Bennett & Cross vs James Avery: Steel Cross Necklaces for Every Day

Bennett & Cross and James Avery both sell cross necklaces, and people often weigh one against the other. James Avery is a Texas jeweler working in silver and gold; Bennett & Cross is a faith jewelry brand built around stainless steel crosses you can wear every day. Here is what sets our crosses apart, with every fact taken from each brand's own website.

We are Bennett & Cross, so read this page knowing who wrote it. Every fact about James Avery comes from its own website, checked in October 2026.

At a Glance: Side by Side

The essentials in one table: focus, materials, the chain, prices in US dollars and shipping.

Prices and policies as listed on each brand's website, checked October 2026.

Stainless Steel You Never Take Off

Most Bennett & Cross crosses are stainless steel, polished in a silver, gold or black finish silver-tone crosses. Stainless steel does not rust and will not turn your skin green, so the cross can stay on in the shower, at the gym and at the beach. You put it on in the morning and forget it is there, which is exactly what a cross worn as a reminder of faith should allow.

James Avery works in precious metals: its cross collection lists sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold and sterling silver with bronze. We chose one practical metal instead, for a cross that lives with you every day. Our article Does stainless steel tarnish? explains how steel behaves over the years.

Sold on Its Chain, From $69.99

Bennett & Cross cross necklaces cost $69.99 to $149.99, and the three crosses in this comparison come on their chain, with the chain type and length stated on the page. What you see in the photos is what arrives: the cross, the chain and the clasp, ready to wear.

Many James Avery crosses are sold as pendants: the product page of its Plain Latin Cross, for example, suggests pairing it with a chain, and chains are sold in their own section. When you compare prices, compare a cross on its chain with a cross on its chain.

Our guide on what size chain for men helps you choose a length, and each product page lists the sizes available.

Free Tracked Shipping to 21 Countries

Shipping is free and tracked on every Bennett & Cross order, with no minimum, to 21 countries: the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and 15 European countries, including Ireland, France, Germany and Italy. Orders are processed within 24 hours on business days, and you order online in a few clicks wherever you live.

James Avery offers free standard shipping in the U.S., and takes international orders by phone.

The Meaning Behind Every Cross

A cross is rarely just a piece of jewelry. Every Bennett & Cross product page explains the symbol: what a Celtic knot says, why the Lord's Prayer is engraved on a cross, what a crucifix adds to a plain cross. More than 90 articles in The Faith Journal go further, like why people wear cross necklaces.

It makes the choice easier when the cross is a gift: for a confirmation, a baptism, a first job or a hard season, you can pick the design whose meaning fits the person.

Returns and a 1-Year Warranty

You have 30 days after delivery to return an unworn piece. Every piece also comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects, such as a clasp that fails: once a claim is approved, we ship a replacement within 48 hours, with no need to send the original back.

Three Bennett & Cross Crosses to Compare

If you came here for a cross necklace, these are the three we would show you first. All three are stainless steel and come on their chain.

The Gilded Cross: the classic, in three finishes

Best for: A first cross, or anyone who wants a classic to wear every day.

A simple polished cross on a Figaro chain, the pattern of long and short links. It matches what you already wear and can stay on in the shower.

• Polished stainless steel in silver, gold or black
• Figaro chain included
• Can be worn in the shower and at the gym

See The Gilded Cross, $89.99.

The Engraved Prayer: the Lord's Prayer on a cross

Best for: Someone who prays the Our Father and wants to carry the words.

The whole Lord's Prayer engraved on one cross, 16 g in all. The words you know by heart, carried with you.

• Full Lord's Prayer engraved on the cross
• 30 x 50 mm cross on a 60 cm box chain
• Stainless steel in silver, gold or black

See The Engraved Prayer, $89.99.

The Knotwork Cross: a Celtic knot in three lengths

Best for: Irish or Scottish heritage, or a love of old designs.

Four open loops tied in a knot at the center, cast in steel with an antiqued finish. Our guide on what size chain for men helps you pick the length.

• 33 x 49 mm cast stainless steel cross
• 3 mm box chain in 50, 55 or 60 cm
• Antiqued silver-tone finish

See The Knotwork Cross, $79.99.

Why Choose Bennett & Cross

If you want a cross to wear every day, here is what Bennett & Cross brings.

• Stainless steel made for daily wear: it does not rust and will not turn your skin green, so it stays on in the shower, at the gym and at the beach.
• On its chain, from $69.99: the crosses in this comparison arrive ready to wear, with chain type and length stated.
• Silver, gold or black finishes on many designs, like The Gilded Cross, to match what you already wear.
• The meaning explained on every product page, and in more than 90 Faith Journal articles.
• Free tracked shipping on every order to 21 countries, ordered online wherever you live.
• A 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects, with a replacement shipped within 48 hours of approval.

Our top pick

The Gilded Cross

Best for: A first cross, or anyone who wants a classic to wear every day.

✓Polished stainless steel in silver, gold or black

✓Figaro chain included

✓Can be worn in the shower and at the gym

See the Gilded CrossFrom $89.99

Frequently Asked Questions

The Short Version

Bennett & Cross makes cross necklaces for people who want to wear their faith every day: stainless steel, from $69.99, with the meaning explained, free tracked shipping to 21 countries and a 1-year warranty.

To start, look at The Gilded Cross, browse all our stainless steel cross necklaces, or read why people wear cross necklaces.

Sophie Laurent

Jewelry Historian & Curator

Specializing in religious jewelry since 2017, I combine technical expertise in precious metals with a deep passion for Christian symbolism. At Bennett & Cross, my mission is to guide you in preserving your sacred heirlooms.