Tuesday, August 29, 2006

christian jewelry : WILL THE PLATING LAST

This is mostly up to you. This depends on IF and how often you clean the jewellery. SOLID GOLD as well as ALL precious metal can be eroded away by common body salts exuded in our perspiration. Please read care & cleaning tips provided. Yes, I know .... you meant 'how long will the gold last' ...

This is a question which cannot be answered definitively ... honestly. There are too many variables ... how long you wear it, how often you wear it, whether you clean it regularly, the climate you live in, one's own body acid content, medications you may be on, whether you are going through puberty, pregnancy or menopause (change in body chemicals) etc, etc.

CAN I WEAR IT ALL THE TIME?
Ask yourself if you wear your best clothes all the time or your best shoes? Would you consider wearing your best or delicate things while doing the housework or the gardening? The simple truth is the more you use anything the quicker it shows signs of usage and wear ... including solid gold as well as electroplated Christian jewellery.

WHAT CARAT GOLD IS IT?
All of our gold Christian jewellery is triple plated with 18 CARAT HARD GOLD. None of our Christian jewellery is solid gold.


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Monday, August 28, 2006

christian jewelry : Care & Cleaning Tips

Regular cleaning of your Christian jewellery is a must especially in hot weather. When we perspire we bring salts, oils, body chemicals and acids to the surface of our skin which is very harmful to ALL precious metals.

To keep and enhance the shine and lengthen the life of your new Christian jewellery simply wipe with a cloth dampened with a very little mild detergent in warm water. Rinse with warm water and then DRY THOROUGHLY with a lint free cloth. Please use NO commercial jewellery cleaners.

We are not responsible for the performance of Christian jewellery which has been subjected to abuse and misuse such as dropping, knocking, engraving, immersion in salt water, chlorine, strong chemicals, or contact with perfume, hair spray, etc.

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christian jewelry : Gospel Jewelry

Christian jewellery carrying an engraved gospel message tag. Simply choose ANY pendant in gold or silver ... then select your favourite verse of scripture. The Christian jewelry necklace you choose comes with a complimentary chain of your choice PLUS a detachable tag engraved with your favourite gospel scripture.



Select a pendant such as a Christian fish, cross, dove, ichthus, angel or heart and it includes a chain and a gospel message tag! A blessed Christian jewellery gift for your loved ones or as a testimony of your faith. The Australian made Christian jewellery is beautifully presented gift ready in a velour jewellery pouch.


Deuteronomy 6: 5-6,8. You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. (8) You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

Proverbs 3: 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

http://www.gospeljewellery.com/

Friday, August 25, 2006

christian jewelry : Ancient Symbolism in Popular Fashion

The mysterious and the mystical have always had the power to hold human beings in thrall throughout the millennia. Celtic jewelry is no exception to this, since they are an extension and a reminder of the traditions and rituals of the Celts, an ancient European people. Today, men and women of all ages wear Celtic jewelry not only for their beauty, but also for their symbolism and metaphysical connotations.

Also popularly -- though inaccurately -- known as Claddagh jewelry, Celtic designs are appreciated for their intricacy and beauty. Numerous patterns of Celtic origin, such as the spiral and the cross, are used by jewelers in their creations. The Celtic spiral symbolizes eternity and is used abundantly in many Celtic jewelry items today. Just as popular is the Celtic cross, which pre-dates the Christian cross by about two centuries. The Celtic cross is thought to bring greater knowledge, understanding and the fortitude to deal with trials and adversities, as compared to the Christian cross, which is believed to protect the wearer from harm.

Claddagh rings and bracelets are two more examples of popular Celtic jewelry items that are replete with symbolism. Rings that have the Celtic knot design symbolize eternal and undying love; this is why they are exchanged by the bride and groom in present day wedding ceremonies – to signify their fidelity and never-ending commitment to each other. Such rings and bracelets are also given to friends as an indication of loyalty.

Necklaces and pendants are likewise integral parts of a Celtic jewelry collection. Depending on the wearer’s preferences, the pendant may depict the image of Celtic figures such as the ever-popular knot, spiral, Celtic cross, serpent or dragon. Such symbols have deep spiritual and religious meaning, and it is one of the main reasons why Celtic jewelry items are popular dress accessories today.

A person does not have to be Irish or Scottish or to have any other Celtic connection in order to appreciate Celtic jewelry. Whether given as gifts or maintained as personal keepsakes, these unique pieces can be enjoyed just for their beauty alone. But a little awareness of their meaning, as well as their place in history and tradition add to their air of enigma and allure.

