Selecting the Perfect Crucifix for Making Beautiful Rosaries

Selecting the Right Crucifix for Rosary Making

When making a rosary, one of the most important components is selecting the right crucifix. The crucifix is the centerpiece of the rosary and what makes it distinctly Catholic. There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a crucifix for your homemade rosary.

Size of the Crucifix

The size of the crucifix is one of the first things to think about. Most crucifixes designed for rosaries range between 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches tall. A good standard size that works for most full size rosaries is a crucifix that is 1 inch tall.

For rosaries with larger beads, a slightly bigger crucifix in the 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch range helps maintain proportionality. If making a pocket or travel size rosary with smaller 4mm beads, a 3/4 inch crucifix is ideal.

Measuring the center space on your beads will help determine what size crucifix will fit best without excess room. Having a properly fitted crucifix makes for a more polished, quality looking rosary.

Material of the Crucifix

Rosary crucifixes are readily available in a variety of materials such as:

• Pewter
• Nickel
• Silver
• Gold
• Vermeil (gold plated over sterling silver)
• Oxidized metals
• Bronze

Pewter, nickel, bronze and oxidized metals are very affordable options. Vermeil and solid gold crucifixes offer luxury touches for special rosaries. Silver provides an attractive in-between option.

Choose a crucifix material that matches the look and feel you want for your rosary. Make sure it also complements the beads you've selected. For instance, vintage style beads would pair nicely with an oxidized bronze crucifix.

Corpus Style

The corpus refers to the design of Jesus' body on the cross. There are a few main styles to choose from:

• Realistic: Sculpted with anatomical detailing and modeled to look lifelike.
• Corpus: A more simplified, stylized proportioned body with less detailing.
• Byzantine: Very stylized slender body with arms pointing upwards.
• San Damiano: Similar to Byzantine style with Jesus' eyes open.

The most popular choice for modern rosary making is a nicely detailed realist corpus in metal. Corpus crucifixes offer a simple style. For vintage inspired rosaries, a Byzantine style corpus fits well.

Crucifix Backing

Rosary crucifixes come with either a plain backing or a decorative one. A plain backing is simply the back side of the cross, lacking ornamentation. Decorative backings feature etchings, symbols or designs.

Some common crucifix backings include:

• IHS Christogram
• INRI inscription
• Jerusalem Cross
• Fleur de Lis designs
• Celtic knotwork
• Rosary bead and chain carvings

For a more subtle look, a plain crucifix backing is perfectly fine. Decorative backings add extra ornamentation and meaning for those wanting a more elaborate cross.

Crucifix Attachment Type

The way the crucifix attaches to the rosary also deserves consideration. There are two main crucifix attachment styles:

• Jump Ring: A thin wire ring attaches the crucifix to the center link.
• Chain Link: The crucifix features soldered links of chain at the top.

Jump rings allow the crucifix to move freely and spin around. A chain link offers a more stable, fixed attachment. While a minor detail, the attachment style contributes to the rosary's overall look and durability.

Matching the Crucifix Finish

When selecting a crucifix, it's generally best to match the finish to the beads and other findings. For instance, antiqued bronze beads would pair nicely with an antiqued bronze crucifix. Or rose gold beads complement a rose gold chain and crucifix.

Sticking to one consistent finish gives the rosary a cohesive, intentional look. Mixing shiny metals with antiqued metals risks looking piecemeal.

Sourcing Quality Rosary Crucifixes

Finding well-made crucifixes to suit your rosary making needs is key. Here are some excellent sources to purchase quality rosary crosses:

• Rosary bead shops: Specialty retailers like ReliogiousShop.com often have the best selection designed specifically for rosary making.
• Catholic gift shops: Parish gift shops or Catholic bookstores carry crosses, though selection is often smaller.
• Jewelry findings websites: Sites like MonkandNun.com have a niche focus on jewelry findings for rosary making.
• Etsy: Sellers on Etsy produce handmade crucifixes in a wide variety of styles.

Well established rosary shops with a long history of service tend to offer exceptional quality and customer satisfaction guarantees. Sites that specialize in jewelry findings also carry an extensive range crucifixes at wholesale pricing.

Crafting Your Own Rosary Crucifix

With some DIY skills, you can also try your hand at making your own custom crucifix for your homemade rosaries. Here are some ideas if you'd like to create your own crosses:

Sculpting Clay Crucifixes

Sculpting air dry clays like Cernit or Makins Polymer Clay allow you to shape and design your own corpus relief. Let the clay fully cure before coating with acrylic paints. Finish with a sealant spray.

Casting Resin Crucifixes

Two part jewelry casting resins can be poured into silicone molds to make detailed resin crucifixes. Embed stampings or symbols into the resin before curing. Resin cures shiny, so finished with paint and sealants.

Soldering Metal Crucifixes

Cut out corpus shapes from thin metal sheets and solder components together. Distress with antiquing solutions or acrylic paints to color. Add patina coating for an aged effect.

Wooden Cross Crafting

Carve crucifix corpuses out of wood like basswood. Another option is lasering designs into wooden cross blanks. Finish with wood stain, paint or markers to add color and detail.

With practice and some trial and error, you can create one of a kind crucifixes to give your homemade rosaries personalized touches.

Tips for Attaching the Crucifix

Once you've selected the perfect crucifix for your rosary, you'll want to securely attach it to the center. Here are some tips:

• Open jump rings with two pairs of pliers to avoid damaging the wire
• For fixed chain link style, use a strong two part epoxy glue
• Ensure the crucifix sits straight and centered
• Inspect the joint and test for strength
• Consider adding a drop of epoxy or clear nail polish to reinforce the connection

Taking a bit of extra care during crucifix attachment prevents breakage and instability. This helps ensure your rosary recipient can treasure it for years to come.

Caring for Your Rosary Crucifix

Rosary crucifixes may endure regular handling, so protecting the cross helps preserve its beauty. Here are some tips for caring for your rosary crucifix:

• Gently wipe down periodically with a soft dry cloth
• Use polish made for that specific metal type
• Prevent scratches by storing the rosary in a fabric pouch when not in use
• Consider applying clear nail polish on jump rings to prevent stretching
• Store rosaries away from moisture or humidity extremes

By caring for your crucifix and handling it with care, your rosary cross can retain its luster for many years. With its sacred meaning and craftsmanship, your custom rosary crucifix is worth protecting.

We hope these tips help guide you in choosing beautiful crucifixes for your homemade rosary projects. Selecting that special cross piece is one of the most meaningful steps in rosary making. Let your crucifix reflect your faith and bring inspiration to all who use your rosary creation.

FAQs

What size crucifix should I use for a full size rosary?

For a standard full size rosary with 6mm or 8mm beads, a crucifix that is 1 inch to 1 1/4 inches tall usually works well. Measure the center space on your beads to find the optimal fitted size.

What metals can I find rosary crucifixes in?

Popular crucifix metals include nickel, pewter, bronze, silver, vermeil, and gold. Oxidized metals like blackened brass or antiqued silver are also used for vintage styles.

What's the most common crucifix corpus style?

For modern rosary making, the most popular choice is a realistic detailed corpus sculpture in metal. Vintage or medieval style rosaries may use a more stylized Byzantine corpus.

Should my crucifix match my rosary beads?

It's generally best to match metals and finishes between the crucifix, beads, and other findings for a cohesive look. For example, use an antiqued bronze crucifix with similarly antiqued bronze beads.

How can I make my own custom crucifix?

Some options for DIY crucifix making include sculpting polymer clay, resin casting, soldering metal, or wood carving. Finish with paints, sealants, or patinas to add color and protection.