Does wearing a cross pendant have to be a religious statement? Not necessarily. For some men, the cross represents Christian faith, family tradition or a deeply personal belief. For others, it's a familiar shape reinterpreted through contemporary jewellery design.
And not every cross pendant needs to look as though it came from the same jewellery catalogue.
Australian jeweller Gavin Macsporran takes the traditional cross and gives it a distinctly unconventional treatment. His handmade designs combine sterling silver with gold, leather and copper, creating pieces that feel more like miniature sculptures than conventional religious jewellery.
At Lord Coconut, two of his designs demonstrate how different a modern men's cross pendant can look.
What does a cross pendant mean?
The cross is one of Christianity's most recognisable symbols, representing the crucifixion of Jesus and, for many believers, faith, sacrifice, hope and redemption.
That meaning remains important, and it's worth respecting when choosing or wearing a cross.
But jewellery is also a form of personal expression. Someone might wear a cross to remember a family member, acknowledge their upbringing, express spiritual beliefs or simply because they appreciate its proportions and design.
There isn't one explanation that applies to everyone who wears one.
Contemporary jewellery designers sometimes take the familiar cross shape and explore it through unusual materials, asymmetry or sculptural construction. The result may reference the traditional symbol without being intended as a conventional devotional pendant.
Why choose a contemporary men's cross pendant?
Traditional cross pendants often feature smooth, symmetrical arms and polished gold or silver. There's nothing wrong with that. It's a design that has endured for good reason.
But contemporary cross pendants can offer something different:
- Individuality: Unusual proportions and textures create a more distinctive appearance.
- Mixed materials: Silver, gold, copper and leather introduce contrast and visual interest.
- Personal interpretation: The design can carry meaning without following a strictly traditional format.
- Handmade character: Small differences in surface texture and finishing make each piece individual.
Two Gavin Macsporran pendants illustrate these ideas particularly well.
Urban Edge Cross Pendant: a sharper take on tradition
The Urban Edge Cross Men's Pendant combines sterling silver, yellow gold and leather in a striking contemporary design.
Its strong lines and contrasting materials give it an architectural quality. The cross form is immediately recognisable, but the overall appearance is more contemporary than conventional.
It's the kind of pendant that can work with a simple T-shirt and jeans or add a distinctive detail to a more considered outfit.
Materials: Sterling silver, yellow gold and leather
Size: Approximately 55mm high × 25mm wide; adjustable chain
Artist: Gavin Macsporran
Made: Handmade to order in Australia
The combination of metal and leather is what makes this design particularly interesting. Rather than relying on precious metal alone, Gavin uses material contrast to give the familiar cross a more industrial, contemporary feel.
Not Entirely Cross Pendant: a little less conventional
Then there's the Not Entirely Cross Men's Pendant.
As the name suggests, this isn't a design that feels obliged to follow the rules.
Handmade from textured sterling silver with a yellow gold highlight and copper binding, it takes a familiar shape and makes it deliberately irregular.
Its off-centre geometry and contrasting metals give it a slightly Brutalist character. It's recognisably cross-inspired, but it also stands on its own as a piece of contemporary jewellery.
Materials: Textured sterling silver, yellow gold highlight and copper binding
Size: Approximately 50mm high × 20mm wide
Artist: Gavin Macsporran
Made: Handmade to order in Melbourne, Australia
It's a particularly appealing choice for someone who likes texture, asymmetry and jewellery that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Urban Edge or Not Entirely Cross: which one suits you?
Although both pendants are by the same Australian jeweller, they have noticeably different personalities.
Choose the Urban Edge Cross if:
- You prefer stronger, more architectural lines.
- You like the contrast of sterling silver, gold and leather.
- You want a contemporary cross that remains visually recognisable.
- You appreciate a slightly larger pendant with a strong presence.
Choose the Not Entirely Cross if:
- You prefer irregular, sculptural jewellery.
- You like textured silver and mixed-metal details.
- You want something that references a cross without following a traditional design.
- You appreciate a little humour and individuality in your jewellery.
Neither is inherently better. They're simply two different approaches to a familiar symbol.
Does a cross pendant need to match your other jewellery?
Not at all.
