The rope on which the cross is worn is called. Gaitan for a cross (lace): types and selection rules

15.12.202327.05.2017

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 universal 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 versions, 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, then you have not been 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.

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 child's gaitan. 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 fastener has the lowest cost compared to others.

They appeared relatively recently, when it became fashionable to “combine incongruous 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.

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 agree 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.

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 advisors, 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 for even the most exquisite pectoral cross. You can buy a cord for a cross with clasps made of precious metals at any jewelry store.

Usually the cross is put on after the sacrament of baptism. You can wear it on a chain or a special ribbon. The cross is considered not only a symbol of Christianity, it is also a talisman. Worn under clothing, but wearing it on top is not prohibited. Can be combined with samples or other decorations. However, the cross must be worn on a separate string (chain). When putting it on a rope, the question often arises as to how to tie the knot.

Knots for tying a cross rope

There is no specific technology for tying knots (their number, shape, size). It is worth using the method that is convenient, easy to implement, reliable and durable. There are many types of such nodes.

Some of the simplest methods are the following nodes:

Direct

Mother-in-law

You can use slightly more complicated options:

Surgical

Step 1. The edges of the cord are overlapped.

Step 2. Turn around again.

Step 3. The ends are brought out from above the twist and crossed.

Step 4. Pulling the ends tightens the knot.

Flat

Step 1. A loop is made on one side. The second part is superimposed on it.

Step 3. Drawing from above itself, it comes out of the loop from below.

Step 4. By pulling both ends, the knot is tightened.

The ends of the knots can be treated with a lighter (burned) to ensure the reliability of the bundle.

Types of cords for a cross

Laces (another name for gaitana) used to wear a cross are divided according to materials of manufacture into the following types:

Leather;
Rubber;
Silicone;
Silk;
Textile.

Gaitana made of leather.

Leather gaitans are durable. They are elastic and treated with special solutions that repel moisture. There are models on sale with inserts and clasps made of precious metals (gold, silver). For massive crosses, thick braided laces are suitable. More elegant products look good on thin leather ropes. This natural material is suitable for everyday wear, complementing any look.

Cords made of rubber and silicone are also not afraid of moisture, have flexibility, softness and at the same time good strength. Silicone cords, unlike rubber cords, have a glossy appearance. It lasts throughout the entire wear time.

Silk braid for the cross.

Silk laces and ribbons made of cotton fabric can be bought directly in the church, during baptism. They can have a variety of colors, wash well and have a delicate texture. These gaitans are ideal for children. They do not irritate the baby's skin and are easily cleaned of dirt while bathing the child.

When tying such ropes to a child, they should be too long. The lace should not get tangled, cling, be comfortable during movements and not choke the child (easily removed if necessary, without untying the knot). The knot should be made small so as not to irritate (rub) the baby’s skin.