Olivenholz aus Bethlehem: Kreuze & Ketten

Olive wood from Bethlehem links a natural material with a place that is among the most important in the world for Christians. Here you will find cross necklaces, cross pendants, holding crosses, wall crosses and standing crosses, Christmas motifs and a few kitchen helpers in olive wood, handcrafted in Bethlehem according to the product data.

Most pieces cost under €15, and some are blessed and suit a gift for a christening, Communion or Confirmation. LUNEXUS: Founded in 1889 · revived in 2025.

Why olive wood from Bethlehem?

Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. Anyone holding a cross or pendant in olive wood from there holds a small piece of the Holy Land. Olive wood is hard and dense and has a striking grain: light and dark streaks alternate, so every piece is one of a kind. The product data states handwork from Bethlehem; the exact origin is given for each item.

The range at a glance

• Necklaces and cross pendants: simple, openwork and Byzantine cross, tau cross, cross with a heart, figure of Christ or dove. The necklaces mostly cost €9.90.
• Pendants with motifs: angel, Holy Family, Three Kings, flight into Egypt, nativity scene, bells and dove of peace with cross.
• Crosses: comfort cross, holding cross (9 cm), tau cross (15 cm), wall crosses and a standing cross that can be taken apart (18.5 cm).
• Also: a house blessing wall plaque, a keyring, and spatula and salad servers for the kitchen.

A gift idea with a story

A cross in olive wood is a lasting gift because it tells a story. For christenings, First Holy Communion and Confirmation there are many small pieces that children like too and that cost barely €10. You will find a selection under First Holy Communion gifts, Christening gifts and in Jewellery & necklaces. For Advent, Olive wood Christmas ornaments fit well.

Why the olive wood cross is so closely linked with Bethlehem is explained in the article The olive wood cross: a symbol of faith with roots in Bethlehem.

Care

Olive wood is robust. Keep it dry, wipe it with a soft cloth when needed and give it the occasional drop of care oil if it looks dull. This applies especially to kitchen helpers, which you should wash by hand.

Olive wood as a gift: which pieces for whom?

For children at a christening or First Holy Communion, small cross pendants and necklaces at €9.90 are suitable. For teenagers the tau cross or the necklace with a dove is popular, for adults the holding cross or a wall cross. An olive wood house blessing suits a move into a new home, and the kitchen helpers suit people who value natural materials. If you are giving several pieces, for example to a whole group, the quantity discount is available.

Important to know: olive wood is a natural product, so colour and grain differ from piece to piece. This makes each item one of a kind, but it can differ slightly from the product photo.

A Catholic priest blesses many of our items in our warehouse; a certificate card showing the date of the blessing is included. For groups and parishes there is a quantity discount on request (More about the quantity discount).

Frequently asked questions

Why olive wood from Bethlehem?
Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus, and olive wood is a traditional material of the region. That links a natural material with a place that matters to Christians.

Are the pieces really handcrafted?
For most items the product data states “handmade” and “handcrafted in Bethlehem”. You can also tell from the grain, which is different on every piece.

Are the items blessed?
Many, but not all. A Catholic priest blesses many of our items in our warehouse; a certificate card showing the date of the blessing is included. Whether an item is blessed is stated in the product title or in the description.

How much does an olive wood cross cost?
Cross pendants and necklaces mostly cost €9.90, and wall crosses cost more. The cheapest pieces start at €5.90 (as of October 2026).

How do I care for olive wood?
Keep it dry, wipe it with a soft cloth and refresh it with a drop of care oil if needed. Wash kitchen helpers by hand.