Best Men's Cross Necklaces: 8 Picks for Every Style
By Sophie Laurent9 min read
The best men's cross necklace is the one he will actually wear every day: a cross sized for his build, on a chain that sits right, in a finish that goes with the rest of what he wears. This ranking puts ten styles side by side, from a classic cross on a Figaro chain to a cross engraved with the Lord's Prayer, so you can match the piece to the man.
Every pick below lists its real material, pendant size and chain length from the product page, with a short note on what the design means. At the end you will find a chain length table and answers to the questions men ask most before buying a cross.
Table of Contents
At a Glance: The Ranking
Eight crosses from our catalog and two other options, ranked for men. Prices are the current US prices on each product page.
| # | Piece | Best for | What sets it apart | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Gilded Cross | A first cross, or a man who wants a classic he will never tire of | Simple cross on a Figaro chain, three finishes | Stainless steel | From $89.99 |
| 2 | The Engraved Prayer | A man who prays the Our Father and wants to carry it | The whole Lord's Prayer engraved on one cross | Stainless steel | From $89.99 |
| 3 | The Valiant Cross | A man with a broad build, or one who wants his cross to be seen | Six centimeters tall, clean strong lines | Stainless steel | From $99.99 |
| 4 | The Knotwork Cross | Irish or Scottish heritage, or a love of old designs | One unbroken knot, antiqued finish, three chain lengths | Stainless steel | From $79.99 |
| 5 | The Risen Christ | A Catholic man who prefers a crucifix to a plain cross | Christ risen on the cross, on a pearl chain | Stainless steel | From $89.99 |
| 6 | The Reverent Nails | A man drawn to the Passion and to rugged designs | Four nails bound into the shape of the cross | Stainless steel | From $89.99 |
| 7 | The Modern Devotion | A man who wants a cross that fits a modern wardrobe | Two open crosses, one inside the other | Stainless steel | From $89.99 |
| 8 | The Cable Cross | A man who wears his faith without fuss, at work and at the gym | Strong cross with a fine wire inlay | Stainless steel | From $99.99 |
| 9 | A precious-metal cross from a fine jeweler | A milestone gift with a larger budget | Priced largely by the weight of metal | Gold or silver | Varies |
| 10 | An olive wood cross on a cord | A natural, very simple look | Carved wood | Olive wood | Varies |
Our 8 Picks in Detail, Plus 2 Alternatives
1. The Gilded Cross: Best Overall
Best for: A first cross, or a man who wants a classic he will never tire of.
This is the cross most men picture when they think of a cross necklace: a plain, polished Latin cross on a Figaro chain, the pattern of long and short links that has been a men's classic for decades. Nothing on it needs explaining.
It is made of stainless steel in silver, gold or black. Silver goes with everything; gold-tone suits warmer skin and gold watches; black is the quietest of the three under a dark shirt.
- Polished stainless steel in three finishes
- Figaro chain included
- Designed for men, for every day or special occasions
See The Gilded Cross, from $89.99.
2. The Engraved Prayer: Best With Words
Best for: A man who prays the Our Father and wants to carry it.
The Lord's Prayer is the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, given in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This cross carries the whole text, engraved across a pendant of 30 x 50 mm.
It hangs on a 60 cm (23.6 in) box chain, which places the cross on the upper chest. It is a good gift for a father or a husband because the meaning is written right on it.
- Cross of 3 x 5 cm, polished stainless steel
- Silver, gold or black finish
- 60 cm box chain
See The Engraved Prayer, from $89.99.
3. The Valiant Cross: Best Statement Cross
Best for: A man with a broad build, or one who wants his cross to be seen.
A small cross can disappear on a wide chest. The Valiant Cross measures 30 x 60 mm, with clean, strong lines that read clearly from across a room.
It is polished stainless steel, so it keeps its shine through daily wear. Pair it with a longer chain, 55 to 60 cm, so it rests on the chest rather than at the throat.
- Pendant size 30 x 60 mm
- Polished stainless steel
- Suggested on the product page for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries
See The Valiant Cross, from $99.99.
4. The Knotwork Cross: Best Celtic Cross
Best for: Irish or Scottish heritage, or a love of old designs.
The cross is drawn as a single knot of four open loops, in the spirit of Celtic knotwork: a line with no beginning and no end, a quiet image of eternal life. Read our guide to the Celtic cross and its meaning for the history behind it.
The pendant is cast stainless steel, 33 x 49 mm, with a darkened antique finish that shows the depth of the loops. You choose the 3 mm box chain in 50, 55 or 60 cm.
- Three chain lengths: 50, 55 or 60 cm
- Antiqued silver-tone finish
- Can be worn in the shower, does not turn the skin green
See The Knotwork Cross, from $79.99.
5. The Risen Christ: Best Crucifix
Best for: A Catholic man who prefers a crucifix to a plain cross.
A crucifix is a cross that carries the figure of Christ. This one shows Christ risen, a reminder of Easter morning, on a pendant of 35 x 55 mm. Our article on what a crucifix necklace means explains the difference with a plain cross.
It weighs 21 g and hangs on a 60 cm pearl chain. It comes in silver, gold or black.
- Pendant size 35 x 55 mm, 21 g
- 60 cm pearl chain
- Polished stainless steel in three finishes
See The Risen Christ, from $89.99.
6. The Reverent Nails: Best for Meaning
Best for: A man drawn to the Passion and to rugged designs.
