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Gaitan for a cross (lace): types and selection rules

April 23, 2016

Even in Ancient Rus', every Christian, regardless of his position in society, wore a cross on his chest. For this they used chains made of various metals or laces, which were called gaitans. Nowadays, this accessory can be seen on the necks of both young people and older people. How to choose a gaitan for a cross? Which lace material is right for you? The answers to these questions can be found in the article below.

What materials are cross laces made from?

The following materials are used to make laces:

• silk;
• textile;
• silicone;
• rubber;
• skin.

A silk lace for a cross is perfect for a child. This material has a delicate texture, but at the same time it is very practical to use. Another plus is that silk laces come in different colors.

Gaitans for babies can also be made of cotton fabric. Such laces for crosses are sold in church shops. They are practical to wear. If the textile cord gets dirty, then in the process of bathing the child it is cleaned of dirt. Like silk, this gaitan can be of any color. Cotton laces have the lowest cost compared to others.

Silicone laces began to be used not so long ago, when the principle of “combining incompatible things” became fashionable. This material for gaitan is characterized by elegance, softness, but at the same time strength. He is not afraid of moisture. The surface of such laces remains glossy for a long time, so the external attractiveness of silicone gaitans is not lost throughout the entire time of use.

The most popular materials for laces are leather and rubber. Each of them will be discussed below in a separate section.

Leather lace

The main advantages of leather laces are versatility and practicality. Such gaitans are reliable, aesthetic and durable. Leather is a natural material. That is why such laces have the following characteristics:

• Flexibility and softness. Thanks to these properties, the leather lace for the cross does not lose its visual appeal throughout the entire period of use.
• Moisture resistance. Leather gaitans are treated with a special compound that repels water. As a result, moisture cannot penetrate inside the lace.
• Wear resistance and strength.

Leather gaitans can be of different designs. When choosing, you should remember that a thick braided cord will look great in tandem with a massive heavy cross. And a thin leather gaitan will suit the elegant cross. It will look stylish and neat.

A leather lace for a cross will perfectly complement almost any look. That is why this gaitan is recommended for everyday wear.

Rubber lace

A rubber lace for a cross can be seen on both a young person and an older person. After all, such gaitans are distinguished by their simplicity and brevity. Both women and men wear them with pleasure. Rubber laces have the following advantages:

• Elasticity. Due to their flexibility, such gaitans are reliable. They stretch well, but do not tear.
• Softness. This property makes using a rubber lace as comfortable as possible.
• Dullness. The lack of gloss on the smooth surface of such a gaitan gives it a noble and stylish look.
• Low price.

However, rubber laces also have disadvantages. For example, people who have particularly sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction to this material. Another disadvantage of using a rubber gaitan is that such a lace hardens when it gets wet. That is why before carrying out water procedures it is recommended to remove the gaitan for the cross.

Lace or chain?

Having purchased a pectoral cross, a person most often asks the question of how to complement it - with a cord or a chain? There is no exact answer. The fundamental fact is that a Christian has a cross on his chest. And what will be used to hold it on the neck is completely unimportant. After all, Christians have used both chains and laces since ancient times. The choice depended on the welfare of the individual and his position in society.

Nowadays, in this matter one should be guided only by practical aspects. For example, for a child it is better to choose not a chain, but a gaitan. Moreover, the material for production should be textile or silk. A hard metal chain can cause discomfort in the baby and even rub his delicate neck. Also, a child can easily tear it.

Rules for choosing a gaitan for a cross

The lace should be chosen primarily based on the material from which it is made. Which gaitan should I choose for a gold cross? In this case, it is better to purchase a product made of leather or rubber. You should pay attention to the lace for the cross with a gold clasp and inserts made of the same metal. Jewelry made of silver will look perfect on a leather cord. It should be remembered that the thickness of the purchased gaitan directly depends on the massiveness of the cross. A product made of wood will look harmonious on a cord made of leather, rubber or silicone. The children's gaitan should be made of silk or textile.