By Sam Serio

christian jewelry : Spirit and Truth Christian Jewelry Designs

Spirit and Truth Christian Jewelry Designs has over 300 of the sharpest styles for men and women. From necklaces to bracelets to anklets.

Spirit and Truth Christian Jewelry Designs welcomes you to tour our lines of over 300 pieces by selecting a category from the scroll bar on the left. Click on the product details button to see the enlarged image of your choice and to begin personalizing your piece! Select your favorite Bible verse from our menu of over 200 choices

Spirit and Truth Christian Jewelry Designs is your resource center for scripture bearing products that remind you, encourage you, and witness to others about the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints

II Timothy 4:1-4
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.

Copyright ©1999-2002 Spirit and Truth Christian Jewelry Designs

christian jewelry : ScriptureWear

We're glad you surfed in and hope you'll enjoy our latest line of ScriptureWear® Christian jewelry.

ScriptureWear, Inc., is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Stay-at-home moms hand-craft all of our pins and pendants. Most of the moms have a husband in school or seminary. They all love the Lord and put their hearts into making each piece of ScriptureWear® special.

Let me tell you a little bit about ScriptureWear® pieces. Each piece is based on verses in scripture. Every pin or pendant is mounted on a card. The scripture explaining the components of that piece is printed on the back of the card. Our customers find this feature very desirable, especially if they are giving the piece as a gift. Our pin backs are placed vertically so each pin can also be worn as a pendant on a chain or neck ring. With very few exceptions, all metal parts of our jewelry are made of 24k gold electro-plated brass and sterling silver. We use only genuine Austrian crystals.

ScriptureWear® pieces also give our customers a way to share their faith when comments are made about them. This is also a perfect witnessing opportunity.

If you would like a color brochure showing the actual size and color of each piece, please complete our brochure request form with name and address.

© 1998 - 2004 ScriptureWear,

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

christian jewelry : Religious Jewelry

Divine aesthetics is how one might define religious jewelry, if asked to do so. Jewelry has a symbolic significance in many cultures around the world. It is the symbol of faith, devotion and a love of spirituality. Nowadays, however, religious jewelry has added many other facets to its basic nature. Worn for fashion, aesthetics and style, religious jewelry has its own enviable position in the wide market of jewelry. After all, divinity mingled with elegance and class is a tempting combination.

Fine religious jewelry crafted out of immaculately chosen precious stones and metals is a way of flaunting your sense of spirituality in a classy fashion. It can be gifted to a friend as a sign that you wish that God may always be with the person who wears this symbol of faith. Or it may be given to someone to whom you wish to show your unchanging faith and devotion. It is also an ideal gift for an older relative or a grandparent, who would value it as a symbol of spirituality.

If you have a symbol in mind for the piece of religious jewelry that you wish to buy, be sure that you will be able to procure it. Sellers of religious jewelry have all possible symbols of religious faith available in pendants, rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets. From the most popular symbol of the Cross (Crucifix) to the figurine of Ganesha, the very well known Indian God of prosperity, the variety is as baffling as that of fashion jewelry. The wearer of a multi-faith religious jewelry shows his inclination for religious tolerance and world peace. So, you may choose between Christian jewelry, and multi-faith jewelry such as religious symbols of Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and various other world religions. Next time you wish to add another piece to your collection of jewelry, buy one that may also bring you contentment, with beauty.

By Alison Cole

christian jewelry : A Look at Christian Lapel Pins

A popular type of lapel pin is one that signifies a person’s faith. Today there are many beautiful examples of lapel pins specifically designed for Christians. These pins may be given out by churches, community organizations or as religious gifts. Due to the popularity of Christian lapel pins you can find a large selection of stock lapel pins with Christian symbols such as crosses, angels, doves and fish.

Recently there has been a rise in popularity with Christian jewelry. News stories report on politicians and others wearing their Christian lapel pins with pride. Following on the heels of the popular “WWJD” (what would Jesus do?) jewelry trend amongst teens, there has been a trend for cherub lapel pins as well as fish, Celtic crosses and also Christian quotes and sayings.

A Christian lapel pin is a thoughtful, affordable gift for a first communion, baptism or confirmation. With so many to choose from it is easy to find a beautiful and suitable design. Custom Christian lapel pins can also be created for religious camps, special events and even weddings! As the popularity of lapel pins continues to grow, more religions and groups will find their organizations represented in specialized lapel pins.

