Crosses are often worn as a symbol of commitment to the Christian faith and are sometimes received as gifts for rites like baptism and confirmation. Communicants of the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches are expected to wear their baptismal cross necklaces within the least times. Some Christians believe that the wearing of a cross offers protection from evil, while others, Christian and non-Christian, wear cross necklaces as a fashion accessory

A Jesus pectoral cross or pectoral may be a cross that’s worn on the chest, usually suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. Most pectoral crosses are made up of precious metals (platinum, gold or silver) and a couple of contain precious or semi-precious gems. Some contain a corpus sort of a crucifix while others use stylized designs and non-secular symbols.

In many Christian denominations, the pectoral cross symbolizes that the person wearing it is a member of the clergy, or that the wearer could also be a member of the upper or senior clergy. However, in many Western churches, there is an increasing number of laypeople preferring to wear some kind of a cross around their neck. Throughout the centuries, many Jesus pectoral crosses are made within the sort of reliquaries which contain alleged fragments of truth Cross or relics of saints. Some such reliquary pectorals are hinged in order that they hospitable reveal the relic or the relic could also be visible from the front through the glass. In many Western churches, there is an increasing number of laypeople preferring to wear some kind of a cross around their neck.

The Silver Cross is awarded to all priests by their bishop on the day of their ordination .The Silver Cross is not enameled or decorated in any manner except for engraving or relief. The next-ranking award is the Gold Cross. This is an easy gold cross, almost like the Silver Cross, and similarly without enameling or other decoration. The Gold Cross is worn by archpriests, abbots, and abbesses as a mark of their office, and will be awarded by the bishop to other priests, both married and monastic, for distinguished service to the church.

The highest pectoral cross is With Decorations that are, jeweled, and sometimes enameled, and normally features a depiction of an Eastern-style miter at the highest. This type of pectorals is additionally mentioned as a “Jeweled Cross”. This type of cross is worn by bishops, archimandrites, and as a sign of their office, and maybe awarded to other priests as well. All bishops are entitled to wear the pectoral cross with decorations, although most easily wear a Pangaea when not vested for services.

SOURCE  CREDIT: https://nazarethmarketstore.wordpress.com/2021/07/27/the-precious-jesus-pectoral-cross/