Crosses: My Endless Muse

When I first began designing jewelry, I never imagined the cross would become such a central part of my creative journey. Yet here I am, years later, still dreaming up new interpretations of one of the most recognizable, most controversial, and most beloved symbols in history.

Why the Cross?

The cross is everywhere. It lives in nature, in architecture, in art, and, of course, in religion. But to me, it has always been more than just a symbol of faith. It’s a conversation piece. A contradiction. A quiet sign of devotion for some, and a bold act of rebellion for others.

I’ve seen crosses worn on stage by rock stars, around the necks of politicians and news anchors, by biker gangs and heavy metal bands, and by fashion icons like Madonna, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus. What other symbol could possibly bridge all of those worlds?

Fashion Meets Faith

Some people wear a cross to show their faith. Others wear it because it’s beautiful—or because it pushes a boundary. Designers like Dolce & Gabbana built entire collections around Catholicism and the drama of Italian history. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Madonna have spent hundreds of thousands on vintage cross jewelry, showing just how desirable and collectible this shape has become.

But beyond the spectacle, I believe people are drawn to crosses because they carry a weight of meaning. Whether you’re religious or not, the cross says something. It challenges, comforts, provokes, or empowers—depending on how you wear it.

Designing the Cross, Again and Again

For me as a designer, the cross is an endless challenge.  How can I create a new cross that feels different but still timeless?

Sometimes the answer is bold and glittering—large, crystalline, meant to be seen from across the room. Other times, it’s small and understated, a private piece for the wearer alone. And always, it has to speak to the wide range of people who collect our jewelry—from the edgy rebel to the elegant traditionalist.

The Maria Cross was one of my very first designs at VSA, and it set the tone for everything that came after. Over the years, our crosses have become highly collectible, each one holding a story of its own.

My most recent design, The Eclipse Cross from our Moth Collection, is one of my favorites. The wings of the moth form the arms of the cross, a reminder that beauty and symbolism often overlap in unexpected ways.

A Symbol That Never Lets Go

I can’t say crosses have power, but I can say they are the most significant piece of jewelry being worn—both past and present. And never more so than now.

For me, the cross is a muse that never lets go. It’s controversial. It’s meaningful. It’s rebellious. It’s spiritual. And above all, it’s deeply human. Every new cross I design is my way of adding to that ongoing story.

At Virgins Saints & Angels, the cross isn’t just part of what we do—it is who we are.