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The Rustic Eastern Greek Cross

The Shape: 

The "Rustic Eastern" Cross is Gerochristo's earliest version of the Greek cross. Originally popularized by Pythagoras of Samos, its four equal arms symbolized the four directions and the four elements. Early Christians later adapted its meaning to represent the spread of the faith in all directions.

A comparison guide:

Large Eastern Crosses

The Gerochristo Rustic Eastern Greek Cross comes in two sizes, the larger of which is 1.2 inches high including the bale. 

For reference; a US Quarter and a 2 Euro coin are both about 1 inch in diameter
$ 1,225.00
$ 983.00
$ 694.00

Small Eastern Crosses

The Small Gerochristo Rustic Eastern Greek Cross is 1 inch high including the bale.
$ 1,002.00
$ 673.00
$ 630.00

Adding More Color

Gerochristo often takes a popular shape and extends it to as many people as possible with sizes, materials and colors. Here we see an addition of color with natural stones in each station.
$ 1,671.00
$ 368.00
$ 1,369.00

Same Detail in All-Silver

In the world of Greek jewelry, silver is the metal of perseverance. When all the gold was taken by the Ottomans, Venetians or Romans, the Greeks kept going with what they had. Today Greek jewelers revere silver as a mark of defiance and pride.
$ 287.00
$ 197.00
$ 121.00

Common Questions About the Rustic Eastern Cross 

What does a "rustic" cross necklace mean? 


The rustic cross has a deliberately rough-hewn uneven finish defined by human effort rather than a smooth machine-tooled perfection. 

Is the Rustic Eastern Cross solid gold, or gold-plated? 

It's a combination of solid 18k gold and 925 sterling silver, not gold plating over base metal. Both metals are hypoallergenic. The all-silver version in this collection uses sterling silver throughout, with the same rustic finish and shape. 

What size cross should I choose, large or small? 

The large Rustic Eastern Cross measures 1.2 inches including the bale; the small measures 1 inch (which for reference is roughly the size of a US quarter or a 2 Euro coin. To get an idea of how these pendants might look on you - simply hold a quarter to your chest. If you need your cross to be a bit bigger just get the large size. 

What chain works best with a rustic cross pendant? 

The first thing you may want to do is decide between gold and silver. This might be a budget decision so thankfully many these crosses can go with both. Take a look at the bale (the circle on top that holds the chain). 

If it's gold it may go better with a gold chain and we recommend A Spiga, Kordoni, Theta Forzentina or Venetian chain. Got a silver bale? the perfect choice is the Classic Greek Sterling Silver Chain at 1.4mm. Either way, don't exceed a width of 2.5mm otherwise you'll overpower the chain.

Is this cross handmade in Greece? 

Yes. It's produced in the Gerochristo workshop, which has operated continuously since 1900 and is currently headed by Spiros Gerochristo, who is a pioneer of the two-toned "Modern Greek Traditional" style. Because each piece is handcrafted, exact weight and dimensions vary slightly from piece to piece. 

Can I customize the center stone? 

Yes, several pieces in this collection let you choose your own center gemstone. 
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