Many churches on tight budgets find Christian lapel pins an affordable way to thank the many volunteers and community members who contribute to the work at the church. An example is the Mormon Church who gives all of their missionaries lapel pins which helps identify them and bonds them with their fellow missionaries. Many churches also provide lapel pins to their ushers and altar boys and girls. Christian lapel pins are wonderful gifts for religious get-togethers or gift exchanges. With so many options, a gracious and respectful lapel pin is easy to find. Many church suppliers carry a wide selection of stock Christian lapel pins.

By Seth Miller

christian jewelry : Silver Jewelry Alchemy And The Number 7

Seven days of creation, seventh heaven, seven seas, seven continents, seven wonders, seven pillars of wisdom, seven heavenly virtues, lucky seven, the magnificent seven, seven up, seven eleven …it seems as if the number seven surrounds us.

Over 7000 years ago, after the discoveries of the gold, silver and copper the first ‘Seven Metals Of Antiquity’, there existed a culture of visionaries who lived in the Mesopotamian city of Babylon, they were known as the Chaldaean oracles. The Chaldaeans were fundamentally alchemists believing ‘As it is above, so it is below’.

According to the Chaldaeans everything was inextricably linked. They believed the interpretation of events on earth, of men's characters and dispositions, were made possible by observing the movements of the planets. We have come to know their prophecies as astrology. While observing the motions of the stars above, the Chaldaeans realized the existence of order in the procession of the planets in the sky, they translated this order into numbers. We have come to know these mathematical prophecies as astronomy.

Expressing the movements in numbered measurements the Chaldaeans developed the 12-month ‘Solar’ calendar, conceptualized the twelve signs of the zodiac, this in turn led to the establishment of the two 12 hour divisions of night and day. They went on to establish the monthly period, derived from the 28-day Lunar cycle with each period possessing it’s own full Moon. One theory is that the Chaldaeans based this time period on the female reproductive cycle. This may also explain why the Moon has always had a female identity being governed over by female deities of fertility.

Being alchemists the Chaldaeans, basing the existence of time on the movements of the seven celestial bodies above, followed by recreating a microcosmic mirror image on Earth below. The Chaldeans already associated each of the seven planets with the names of the Babylonian gods: Moon Nanna, Jupiter Marduk, Venus Ishtar, Saturn Ninib, Mercury Nebo, Mars Nergal, Sun Shamash, they then connected each planet and its god to a designated time period.

These systems were later adopted and developed by the Greeks, and subsequently the Romans, who after replacing the original Babylonian deities with their own assigned each of the seven planetary bodies with a day. Later, in northern Europe, the Teutonic and Nordic tribes, who spawned the Anglo Saxon language, added to the list of deities.

Under Judeo-Christian influences the sequence of the 7 days of the week was calculated on the proximity of each of the 7 planets to the Earth, starting with the Moon, then Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn. The planets were then placed in reverse order and numbered in running rotation through a 24 hour period starting with Saturn: 1=Saturn, 2=Jupiter, 3=Mars, 4=Sun, 5=Venus, 6=Mercury, 7=Moon, then repeating the cycle again 8=Saturn, 9=Jupiter…until 23=Jupiter, 24=Mars. The name of the next day came from the next planet in the cycle from where the previous day had left off: 1=Sun, 2=Venus…23=Venus, 24=Mercury. Then the next day: 1=Moon, 2=Saturn…etc.

If you look at the planet assigned to the first hour of each day, you notice that the planets come in this order: Saturn – Saturday (from the Roman god Saturnus), Sun – Sunday (from the Roman god of the Sun Sol), Moon – Monday (from the Roman goddess of the Moon Luna), Mars – Tuesday (from the Nordic god Tiw), Mercury – Wednesday (from the Nordic god Wotan), Jupiter – Thursday (from the Nordic god Thor), Venus – Friday (from the Nordic god Frejia): this is the exact order of the 7 days of the week. At the time of Christ, during the Judeo-Christian period, Saturday with its designated planet Saturn was the day of rest making Sunday the first day of the week.
christian jewelry

By David-John Turner

Monday, August 14, 2006

christian jewelry : Religious Jewelry

Divine aesthetics is how one might define religious jewelry, if asked to do so. Jewelry has a symbolic significance in many cultures around the world. It is the symbol of faith, devotion and a love of spirituality. Nowadays, however, religious jewelry has added many other facets to its basic nature. Worn for fashion, aesthetics and style, religious jewelry has its own enviable position in the wide market of jewelry. After all, divinity mingled with elegance and class is a tempting combination.

