Julian Cross was born in Harrow in 1955. He has had no formal training as an artist. He is a self-taught painter, sculptor and silversmith. Julian Cross has come to silversmithing late: until about seven years ago he was a painter when he rediscovered the art of modelling. This resulted in the production of a series of small sculptures and jewellery in silver. He also produced his own range of jewellery.

In 1990 Julian Cross first entered the Goldsmiths' Craft Council Annual Craftsmanship and Design Awards. In 1992 he was awarded first prize in the modellers' section. This led to a commission from the Goldsmiths' Company for the Prime Warden's Medal for Lord Nelson of Stafford. Julian Cross was commissioned to produce a medal for the British Art Medal Society in 1992.

He is a member of the British Art Medal Society and the Society of Numismatic Artists and Designers.