Yellow Gold Budded Crosses

Each arm of a budded cross finishes in three rounded buds — twelve in all, read as the twelve apostles. It is also called the apostles' cross or the cross botonnée. The buds soften the silhouette, which is part of why the form is so often chosen for a child.

Yellow gold is the color gold comes out of the ground, warmed by the copper and silver it is alloyed with for strength. It is the traditional choice for a religious piece and the one most often asked for by name.

Gold does not tarnish. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth are the whole routine. Take it off before a chlorinated pool.

Each of the four arms ends in three rounded buds, twelve in total, traditionally read as the twelve apostles. The form is also called the apostles' cross or cross botonnée. Beyond the symbolism, the rounded ends make for a gentler outline than a squared cross, which is why it is a common choice for a child.

Yes. 14K is 58.3% pure gold, alloyed with copper and silver for strength, and every piece is stamped 14K. Pure 24K gold is too soft to hold a cross arm or a bail, which is why fine jewelry is alloyed.

Judge it against the wearer rather than in millimeters. Every product page lists the height and width, and comparing those to a familiar coin is the quickest way to picture it. For a child, smaller and lighter is usually the right call; for an adult, the limit is what sits comfortably under a collar.

Some can. Where a piece has a flat enough back to take lettering, the product page says so — look for Engravable in the specifications. Pierced and openwork designs generally cannot be engraved, because there is no solid face to cut into.

It describes construction rather than quality. A solid piece is metal all the way through. A hollow or semi-solid piece is formed with a cavity, which lets a large cross stay light and affordable in precious metal. Both are the stated metal throughout — the specifications on each product page say which it is.