The next step when choosing a lace is to determine its required length. The smallest value of this parameter is 40 centimeters, the largest is 70. The length of a children's lace for a cross is 40 or 45 cm. The suitable size of a gaitan for a teenager or a fragile girl is 50 centimeters. The optimal length of a woman's lace for a cross is 55 cm. And the size of a gaitan for a man is ideally 60 or 70 centimeters.

Conclusion

Gaitan is an accessory for wearing a cross around the neck. Such laces can be made of different materials, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. For a child, it is recommended to purchase a textile or silk gaitan for a cross. A lace made of leather or rubber will appeal to any adult, regardless of age and gender. To choose a suitable gaitan, you need to pay attention to the material from which it is made and the length of the product.

Some people do not like to wear chains with crosses, and some are put off by the high price of gold and silver items. In this case, crosses, icons and amulet can be hung on special ropes called gaitans. For a simple aluminum, copper or wooden cross, a linen, cotton (or other durable material) gaitan with a brass, steel or cupronickel clasp or without it at all is suitable. But for gold and silver crosses, they usually choose ropes with clasps coated with silver and gilding, or entirely made of precious metals: usually made of silver - blackened, gilded or ordinary, but there are also gold clasps; adults often take them for themselves.

A leather gaitan is an excellent solution for a man who has been given a massive pectoral cross. It is only important that the clasp is made of the same metal as the cross or harmoniously combines with it, for example, for a cross made of combined or white gold, you can buy a gaitan with a silver carabiner. The weight of the lock usually determines the price of the product. There are original clasps in the shape of a ring, suitable for combining a cross with an icon. The most expensive option is a gaitan with a gold lock; the larger it is, the more expensive the product. The classic male color of the gaitan is black, especially if it is leather. But textile options can be dark blue, gray, brown.

A silk gaitan is suitable for a young woman wearing a small cross, or for a child. Silk is very durable, so the rope will not break and will not cause trouble for the owner. Silk cord can be regular or twisted, depending on what you like. The thickness is also different, 1.5 mm is chosen for babies, 2 mm for older children, teenagers and women, while twisted or woven silk gaitans from 2.5 mm are suitable for men.

Rubber gaitan is an excellent modern solution for children, teenagers and young people. Most often it comes in classic black, but there are also colorful, rather acidic shades. The category of elastic gaitans also includes transparent silicone laces, usually very thin with miniature clasps; they are usually used by children.

Textile gaitans are an excellent and basic option for children, including infants. They practically do not rub the neck and are available in a rich palette of colors. There are red, yellow, black, white, blue and even two-color ropes for body crosses. Of course, it is better to choose a soft color (after all, the cross will be worn on the body under clothes, and not in plain sight) - white, light blue or light pink, beige and other calm pastel colors. Textiles can be hypoallergenic (polyester or nylon cord) or impregnated cotton. Locks are varied in shape and material, most often these are ordinary carabiners in the form of a ring (springel) or drops, screw or completely one-piece, there are also original forms that are difficult to unfasten.

The length of the gaitan is selected in the same way as the chain. For children under 3 years old, a 40 cm cord is suitable, children 3-10 years old should choose a length of 45 cm, teenagers and girls should choose a 50 cm cord, the classic female length of 50-55 cm is also suitable for boys. For men, depending on their build and the desired height of wearing the cross, they choose a gaitan with a length of 55 to 70 cm.

Which is better: a rope or a chain for a children's cross?

For the baptism of a child, they always buy a pectoral cross, after which a dilemma arises: what is better for the baby - an expensive chain of gold or silver, or should you limit yourself to a rope with a clasp.

We still recommend a lace if we are talking about a baby under 7 years old, no matter whether it is bright or pastel colors to match the color of the baptismal robe. Even if you buy a gold or silver cross, you need to take into account that babies, firstly, grow quickly and in a couple of years will need a different length of the product, and secondly, they do not yet know how to control themselves, so they break chains and lose their pectoral crosses.

When the child grows up, you can give him a chain (or you can buy a gift for an infant, but choose a length “for growth”, and until the age of 5-7 years the baby will wear a cross on a string). Here it is important to guess not only with the length, but also with the weave. Anchor, diamond, shell, as well as cord, cord and double anchor are excellent options for both boys and girls (and of all ages), but Singapore weave and snakes are best avoided, since chains with such weave are brittle and unreliable. The air lava and nonna are also suitable for girls, and the machine bismarck is suitable for boys.