Fine religious jewelry crafted out of immaculately chosen precious stones and metals is a way of flaunting your sense of spirituality in a classy fashion. It can be gifted to a friend as a sign that you wish that God may always be with the person who wears this symbol of faith. Or it may be given to someone to whom you wish to show your unchanging faith and devotion. It is also an ideal gift for an older relative or a grandparent, who would value it as a symbol of spirituality.

If you have a symbol in mind for the piece of religious jewelry that you wish to buy, be sure that you will be able to procure it. Sellers of religious jewelry have all possible symbols of religious faith available in pendants, rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets. From the most popular symbol of the Cross (Crucifix) to the figurine of Ganesha, the very well known Indian God of prosperity, the variety is as baffling as that of fashion jewelry. The wearer of a multi-faith religious jewelry shows his inclination for religious tolerance and world peace. So, you may choose between Christian jewelry, and multi-faith jewelry such as religious symbols of Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and various other world religions. Next time you wish to add another piece to your collection of jewelry, buy one that may also bring you contentment, with beauty.

By Alison Cole

christian jewelry : A Gold Crucifix

According to Webster’s dictionary, one of the definitions of the word “symbols,” goes as follows: “something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance.”

You see symbols everywhere. For example, you see objects such as pink or red hearts, a beach ball, or some jack-o-lanterns, and hopefully connect these symbols to Valentine’s Day, the summer season, or Halloween, respectively.

Let’s take the example of a Gold Crucifix. A self-explanatory piece of art, a gold crucifix is a beautiful decoration used to memorialize Christ.

Broken apart, the words ‘gold’ and ‘crucifix’ provide a broad spectrum of many symbols in their own right. Together, a gold crucifix is a treasure worn on a necklace, as earrings, a bracelet, as an anklet or as a brooch to complement a top. First off, let’s break apart the pair, “gold crucifix,” and explain the symbols entailed in each word. Hopefully, you will discover that a gold crucifix isn’t just a beautiful ornament, but a jewel filled with rich meaning.

Gold-At the Olympics, the Gold is a first place finish, a medal valued higher than silver or bronze, those of which are reserved for a second or third place win, in that order. In history, the famous Gold Rush marked a period that drew masses of people to California to partake of this natural treasure. Pure gold as jewelry is valued as something high-class and expensive, noted as a jewel seen frequent on the prestigious and wealthy.

Crucifix-The crucifix symbolizes Christianity, and more closely, the crucifix is a reflection upon the sacrifice that Christ paid for, as he suffered and died on the cross. While there are some Christian religions that do not use the crucifix as an acceptable symbol of worship, the crucifix has, among a majority of religions, remained a universally recognized and familiar symbol used to remember Christ.

With these explanations, you would perceive a Gold Crucifix to be something extra special! With all the styles or materials available and used to design a crucifix, nothing seems more special or exquisite than to wear a christian jewelry. Make such a special jewel a Christmas or Easter gift, to reflect upon the religious meaning of the crucifix. With that in mind, wearing the jewel should not just be worn on an every day basis. Treat those special occasions by complementing your outfit with a gold crucifix, whether it is for a religious purpose, or just for a special affair.

By Stephanie Tuia

christian jewelry : A Memorable Gift

The wearing of religious jewelry is steeped in many faiths. Christian jewelry often takes the form of a cross that is worn by the Christian as an outward symbol of his or her inner faith in Jesus.

In the Catholic tradition, religious jewelry is often given as a Baptism gift, a Communion gift, or a Confirmation gift. Tiny rosaries or small bracelets are often given to babies upon their Baptism, while necklaces and rosaries are often chosen as gifts for First Holy Communion. For Catholic children, however, it is Confirmation - and the Saint medals they receive - that is often the most meaningful.

In preparation for their Confirmation, Roman Catholic pre-teens choose a Saint's name to take as their own. It's not uncommon for them to pour over books about Saints and to query relatives about their own Confirmation names. Often, relatives will bring out the Saints medals they received as gifts upon their Confirmations and share vivid recollections about the significance of their Patron Saints.