Both designs combine different materials, which makes them particularly easy to wear alongside jewellery in silver or gold.
If you wear a sterling silver ring or bracelet, the silver components provide a natural connection. If you wear a gold wedding ring or watch, the yellow gold details can help tie everything together.
And if you enjoy mixing metals, there's no need to make every piece match perfectly.
The trick is to make the combination feel intentional rather than accidental.
For more ideas, read our guide to wearing gold and silver jewellery together.
How big should a men's cross pendant be?
Size matters, particularly when you're buying online.
The Urban Edge Cross measures approximately 55mm high and 25mm wide, while the Not Entirely Cross measures approximately 50mm high and 20mm wide.
Both are substantial enough to be noticed, rather than tiny decorative charms.
When choosing a pendant, consider where it will sit on your chest, whether you usually wear it over or under clothing and how much visual impact you want.
Chain length also affects the overall look. A shorter chain generally places the pendant higher on the chest, while a longer chain creates a more relaxed appearance.
Check the individual product details before ordering, particularly if chain length or fit is important to you.
Why handmade makes a difference
Gavin Macsporran's jewellery is recognisable for its textured surfaces, mixed metals and unconventional forms.
These details aren't simply added to make a piece look different. They're part of the way the jewellery is designed and made.
Both cross pendants are handmade to order by an individual Australian jeweller. Slight variations in texture and finishing are expected, meaning the piece you receive may differ subtly from the photographs.
For someone looking for a personal pendant rather than an identical factory-produced accessory, that's part of the appeal.
Both designs generally require approximately three weeks to be made and posted.
Can a cross pendant be a meaningful gift?
Absolutely, provided you understand something about the person receiving it.
For someone who wears a cross as an expression of faith, the symbol may have particular significance. In that case, it's worth considering whether they would prefer a traditional religious design or a more contemporary interpretation.
For someone interested in art, architecture, handmade jewellery or unusual accessories, a sculptural cross pendant may appeal for entirely different reasons.
One practical advantage of a pendant is that you don't need to know the recipient's ring size.
Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary or another personal milestone, a well-chosen pendant can be a gift that gets worn rather than tucked away in a drawer.
A cross doesn't have to be conventional
A cross pendant can represent faith, memory, identity or simply an appreciation of good design. Its meaning ultimately belongs to the person wearing it.
Gavin Macsporran's Urban Edge Cross and Not Entirely Cross pendants demonstrate how a familiar symbol can be reimagined through texture, proportion and contrasting materials.
Both are handmade in Australia, both have plenty of personality, and neither looks like something pulled from a mass-produced jewellery display.
Explore the Urban Edge Cross Pendant and the Not Entirely Cross Pendant, or browse Lord Coconut's handmade men's pendant collection.
Frequently asked questions
Does wearing a cross pendant mean you're religious?
Not necessarily. The cross is an important Christian symbol, but people may wear cross-inspired jewellery for reasons involving faith, family, personal meaning or contemporary design.
Are cross pendants still fashionable for men?
Cross pendants remain a familiar option in men's jewellery. Contemporary designs using unusual shapes, textured metals and mixed materials offer alternatives to traditional polished crosses.
What is the Urban Edge Cross Pendant made from?
Gavin Macsporran's Urban Edge Cross Pendant combines sterling silver, yellow gold and leather. It measures approximately 55mm high × 25mm wide and comes with an adjustable chain.
What is the Not Entirely Cross Pendant made from?
The Not Entirely Cross Pendant is made from textured sterling silver with a yellow gold highlight and copper binding. It measures approximately 50mm high × 20mm wide.
Are these cross pendants handmade in Australia?
Yes. Both are handmade to order by Australian jeweller Gavin Macsporran. Small differences in texture and finishing may occur between pieces.
Can I wear a silver and gold cross pendant with other jewellery?
Yes. Mixed-metal pendants can work particularly well with silver rings, gold wedding bands or watches that contain either metal.
How long does it take to make a cross pendant?
Allow approximately three weeks for these handmade pendants to be made and posted. If you need one by a particular date, contact Lord Coconut before ordering.
How much is postage?
Australian orders include free Australia Post Express Post. International postage is $20, with any applicable local duties or taxes payable by the recipient. Delivery times vary by destination.