What's the difference between cultural appropriation and adopting/assimilating new cultural practices?

Good question, and I wish an answer had jumped to mind. I think it's it's done with understanding and respect for the culture itself or the symbol in question, then it really shouldn't be viewed in a bad light. Taking cultural elements and using them incorrectly, ignorantly or in an ironic manner, I'd call that appropriation. For instance, those beads on a chain with a Crucifix we Catholics use to pray with? That's a rosary and it is never, ever a necklace.