Gaitan is a cord around the neck, rope, braid for wearing a cross, pendant, pendant, icon or amulet, available in many varieties. Choosing a gaitan for a cross is sometimes extremely difficult. At the moment, several types of jewelry cords are used to make gaitans: leather, silk, textile, nylon, rubber, silicone.

Leather cord for a cross, pendant, amulet

A leather neck cord will be a great addition to any everyday look. The natural material is pleasant to the body and has an excellent appearance. It is vulnerable to oils, salts and moisture, mechanical damage when in contact with sharp edges of the suspension, fats and elevated temperatures. If there are no changes on silk laces
are so obvious, extreme care must be taken with accessories made of genuine leather and leather inserts.

The online store catalog offers women's and men's models of leather laces for cross stitches in the following varieties:
- gaitans with smooth pressed leather laces
- gaitans with braided leather laces

When making smooth products, whole leather sheets are cut into separate strips, which are subsequently subjected to additional coloring and molding. High quality leather gaitan easily withstands bath procedures and long-term
being in the shower, swimming in sea and fresh water. Compared to silicone and rubber, it is characterized by increased tensile strength. But frequent getting wet and drying out are the main reasons for product deformation.

In gaitana, leather elements are most often replaced as soon as noticeable abrasions appear on their surface from
suspension. The loss of the original appearance of the cord and the appearance of abrasions are a good reason for replacing the decorative element. To extend the service life of the accessory, it is enough to remove it while showering, sports training, sleeping, or when visiting the pool or sauna.

Braided jewelry cord is of higher quality. Most of these accessories are created by hand. Leather tape is dyed. When making up the weave, the cord elements are least susceptible to external influences. Manufacturers use nylon or nylon threads as an amplifier. Damage to the outer braid, in this case, will not lead to complete destruction of the product and loss of the suspension. Braided leather gaitan is the least susceptible to stretching.

Gaitan with silk cord

Silk lace is the most reliable lace, as it is created on the basis of nylon. This gives it elasticity and softness. Silk gaitan does not lose its color brightness when visiting rooms with high levels of humidity and temperature, and sweat and dirt are removed from the material the moment a person takes a shower. The jewelry does not require specific care and is attractive due to its availability and wide color palette. A silk cord for a cross is often purchased for children.

Gaitan with rubber cord

Rubber laces for crosses are not suitable for intensive use, since they lose elasticity and become brittle when perfume, moisture and sweat come into contact with the surface of the product. Temperature effects are no less destructive for rubber. Rubber gaitan may cause an allergic reaction.

In the online store site you can choose and buy a lace for a cross that is suitable for you. A large selection of gaitans and low prices will pleasantly please you.

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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, aesthetically pleasing 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.

In our time, 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 child'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.

Since ancient times, every Christian in Rus', be it a prince, a merchant or a simple peasant, wore chains made of gold, silver or cheaper metals, as well as laces made of various materials to hold this attribute around his neck. Another name for them is gaitans. What materials are modern cross stitch laces made from? How to choose quality gaitan? The answers to these and other questions are given in the article below.

Types of laces

Depending on the material of manufacture, the following laces for crosses are distinguished:

• silk;
• textile;
• silicone;
• rubber;
• leather.

Silk cord is the best choice when it comes to a gaitan for a child. This material has a delicate texture, but at the same time is practical to use. In addition, silk laces can be of different colors.

Another option for gaitan material for a child is this cord around the neck for a cross, most often you can buy it directly in a church shop. It is practical to wear. If a textile lace gets dirty, then when the child is bathed, it goes through a washing process and becomes clean again. Like silk ones, these gaitans can be dyed in various colors. Cotton lace with a clasp has the lowest cost compared to others.

They appeared relatively recently, when it became fashionable to “combine incompatible things.” This material is soft, elegant and durable. Silicone is not afraid of moisture. The surface of such a lace always remains glossy and does not lose its attractiveness over time.

The last two types of necklaces - leather and rubber - are the most popular. Therefore, a separate section will be devoted to each of them below.

Leather lace

The main features of leather laces are practicality and versatility. Such gaitans are durable, aesthetic and reliable. Due to the fact that leather is a natural material, these laces have the following properties:

• Moisture resistance. Leather gaitans are treated with a special compound that repels water. This prevents moisture from penetrating inside the cross stitch lace.
• Flexibility. Thanks to this property, the appearance of gaitan remains attractive throughout the entire period of use.
• Strength and wear resistance.

Leather laces can be of various designs. A thick wicker gaitan will go well with a massive heavy cross. In tandem with an elegant cross, a thin leather cord will look neat and stylish.

Gaitan made from this material will go well with almost any clothing, so it is ideal for everyday use.