Presenting Saint medals to Roman Catholics experiencing their Confirmation is common, as is the gifting of other religious jewelry. Christian jewelry, such as gold or silver crucifixes, Holy Spirit pins, and rosaries are also given. But it is often saint medals that mean the most to the girl or boy being Confirmed.

Some of the most popular Patron Saints are:

St. Jude - The Patron Saint of desperate cases, St. Jude was one of the 12 Apostles. His feast day is October 28.

St. Matthew - One of the 12 Apostles, St. Matthew is the Patron Saint of bankers, possibly because he was a tax collector prior to his conversion. His feast day is September 21.

St. Philomena - Although much of her life remains a mystery, it is believed that St. Philomena was martyred at the age of 14. This is why she is the Patron Saint of infants and children.

St. Thomas Aquinas - Born in 1226, St. Thomas Aquinas is the Patron Saint of students and of universities. His feast day is January 28.

St. Agnes - The Patron Saint of girls, more specifically of the Children of Mary, St. Agnes was martyred at the age of 13. Her feast day is January 21.

Religious jewelry is not only an adornment - it is a manifestation of faith. When given as a gift, it is an acknowledgement of the spirituality of the recipient. When worn, it is a reminder of one's faith in God and a recognition of one's humble origins.


by Chris Robertson

Thursday, August 10, 2006

christian jewelry : The Symbolism of Catholic Religious Jewelry

The cross is one of the earliest and most widely recognized Christian symbols. The use of the cross as a Christian symbol starts with Christ Himself. Since, through His death, Christ sanctified the very implement of His torture, the cross has come to signify His victory over death and sin.

Early Catholic religious jewelry:

Catholic religious jewelry played a large part in the protection and promotion of early Christianity. Since early Christians were often persecuted for their faith, it was not safe to openly display the cross. Early Christians instead wore other forms of Catholic religious jewelry, such as the Ichthys and the anchor. The Ichthys, two intersecting arcs resembling the profile of a fish, was probably used in Catholic religious jewelry as a reference to Christ as “the fisher of men”. The anchor, or mariners cross, was used in Catholic religious jewelry as a symbol of hope based in the faith in Christ. By using these forms of Catholic religious jewelry early Christians were able to avoid persecution.

The cross did not become openly used in Catholic religious jewelry until around the 3rd century A.D., when the emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome. Since then the cross has become the most significant of Christian symbols, and has been widely used in art and Christian jewelry.

The cross and the crucifix:

Nowadays many different variations of the cross are used in Christian jewelry. The most commonly used form is the Latin cross. The Latin cross is a cross with a long vertical bar intersected slightly above center by a shorter horizontal bar. The Latin cross with the body of Christ, or crucifix, is used by the Catholic Church as a representation of Christ’s sacrifice, while the Latin cross left blank is used by the Protestants as a representation of Christ’s resurrection. The Celtic cross is a cross with a circle around the cross bar. The circle represents the sun, which was worshiped by the Irish prior to their conversion to Christianity. The Calvary cross has three graded steps leading up to it. It is believed that the steps represent the hill of Calvary, the place where Jesus was crucified. These are just a few of the different types of crosses used in Catholic religious jewelry. Here is a good page to view all styles of Catholic religious jewelry.

Where is the best place to purchase Catholic religious jewelry:

To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in Catholic religious jewelry it is more convenient to view them online before shopping around at local jewelry stores.

Retail jewelers will sometimes carry a small selection of Christian jewelry, but you are more apt to find a greater selection online. Just type "Catholic religious jewelry " into an Internet search engine like Google or Yahoo and you will find several reliable websites that specialize in Catholic religious jewelry.

The cost of Catholic religious jewelry is dependant upon many variables. In solid 14K yellow or white gold, crucifixes and crosses should cost about $50 to $300 depending on size.

A proclamation of faith:

Catholic religious jewelry has a long and rich history, developing from simple anchors into a myriad of different forms and representations, each with its own story. Catholic religious jewelry began as a way for Christians to identify each other while avoiding persecution, but today we wear Catholic religious jewelry as a proud proclamation of our faith.

by Casey Buell

christian jewelry : The Heritage of Faith

Celtic cross jewelry has a long and mysterious history. The symbolic meaning of the Celtic cross is a topic that is widely debated. Whatever its original meaning, there is one thing that is certain; Celtic cross jewelry is one of the worlds most visually stunning representations of Christianity.