A new Orthodox Christian buying a cross for himself may wonder: is it better to buy a cord for a cross or a chain? Advice on this issue can often be given by saleswomen, all-knowing Internet advisers, friends and relatives. Some will advise you to buy a chain in order to be like everyone else, others are beginning to convince you that a cord for a cross on your neck is much better, that the tradition of wearing a cross on a cord dates back to the first centuries of Christianity, that the cross was worn in this form before the revolution in Rus', and therefore that's more correct. In fact, these tips have no logical basis, since both in the first centuries of Christianity and in pre-revolutionary Russia there were both richer people who wore crosses on chains made of precious metals, and poor people who could only afford to buy a leather cord for a cross, or make a textile one yourself.

The choice between a lace for a cross around the neck and a chain is purely individual

Even an Orthodox priest will not tell you anything here if you approach him with such a question. Most likely, he will simply be surprised and say that wearing a Russian Orthodox cross on a cord or on a chain is up to you, because it is not at all important. It is important that the person wears a cross, but what to hang it on is a second-order question. Many people decide to buy a cord for a church cross because of its softness: in particular, this choice is usually made by the parents of a baptized baby, because a chain, even the softest, can painfully dig into the child’s delicate neck with its links and cause him serious discomfort. Men who wear large silver crosses often decide to buy a leather cord for an Orthodox cross, because the leather cord harmonizes perfectly with the silver.

Is it possible to buy a lace for a woman's cross?

Previously, it was generally accepted that laces for a cross, especially those tied in a knot, were a purely masculine accessory, since they looked a bit rough. But today's jewelry industry offers us elegant necklaces for the Russian Orthodox cross with gold or. Such laces are produced in different thicknesses, which makes it possible to choose it even for the most exquisite pectoral cross. You can buy a cord for a cross with clasps made of precious metals at any jewelry store.

Designer imagination comes up with new jewelry, combining all kinds of materials with different textures, which allows you to create original jewelry. One of these unusual options are jewelry laces with gold inserts. They very quickly began to appear among many people of different ages and genders, because thanks to their laconic and stylish appearance, they allow you to wear even very expensive pendants with everyday things. Jewelry laces made of genuine leather and rubber are especially valued by men, who are rarely seen with gold jewelry around their necks.

Such laconic products look less flashy and at the same time incredibly stylish. In addition, a cord with a small gold pendant or inserts looks harmonious on a child, becoming his first expensive decoration. Affordable prices and versatile appearance make jewelry laces with gold elements and inserts the desire of many people. There are many advantages to this type of jewelry, but there are also several serious problems that the owner of such a product will face.

Pros and cons of using leather and rubber laces

Leather has long been used to create decorative necklaces. Moreover, according to historians, it was on leather laces that ancient people hung various amulets and talismans, believing that they would protect them from dangers. And the inhabitants of Ancient India and China wore precious stones in this way to emphasize their social status. In Christian times, such products were often used as a gaitan - a cord on which a cross is hung. This tradition is still alive today.

The main advantage of leather jewelry laces with gold inserts is that they can be safely worn every day. This jewelry, made of high-quality genuine leather, will not cause allergic reactions in humans and will not rub the delicate skin on the neck. The appearance of this jewelry will always be stylish and modern, no matter what outfit you choose.

But due to regular wear, unpleasant transformations can occur with leather laces over time. Among the most common problems, experts identify the following:

• roughening of the leather surface of the laces;
• the appearance of a specific odor;
• deformation;
• ruptures.

If this jewelry with pendants is worn frequently, the leather laces may fray at the point of contact with the gold pendant. In addition, they often tear at the points where they are attached to the lock. This warning especially applies to smooth laces consisting of one thin strip of leather. But even woven options, consisting of several smooth ribbons intertwined, can become unusable over time. Therefore, when buying a leather lace with a gold clasp or precious inserts, you need to remember that this item is as carefully cared for as, say, expensive leather shoes or a jacket.

