I wouldn't get a sideways cross for any Christian no matter what their age unless I was absolutely sure that they would not find it offensive. The point of the gift isn't to stretch her religious comfort level but to give a thoughtful and touching present. If in doubt, stick with a classic cross.
Sideways Cross Necklace.. Offensive?
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^^^I agree with this.
I am a committed christian, & I personally would NOT find that offensive. I have several artistic crosses. I'm not sure I would LIKE a sideways cross though. not sure I like the look/style of it.
if she's trendy & fashion-forward, she might have more of a tendency to like that style. but still, you never know.
you could always show one to her in a magazine or online & ask her if she likes it. she might think YOU want one, & she's giving her opinion. I use this tactic a lot!
I am a committed christian, & I personally would NOT find that offensive. I have several artistic crosses. I'm not sure I would LIKE a sideways cross though. not sure I like the look/style of it.
if she's trendy & fashion-forward, she might have more of a tendency to like that style. but still, you never know.
you could always show one to her in a magazine or online & ask her if she likes it. she might think YOU want one, & she's giving her opinion. I use this tactic a lot!
Although I am religious and I like the artistic interpretation and twist on the classic cross, I wouldn't assume that someone else would see that same point of view. I would stick to the traditional for a gift.
wow, it really depresses me how a lot of posters in here associate a woman in her 40s as being old or out of style. i am 44 years old and i pride myself as being a hip woman who is current on the trends. but that's me, i realize not all women in their 40s are as hip and cool as me.
now excuse me while i go apply some ben-gay and watch the golden girls.(help, i've fallen and i can't get up...)
You go girl!! I'm older than you and I consider myself very hip and current. Young people don't realize that what we are, they will be. To be beautiful, cool and trendy at 25 is easy, but to be those things when you are older is a major accomplishment! 40 is the new 30, 50 is the new 40 and so on and so on. As for the question about the cross, I say stay traditional, not because of being old or "unhip" but because some things, crosses for example, are sacred and traditional. There are so many other items you can buy if you want to be edgy.
I love god, and have been a Christian my whole life. My husband is in his last year of seminary, God is the center of our home. I have seen these neclaces and find them to be adorable (Kelly Ripa wears one on Live every now and then).
The real meaning of this neclace is actually very biblical. On graves, it is a reference to the hope of the resurrection. The cross has been taken down because Jesus has completed the work of his sacrafice. ("It is done").
The real meaning of this neclace is actually very biblical. On graves, it is a reference to the hope of the resurrection. The cross has been taken down because Jesus has completed the work of his sacrafice. ("It is done").
I guess it's either a hit or miss.
She's actually not very religious, but she does consider herself a Christian. She's not too conservative, and she's slightly modern. For example, she gave me a Victoria's Secret gift card for Christmas last year, lol. The question I should've asked was if a sideways cross necklace is too edgy for a woman in her 40's.
I actually placed an order for a small silver one for her, because I thought it was more age appropriate. But after reading the comments here I got strong second thoughts again, so I changed the order to a gold one for myself
Thank you all for your opinions!
I think seeing you wear it might be the best way to find out her opinion on it. I can totally see another aspect of your caution to purchase this piece for her. She is your boyfriend's Mom and you want to stay on her good side...at least that was the first thing that popped into my head when I read your original post. I tread VERY carefully around my MIL, but maybe that is just me.
Check out http://www.ylang23.com for some inspiration on some trendy non-religious jewelry pieces. I have also found the SAs to be very helpful over the phone in what pieces are popular with certain age groups. This was a couple of weeks ago when I was looking for a graduation gift for my niece who also happened to be one of our flower girls at our wedding. I wanted to get her a must-have piece of jewelry but with staying power (ie: something that was not so trendy that she would not wear it later in her life).
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Late 40's here. I think they're way cool, but I'm not religious. . .so. . .I'd feel weird wearing one just because it's a cross. 
I've seen some photos of celebs etc. . .wearing what look to be actual rosaries around their necks. Now, I think that might offend some catholics--treating a rosary like fashion jewelry.
I would go with the posters who say. . .depends on the MIL. If she is very conservative (dress, religion etc. . .) there is a chance that she won't "get it" and will not like it. If however she's super cool (like me-hahaha!!) then I think you'd be fine. If you think she might like it you could always make sure to give her a gift-receipt and when you give it to her tell her, "I think these are so cool looking and they're very in now and I thought you might like one. But, if you feel weird about it being sideways please just trade it in for a more traditional piece." Surely even someone who is too conservative to wear it would understand that your motives were pure and would appreciate your effort in trying to get them something in-style and interesting. . .even if they prefer to return it for a more "normal" cross.