Rubber lace

Both young people and older people enjoy wearing rubber. Such gaitans are simple and concise. They can be worn by men, women and children. Rubber laces have the following advantages:

• Flexibility. Due to their elasticity, such gaitans are reliable. They stretch but don't tear.
• Softness. This quality ensures comfort when using a rubber lace.
• Dullness. The smooth surface of the gaitan without gloss looks noble and stylish.
• Low price.

The disadvantages of rubber laces include the possibility of allergic reactions to this material in people with particularly sensitive skin. Another disadvantage of using such gaitan is that it hardens when exposed to moisture. This means that before water procedures, the rubber lace must be removed.

Lace or chain?

When buying a pectoral cross, a person often asks himself the question: what is better to wear it on - on a chain or on a cord? There is no clear answer. The main thing is the fact of the presence of a cross on a Christian’s neck. And what it will be suspended on is not important. Indeed, since ancient times, Christians have used both laces and chains to wear a cross. It depended on the person's social status and well-being.

If we are talking about a child, then, undoubtedly, you should opt for gaitan. Moreover, it is recommended to purchase laces for crosses made of silk or textile. The chain, due to its rigidity, can cause discomfort to the baby’s delicate neck and even leave chafing. In addition, it can easily tear.

How to choose a lace for a cross?

To choose the right gaitan, you first need to identify the material from which it should be made. Which cord to choose for a gold cross? In this case, a leather gaitan or a rubber product with gold inserts will look good. A leather cord is ideal for a silver pectoral cross. Moreover, the more massive the jewelry, the thicker the gaitan for it should be. A wooden cross will look harmonious both on a leather cord and on a rubber or silicone one. For a child, you need to purchase a gaitan made of textiles or silk.

The next step is to determine the required length of the lace for the cross. The minimum value of this indicator is 40 cm, the maximum is 70. Children's laces for crosses should be 40 or 45 centimeters long. For teenagers and fragile girls, the appropriate size is 50 cm. Fifty-five centimeters is the optimal length for a female gaitan. And finally, the size of the men's lace for the cross should be 60 or 70 cm.

Conclusion

Gaitan is used to wear a pectoral cross around the neck. Such a lace can be made of various materials, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. For children, gaitans are most often purchased from textiles or silk. Among adults, the most common are rubber or leather cross laces. To choose the right gaitan, you need to determine two main parameters - material and length.

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 further shaped and then dyed. 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.

The Orthodox cross has the shape of an eight-pointed Christian cross. This attribute is a symbol of the Orthodox Church. A special feature of the Orthodox cross is the presence of a lower crossbar on it.

To wear a cross, it is used. It is worth saying that ropes for cross stitches can be made of various materials, usually fabric or leather. Leather ropes for cross stitches are distinguished by the strength of the material. , which can be bought at any temple or church, is an indispensable attribute for wearing it.

It is worth noting that all eight ends of the Orthodox cross are characterized by eight main periods of human history. Moreover, the last, eighth period means the future age - the Kingdom of Heaven. The end of the cross, pointing upward, is a symbol of the road to the Kingdom of Heaven, which was opened by Jesus Christ. In turn, the slanting crossbar that was nailed to the feet of Jesus speaks of the beginning of the revival of the spirit absolutely everywhere. Also, it signifies the human path, which begins in darkness and ends in heavenly light.

Also, there are Orthodox crosses that depict the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This type of cross symbolizes the image of the crucifixion, and also fully reflects the Power of the Cross. Since ancient times, wearing this type of Orthodox cross meant that a person was protected from visible and invisible evil.

I would like to say that in Orthodoxy, you can often find a six-pointed cross. The fact is that this cross is also one of the ancient crosses. Thus, it was installed in 1161 on the Pokolnaya Hill in honor of the Venerable Eurosigna.

Orthodox cross in human life.

For every person, wearing an Orthodox cross is a kind of measure (scales) of internal state. As a rule, such crosses are worn only by those people who have fully understood their spiritual state.

The same thing happened at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when between the cross there were two thieves who were the measuring stick. The Bible said that one of the thieves blasphemed Christ during the crucifixion. In turn, the second thief said that Jesus was right. So, Jesus, in response to the words of the second thief, said that his sins would be taken away and he would go to heaven.

The Orthodox cross must be worn by a person from the moment of baptism until the end of his days. After a person dies, a grave cross is placed on his grave. It is worth noting that exactly the same cross is installed on the lid of the coffin. Quite often you can see that a cross is placed on the grave on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

In the online store “Unquenchable Lamp”, each person can choose an Orthodox cross from various materials and different shapes. The catalog contains crosses made of gold and silver, as well as cheaper materials. Also, Orthodox crosses depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ are sold here.

By turning to the services of the online store “Unquenchable Lamp”, a person has the opportunity to fully familiarize himself not only with the catalog of Orthodox crosses, but also with the catalog of Orthodox literature, utensils, and so on. If a person has any questions about purchasing a product, he has the opportunity to consult with an experienced seller who is competent in this matter. It is worth noting that cooperation with will leave only bright memories in a person’s memory.