Rubber jewelry cords have also become widespread. This material does not cause allergic reactions and is highly durable. At the same time, rubber laces are very elastic, which makes them a convenient option for neck decoration. The advantage of this version of jewelry is that it is able to restore its shape after physical impact and deformation. For this reason, a rubber cord with a gold clasp is loved as a children's decoration. It has a matte and slightly velvety surface, against which the gold inserts and pendants shine especially brightly.

The disadvantages of rubber laces include their relative fragility. This piece of jewelry will not survive daily wear over a long period. The most destructive effects on rubber are caused by the following factors:

• water;
• high temperatures;
• perfumery;

If you constantly expose a rubber cord to negative factors, it will soon harden, become brittle and may break in the area where it is attached to the hanging element.

Rules for choosing leather laces with gold inserts

Based on their appearance, leather jewelry bases are divided into smooth and woven options. Products of the first type are created in several stages. First, they are cut from a single sheet of genuine leather, then they are further shaped and then painted. If you managed to purchase a high-quality smooth leather cord, then you can periodically take a shower in it or, say, swim in the sea, since in this sense it is stronger than its rubber “colleague”.

But we are talking specifically about rare wetting of the material. If you frequently expose it to wetness and then dry it out, the lace will quickly deteriorate. Although this is not the most common reason for the need to replace the product. Three quarters of all such cases occur due to the fact that the paint does not hold up: it is scratched and cracked in the place where the pendant is constantly hanging.

In turn, braided leather laces are more resistant to external irritants. When creating them, each individual smooth cord is separately coated with paint, after which they are woven into one product. Thanks to this, when worn, defects such as scuffs and scratches are less common. The advantage of these models is that they do not stretch over time, and their structure does not become fragile. Take a special look at woven leather items with gold accents made in Spain, India or Austria. Manufacturers from these countries often strengthen the cords by passing nylon or nylon threads inside them. With this model, you can be calm about your gold pendant, since even if the leather weave breaks, the internal thread will protect the jewelry from loss.

When choosing leather jewelry laces with gold inserts in a store, pay attention to the following characteristics of the products:

• appearance;
• reaction to water;
• naturalness of materials;
• fastener strength;
• perfection of gold inserts.

Ask the seller to provide you with a quality certificate to ensure that the product is made of high quality materials.

If you have already purchased a leather cord or have been given one as a gift, and you have doubts about its quality, you can conduct a simple experiment at home. It is important for you to know its reaction to the aquatic environment. Place the product in a container with warm water. If the lace does not deform due to water and does not stain the water, then its quality is excellent. Otherwise, we do not recommend wearing such jewelry, since in the heat of summer, under the influence of active sweating, such a lace can easily stain your neck.

Visually evaluate the appearance of the laces. Their surface should be evenly colored, and the leather tapes should be as perfectly shaped as possible. Some rare flaws in the form of ribbons are acceptable, but few, and they should be almost invisible. Make sure that they sell you truly natural leather and not an artificial substitute. It’s quite easy to check this at home - set it on fire from the edge in an inconspicuous place. If the characteristic smell of burnt skin appears, it means you were not deceived.

Key Points When Choosing Rubber Jewelry Cords

They generally don't need as much scrutiny as genuine leather options. Their surface is almost always smooth and flawless. In the case of these decorations, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

• length;
• the strength of the gold clasp;
• design.

Depending on the length and width of a person’s neck, various necklaces suit him. It is advisable to go to a jewelry store already knowing exactly what size suits you best. To do this, take a simple thread and tie it around your neck in front of a mirror, changing the length to determine which option suits you best. If you have a measuring tape at home, then measure the sample that suits you. Otherwise, just cut the required length and go to the store with this piece.

Pay close attention to the quality of the gold clasp, as it will be responsible for the safety of your cord and precious pendant if you plan to wear it. Most often, these models use a lobster clasp. They are easy to unfasten and fasten yourself. Test how comfortable it will be for you to fasten a rubber lace with gold elements on yourself.