Melissa
I've seen some photos of celebs etc. . .wearing what look to be actual rosaries around their necks. Now, I think that might offend some catholics--treating a rosary like fashion jewelry.I would go with the posters who say. . .depends on the MIL. If she is very conservative (dress, religion etc. . .) there is a chance that she won't "get it" and will not like it. If however she's super cool (like me-hahaha!!) then I think you'd be fine. If you think she might like it you could always make sure to give her a gift-receipt and when you give it to her tell her, "I think these are so cool looking and they're very in now and I thought you might like one. But, if you feel weird about it being sideways please just trade it in for a more traditional piece." Surely even someone who is too conservative to wear it would understand that your motives were pure and would appreciate your effort in trying to get them something in-style and interesting. . .even if they prefer to return it for a more "normal" cross.
Melissa
wow, it really depresses me how a lot of posters in here associate a woman in her 40s as being old or out of style. i am 44 years old and i pride myself as being a hip woman who is current on the trends. but that's me, i realize not all women in their 40s are as hip and cool as me.
now excuse me while i go apply some ben-gay and watch the golden girls.(help, i've fallen and i can't get up...)
Holy Sh!t...I'm in big trouble!!! Hopefully 60 is the "new" 50 or better still, the "new" 40 (ok...late 40's). LOL!
To the OP...if in doubt, don't.
^^^ Me too, I bought a side ways cross 2 years ago when my mother died and haven't taken it off. Kind of makes me feel like she is with me. I have Never felt odd or looked at odd in that entire time. In fact I get ask where did I get my cross, they had been looking for one. As far as age appropriate,
geeez really!!!
geeez really!!!
The sideways cross is fashionable and I've never heard of anyone finding it offensive. It's quite a tame re-interpretation of a traditional religious symbol - there's nothing malicious about it, and I think Christians are the most likely to wear any cross shaped jewelry, including this.
To me, it's just a necklace as opposed to a pendant that drops. A sideways cross sort of blends into the chain more and is more subtle / delicate. There's nothing more to it. I can't imagine any grown woman finding offence in such a thing.
To me, it's just a necklace as opposed to a pendant that drops. A sideways cross sort of blends into the chain more and is more subtle / delicate. There's nothing more to it. I can't imagine any grown woman finding offence in such a thing.
I can not understand why it would be offensive at all
Though I am not religious
I don't think a symbol like a cross can be used offensively can it?
I thought it was just a classic jewelry symbol
If its offensive , can someone explain to me why
Because I almost purchased one like Taylor jacobsons a while ago and I would never have thought I was offending anyone it's just pretty jewelry in my eyes
The cross attached to the chain in a different way
Lots of celebrities wear sideways cross necklaces too
Though I am not religious
I don't think a symbol like a cross can be used offensively can it?
I thought it was just a classic jewelry symbol
If its offensive , can someone explain to me why
Because I almost purchased one like Taylor jacobsons a while ago and I would never have thought I was offending anyone it's just pretty jewelry in my eyes
The cross attached to the chain in a different way
Lots of celebrities wear sideways cross necklaces too
I'm 24 and I actually look to older women for style and inspiration
I find older women make much better choices in jewelry, pieces that you can wear forever
I find they choose peices that will look good on them forever or have kept wearing specific pieces since they were younger and I find that helps me choose which peices to go for and what not to waste money on
I see myself wearing the jewellery I wear now when I'm in my 40's look at Rachel Zoe for example
I don't think you are ever too old to be stylish and trendy it's what you do with it
Ive seen women in their 70/80s who look far younger than their age they look amazing
They have better taste and coordinate perfectly
I used to be so afraid of getting older but I've seen how you can look amazing whatever your age
Don't ever think any of you are too old you inspire a lot of us
Most of you I just assume are my age I'm shocked when I find out otherwise
I find older women make much better choices in jewelry, pieces that you can wear forever
I find they choose peices that will look good on them forever or have kept wearing specific pieces since they were younger and I find that helps me choose which peices to go for and what not to waste money on
I see myself wearing the jewellery I wear now when I'm in my 40's look at Rachel Zoe for example
I don't think you are ever too old to be stylish and trendy it's what you do with it
Ive seen women in their 70/80s who look far younger than their age they look amazing
They have better taste and coordinate perfectly
I used to be so afraid of getting older but I've seen how you can look amazing whatever your age
Don't ever think any of you are too old you inspire a lot of us
Most of you I just assume are my age I'm shocked when I find out otherwise
This thread may be four years old, but I still see these crosses every day. I live in a pretty religious area and people seem happy to have a new way to wear their crosses.