A Celtic cross is a cross with a circle surrounding the cross pieces, and, usually, intricate knotwork designs or animal depictions carved onto the cross itself. Celtic cross jewelry is part of the national heritage of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The symbolism of Celtic cross jewelry:

There are many explanations for why Celtic cross jewelry looks like it does. The most common theory is that the circle represents the sun, worshipped by the pagan Celts, and that the early Christian missionaries incorporated it into the cross as a way to convert the pagans. Another legend says that St. Patrick, while preaching to the Celts, was shown a sacred standing stone marked with a circle, representing the moon goddess. St. Patrick drew a Latin cross through the circle and blessed the sacred stone, thereby creating the first Celtic cross. There are many theories that explain the circle in Celtic cross jewelry as a symbol of eternity. Irish Catholic priests claim that the circle represents God’s endless love as shown through Christ’s sacrifice. Others claim that it represents the offer of hope and salvation through Christ to the faithful. These are just a few of the legends surrounding the design of christian jewelry.

The popularity of Celtic cross jewelry:

The popularity of christian jewelry stems from the fact that it symbolizes all that is good and right about Christianity. Whether by design or not, the circle has come to represent the everlasting glory of God. Without beginning or end, the glory of God shines upon us all. Celtic cross jewelry has also come to represent the conversion of heathens through means of inclusion, not war. By incorporating pagan designs into the Christian cross the Church was able to convert what would latter become its most ardent supporters, the Celts. Here is a good page to view the different styles available in Celtic cross jewelry.

Where is the best place to purchase Celtic cross jewelry:

To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in Celtic cross jewelry it is more convenient to view them online before shopping around at local jewelry stores.

Retail jewelers will sometimes carry a small selection of Celtic cross jewelry, but you are most apt to find a greater selection online. Just type "Celtic cross jewelry " into an Internet search engine like Google or Yahoo and you will find several reliable websites that specialize in Celtic cross jewelry.

The cost of Celtic cross jewelry is dependant upon many variables. In solid 14K yellow or white gold, Celtic crosses should cost about $50 to $300 depending on size.

The influence of Celtic cross jewelry:

No one knows for sure the exact origins of the Celtic cross, but whatever its origins, the Celtic cross has dramatically influenced the entirety of the Christian world. christian jewelry has played a large role in the faith of millions, and has helped shape the Church as we know it today.

by Casey Buell

christian jewelry : A Representation of Faith

The cross is one of the earliest and most widely recognized Christian symbols. The use of the cross as a Christian symbol starts with Christ Himself. Since, through His death, Christ sanctified the very implement of His torture, the cross has come to signify His victory over death and sin.
The beginnings of religious cross jewelry:
Though the cross has always been an important symbol of Christianity, religious cross jewelry was not widely used by early Christians. Since early Christians were often persecuted for their faith, it was not safe to openly display religious cross jewelry. Early Christians instead wore other forms of Christian jewelry, such as the Ichthys and the anchor. The Ichthys, two intersecting arcs resembling the profile of a fish, was probably used in Christian jewelry as a reference to Christ as “the fisher of men”. The anchor, or mariners cross, was used in early Christian jewelry as a symbol of hope based in the faith in Christ. By using these forms of Christian jewelry early Christians were able to avoid persecution.
Religious cross jewelry did not become openly used until around the 3rd century A.D., when the emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome. Since then the cross has become the most significant of Christian symbols, and has been widely used in art and jewelry.
Different types of religious cross jewelry:
Nowadays many different variations of the cross are used in religious cross jewelry. Here are a few examples:
Latin cross: The Latin cross is the most commonly used form of the cross. The Latin cross is a cross with a long vertical bar intersected slightly above center by a shorter horizontal bar. The Latin cross with the body of Christ, better known as a crucifix, is used by the Catholic and Orthodox churches as a representation of Christ’s sacrifice, while the Latin cross left blank is used by the Protestants as a representation of Christ’s resurrection.
Greek cross: The Greek cross, a cross with equilateral arms, is the most ancient form of the Christian cross, and is used to represent the union of the divine and the human worlds.
Celtic cross: The Celtic cross is a cross with a circle around the cross bar. The circle is believed to originally have represented the sun, or possibly the moon, both of which were worshiped by the Irish prior to their conversion to Christianity. Nowadays the circle has come to represent to many the endless love of God as shown through Christ’s sacrifice.
Russian Orthodox cross: The Russian Orthodox cross has three cross bars with the lowest bar slanted. The top bar represents the “INRI” sign placed over the head of Jesus, while the slanted lower bar is believed to represent the St. Andrews cross, which resembles an X.
St. Andrews cross: The St. Andrews cross is a cross in the shape of an X. This is the form of the cross upon which St. Andrew was martyred.
St. Anthony cross: The St. Anthony cross, or Tau cross, is a cross in the shape of the letter T. Some believe that this is the actual shape of the crosses the Romans used for crucifixions.
Calvary cross: The Calvary cross has three graded steps leading up to it. It is believed that the steps represent the hill of Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified.
Papal cross: The papal cross is a cross with three cross bars. The papal cross is the official symbol of the papacy, and may only be used by the Pope. The three bars are believed to represent the three realms of the Pope’s authority: the Church, the world, and heaven.
St. Peter cross: The St. Peter cross is a Latin cross turned upside down. This is the cross upon which St. Peter was crucified.
These are just a few of the variations used in religious cross jewelry. Here is a good page to view religious cross jewelry.
Where is the best place to purchase religious cross jewelry:
To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in religious cross jewelry it is more convenient to view them online before shopping around at local jewelry stores.
Retail jewelers will sometimes carry a small selection of religious cross jewelry, but you are more apt to find a greater selection online. Just type "religious cross jewelry" into an Internet search engine like Google or Yahoo and you will find several reliable websites that specialize in religious cross jewelry.
The cost of religious cross jewelry is dependant upon many variables. In solid 14K yellow or white gold, crosses should cost about $50 to $300 depending on size.
The power of faith:
Religious cross jewelry has a long and rich history, developing from simple anchors into a myriad of different forms and representations, each with its own story. But the powerful meaning of religious cross jewelry has always stayed the same; faith in Christ as Savior and Redeemer.