Be sure to test the lock in the store. Make sure that the lock tongue does not stick and that the spring works smoothly.

Decoration design is entirely up to your personal preference. It can be a laconic rubber chain with small gold inserts or a product decorated with precious beads and a gold pendant. The range of jewelry laces is so wide that everyone can choose a piece of jewelry to their liking.

Combination with wardrobe

The versatility of jewelry cords made of leather or rubber with gold accents is that they can be worn on almost any occasion with clothes of different styles. For example, if you don’t attach a precious pendant to it, but limit yourself to small golden inclusions, then it will fit perfectly into an everyday outfit. They will look great with a white T-shirt, a sweatshirt, a leather biker jacket, and any other item of clothing that fits the definition of smart casual style.

If you have the financial means, then buy several gold pendants that you can wear to various events on this jewelry cord. This will create the impression of a new decoration every time. And this is one of the main advantages of leather or rubber laces: they allow a person to save on a gold chain and purchase a variety of precious pendants.

Having in your arsenal one basic lace and several pendants, you can create a new look every time, customizing it to the chosen ensemble.

You can change the design of the laces using the following decor:

• pendants;
• beads made of precious materials;
• individual removable gold elements.

If your everyday style is all about your personal preferences, then should you wear a jewelry cord to work? In this case, you need to be based on the rules of each specific company.

In some cases, there is a place for rubber laces in tandem with evening wear at social events. In these cases, designers advise women to wear elaborate multi-layered necklaces made of rubber, which will have gold inserts. In addition, it is permissible to wear one laconic cord, decorated with a massive gold pendant inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones.

In particular, jewelry makers quite often use jasper, rock crystal and cubic aquamarine for such products. The gemstones used are rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other bright options. They look very beautiful on a short cord around a woman's neck, as a choker necklace. But such decoration is not suitable for all beauties. It will look ideal on a long, slender neck, which the choker will emphasize. But for those who have a short neck, it is better to refrain from such a decision, since the line near the throat will visually “shorten” it even more.

After purchasing a pectoral cross, a new Christian often wonders whether it is worth buying a chain made of the appropriate metal for it, or is it better to buy a cord for the cross? The basis for these thoughts most often comes from church conversations, after listening to which one can conclude that the cross on a cord is an older, and therefore pious, tradition. Firstly, you should know that even in the first followers of Jesus they preferred not only laces around the neck for a cross, but also used chains for the same purpose: it depended on material wealth and social status. The chain is one of the oldest types of jewelry, and therefore it is incorrect to consider that it is an invention of recent centuries. Therefore, even the most pious believer can buy a cord for a pectoral cross, starting from his own preferences, and not from the myth about the non-existent “grace” of this accessory.

In what cases is it better to buy a lace for a cross?

Most often, the choice of a necklace for a cross is made by those for whom it suits their clothing style best: these are fans of boho, ethnic and similar styles. In turn, lovers of the classics prefer to wear crosses on chains: you must admit that a cross on a cord does not go well with a formal business suit or stilettos. Those who nevertheless chose the first option should know what types of necklaces for the cross exist. So, in online stores and icon shops you can buy laces for an Orthodox cross made from the following materials:

• Nylon
• Cotton
• Lurex
• Rubber

Cords made from these materials come in different colors, which means they can be changed depending on the color of your clothing. Z

and since the cord for the cross around the neck does not injure the skin, it is recommended to buy it for children; In addition, it will be an excellent solution for those who suffer from metal allergies.

Buy a leather cord for a cross: what is a gaitan and a choker?

Anyone who wants to buy a cord for an Orthodox cross may come across such terms that are unfamiliar to the average buyer, such as gaitan or choker. These are similar concepts - this is the name given to neck jewelry made from different materials and intended to be worn as pendants. They are distinguished from ordinary lace by the presence of a silver or gold clasp, and sometimes additional decorations - for example, beads and curved plates of the corresponding metal.

Nowadays, the choice in favor of a necklace for a cross is no longer determined by financial wealth: a high-quality choker or gaitan woven from leather, equipped with a clasp and decorations made of precious metals, can cost no less than a small silver or gold chain.