Christian Necklaces That Aren't Crosses: Symbols Explained

Christian necklaces that are not crosses include the mustard seed (Matthew 17:20), the dove, the anchor (Hebrews 6:19), the ichthys fish, Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13), faith, hope and love charms (1 Corinthians 13:13), verse bars and saint medals. Each carries a clear Christian meaning in a quieter shape that suits everyday wear.

Why choose a symbol other than a cross?

The cross is the central Christian symbol, and many people wear one gladly. Others prefer something different, for reasons such as:

They want something low-key. A small symbol under a collar can be easier to wear at work or school.
They already own a cross and would like a second piece with a different story.
The gift is for someone private about faith. A symbol they can explain if asked, but that does not announce itself, may feel more comfortable.
They like a particular verse. Some symbols point to one passage they love.

None of these is a reason to avoid the cross. They are reasons a different symbol may suit a particular person.

Symbols and what they mean

Verses below are quoted from the King James Version (KJV).

Mustard seed

A real seed in a small glass vial or set in resin, or a seed shape in metal. It points to Jesus' words about small faith:

"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

Dove

A picture of the Holy Spirit, from Jesus' baptism, when "he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him" (Matthew 3:16, KJV). A dove carrying an olive leaf also recalls the end of the flood in Genesis 8. It is a natural choice for a baptism or confirmation.

Anchor

One of the early Christian symbols, linked to this verse about hope:

"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast." Hebrews 6:19 (KJV)

It suits someone holding on through a hard season.

Ichthys (the fish)

The simple fish outline early Christians used. The Greek word for fish, ΙΧΘΥΣ, is read as the first letters of "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour". It is small, simple and widely recognised.

Alpha and Omega

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, from Jesus' words: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Revelation 22:13, KJV).

Faith, hope and love

Word charms, or a cross, anchor and heart together, based on 1 Corinthians 13:13. The KJV reads "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." Most modern translations use "love" where the KJV has "charity".

Verse bars and word charms

A bar or disc engraved with a verse reference or a single word such as "faith" or "grace". Good for someone who likes words more than symbols. Check how the engraving is done and whether personalisation costs extra.

Saint medals

Small medals such as St Christopher or the Miraculous Medal are a Catholic tradition, popular for travel, First Holy Communion and confirmation. If the person is not Catholic, one of the symbols above may suit them better.

Choosing one as a gift

Match the symbol to the moment:

Confirmation: a dove, a mustard seed or a verse bar. See confirmation gifts for girls.
Adult baptism: a dove or an anchor. See adult baptism gifts.
Christmas: any small symbol works as a stocking filler. See Christian stocking fillers.
A hard season: an anchor or a mustard seed, with the verse written in the card.

Whatever you choose, tell them in the card why you picked that symbol. It is what turns a small necklace into a personal gift.

What to check at under £20

At this price most chains are stainless steel, plated brass or alloy, not solid 925 silver. Before you buy, check:

What the chain is made of, in the seller's own words.
Pendant size in mm or cm, because close-up photos can mislead.
Chain length. 45 cm usually sits near the collarbone on an adult.
The returns policy and the delivery estimate.

Our comparison of faith necklaces under £20 goes through each style and material.

Our mustard seed necklace

We make one necklace, and it is not a cross. The Mustard Seed Faith Necklace is a clear glass vial about 2.3 cm tall holding one real mustard seed, sealed with a cork stopper. A small round stainless-steel charm stamped "faith" sits at the chain end. The chain is polished stainless steel in a silver tone (not 925 silver), 45 cm with a 5 cm extender. It is £16.99 with free tracked UK delivery and 14-day returns.

If you would rather have a dove, an anchor or a saint medal, another shop will suit you better. If you want a real seed you can see, with Matthew 17:20 to write in the card, this is the one we make.

More guides: Christian gifts for women and all our gift guides.

Quick answers

What Christian necklaces are there besides a cross? The mustard seed, dove, anchor, ichthys fish, Alpha and Omega, faith, hope and love charms, verse bars and saint medals.

What does an anchor necklace mean for Christians? Hope that holds firm, from Hebrews 6:19: "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast."

What does a mustard seed necklace mean? It points to Matthew 17:20, where Jesus says faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain.

Is a mustard seed necklace a Christian symbol? Yes. It comes from Jesus' words in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Last updated: 27 October 2026.