Four nails bound together form this cross, a raw and simple reminder of the Passion: the Gospels tell that Jesus was nailed to the cross at Calvary. It has a strong, rugged look without any ornament.
The pendant measures 35 x 56 mm in polished stainless steel, in silver, gold or black. Black brings out the shape of the nails most.
- Pendant size 35 x 56 mm
- Silver, gold or black finish
- A strong texture that suits casual clothes
See The Reverent Nails, from $89.99.
7. The Modern Devotion: Best Minimalist Cross
Best for: A man who wants a cross that fits a modern wardrobe.
Two open crosses, one set inside the other, give this pendant clean lines and a light look. At 2.7 x 4.8 cm and 10 g, it is easy to forget you are wearing it.
It comes on a 50 cm (19.7 in) box chain, a length that sits on the upper chest of most men, in silver, gold or black.
- Pendant size 2.7 x 4.8 cm, 10 g
- 50 cm box chain
- Works over a T-shirt or under an open collar
See The Modern Devotion, from $89.99.
8. The Cable Cross: Best Everyday Workhorse
Best for: A man who wears his faith without fuss, at work and at the gym.
A strong cross with a fine wire inlay running through it, on a 55 cm steel chain. It is the kind of piece a man puts on in the morning and stops thinking about.
Stainless steel does not rust, so it can stay on in the shower and at the gym. Choose silver, gold, black or two-tone.
- 55 cm chain
- Silver, gold, black or two-tone
- Suggested for confirmations, holidays and milestones
See The Cable Cross, from $99.99.
9. Alternative: A precious-metal cross from a fine jeweler
Fine jewelers sell crosses in gold or silver, usually priced by the weight of metal. They are an option for a milestone gift if the budget allows.
10. Alternative: An olive wood cross on a cord
Small olive wood crosses on a leather or cotton cord are a traditional souvenir of Bethlehem and are sold by many Christian gift shops. They are light and simple, but wood does not like water.
How We Chose
We looked for crosses that cover the styles men actually ask for: classic, bold, Celtic, crucifix, minimal and tough. Each pick had to be made for daily wear, with its material and sizes stated on the product page, and a design whose meaning we could explain in one honest sentence.
We kept stainless steel at the heart of the list because it suits men who wear one piece all the time: it does not rust and does not turn the skin green. The two alternatives from elsewhere are there for men who want a different material.
- Wearability: a size and weight that work every day
- Meaning: a clear symbol, explained without promises
- Choice: several finishes and chain lengths where possible
- Facts only: every size and material comes from the product page
Buying Guide: Size, Chain and Finish
Three choices decide whether a man wears his cross or leaves it in a drawer: the length of the chain, the size of the pendant and the finish. Our size guide has every length, and our article on what size chain for men goes into detail.
| Chain length | Where it sits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 45 cm (18 in) | Just below the collarbone | Slim or average build, small crosses |
| 50 cm (20 in) | Upper chest | Most men, medium crosses such as The Modern Devotion |
| 55 cm (22 in) | Mid-chest | Broader builds, larger crosses, layering |
| 60 cm (24 in) | Lower chest | Statement crosses such as The Valiant Cross |
- Pendant size: under 3 cm is discreet, 4 to 5 cm is the classic size, 6 cm and more is a statement.
- Finish: silver goes with everything, gold-tone warms up the look, black is the most discreet.
- Cross or crucifix: a crucifix carries the figure of Christ and is traditional for Catholics; a plain cross is shared by all Christians.
- Care: wipe stainless steel with a soft dry cloth; see our stainless steel care guide.
Shipping is free and tracked; orders are processed within 24 hours on business days and shipped with tracking. Unworn pieces can be returned within 30 days, and every piece has a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Browse all our cross necklaces for men.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cross necklace should a man wear?
For most men, a cross of 4 to 5 cm on a 50 to 55 cm chain looks balanced. A slim man can go smaller and shorter; a broad-shouldered man can wear a 6 cm cross on a 55 or 60 cm chain.
Is it okay for a man to wear a cross necklace?
Yes. Men have worn crosses as a sign of faith for centuries. Wear it with respect for what it means. Our article on why people wear cross necklaces covers the question in depth.
What is the difference between a cross and a crucifix?
A crucifix shows the figure of Christ on the cross; a plain cross does not. Catholic and Orthodox Christians often wear crucifixes, while many Protestants prefer a plain cross. Both are signs of the same faith.
Can I shower with a stainless steel cross necklace?
Yes. Stainless steel does not rust and will not turn your skin green, so you can wear it in the shower, at the gym and at the beach. Rinse it after salt water or chlorine and dry it with a soft cloth.
Should a man wear his cross inside or outside his shirt?
Either is fine. Many men wear it under the shirt at work and outside on weekends. A longer chain (55 to 60 cm) is easier to tuck in; a shorter one (45 to 50 cm) shows at an open collar.
Choose the Cross He Will Wear
The best men's cross necklace is not the most expensive or the biggest. It is the one that fits his build, his clothes and his faith. Start with The Gilded Cross for a classic, The Engraved Prayer for words he knows by heart, or The Valiant Cross if he likes a cross that is seen, then choose the finish and chain length that suit him.
Cross Necklaces & Pendants for Men
The Risen Christ
$129.99 CAD
The Reverent Nails
$129.99 CAD
The Modern Devotion
$129.99 CAD
The Cable Cross
$139.99 CAD
Free tracked shipping · 30-day returns · 1-year warranty
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