs suffering and sacrifice for people's salvation.

An equal-sides cross (aka: Greek Cross or Mission Cross) has four equal intersecting bars indicating compass points of north-south and east-west.  This symbolizes the spread of the gospel or the saintly mission.
CAUTION:  Prior to its use in Christianity, it symbolized the elements of air, earth, fire, and water.

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, 

that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh,

 but quickened by the Spirit:" - 1 Peter 3:18 (KJV) 

A sideways cross (aka: Laying Cross, Leaning Cross, Nordic Cross, Resurrection Cross, Scandinavian Cross, Slanting Cross, or Suffering Cross) is a standard-style cross rotated 90 degrees so the shorter bars are pointing up and down.  This symbolizes Christ carrying the cross as he walked to Calvary to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of mankind. 
CAUTION:  Other symbolic interpretations have included humans in place between Heaven and hell, if on a grave marker it stands for  the resurrection of the soul, and some see it negatively as anti-Christ.

An upside-down cross (aka: Humility Cross, Inverted Cross, Petrine/St. Peter Cross) is a standard-style cross turned with the longer end at the top.  This symbolizes humility and piety from the story of Peter wishing to be hung up-side down because he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Christ.
CAUTION:  In recent times, some have perverted the meaning of this symbol to be used as an anti-Christian symbol.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: 

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, 

who loved me, and gave himself for me." -Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

If you are selecting a cross as ornamentation, as a Christian you should select the meaning that you feel best represents your faith.  In case someone asks you what the jewelry you are wearing symbolizes, be prepared with an answer that reflects your faith.  You may also want to look for a personal scripture to memorize and repeat when you wear the cross to inwardly reinforce your belief.