by Casey Buell

Where is the best place to purchase Christian jewelry

Where is the best place to purchase Christian jewelry?

To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in Christian jewelry it is more convenient to view them online before shopping around at local jewelry stores.

Retail jewelers will sometimes carry a small selection of Christian jewelry, but you are more apt to find a greater selection online. Just type "Christian jewelry" into an Internet search engine like Google or Yahoo and you will find several reliable websites that specialize in Christian jewelry.

The cost of Christian jewelry is dependant upon many variables. In solid 14K yellow or white gold, crosses and other ancient symbols should cost about $50 to $300 depending on size.

The true heart of Christianity:

The true heart of Christianity lives within us all. With Christian jewelry we are able to elegantly express the faith of our hearts. The ancient symbols and crosses of Christianity are the perfect way for us all to show our faith in an elegant and personal fashion. Perhaps this is why the ancient symbols of faith are the hottest new styles. By Casey Buell

Christian Jewelry: Ancient Symbols Of Faith Are Hot New Styles

Some styles may come and go, but faith is always in fashion. Crosses, crucifixes, saint medals, and more, these are the jewelry pieces that we will cherish forever. But the hottest new styles in Christian jewelry are the ancient symbols of faith, which predate even the cross.

These symbols, such as the Ichthys, anchor, and dove, are the oldest symbols used in Christian jewelry. Each has a very special and very specific meaning. Because of these special qualities the ancient symbols of faith are making a huge resurgence in Christian jewelry and fashion.

The symbolism of ancient Christian jewelry:

The cross did not become openly used in Christian jewelry until around the 3rd century A.D., when the emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome. Since then the cross has become the most significant of Christian symbols, and has been widely used in art and Christian jewelry.
Christian jewelry played a large part in the protection and promotion of early Christianity. Since early Christians were often persecuted for their faith, it was not safe to openly display the cross. Early Christians instead wore other forms of Christian jewelry, such as:

The Ichthys:

The Ichthys consists of two intersecting arcs resembling the profile of a fish, and in modern Christian jewelry usually has the name “Jesus” written in the center. The Ichthys is symbolic of Christ as “the fisher of men”. The clean, simple lines of the Ichthys form an elegantly understated piece of Christian jewelry, for the person who revels in the richness of simplicity.

The anchor:

The anchor obviously has special significance to mariners, and is in fact commonly known as the mariners cross. But it was originally used not only by the seagoing, but also by Christians from all walks of life. The anchor is used in Christian jewelry as a symbol of Jesus as the anchor of Christian life, as well as hope based in the faith in Christ. The anchor is the perfect piece of Christian jewelry for those who spend a lot of time at sea, as well as those who need steadfastness in their lives.

The dove:

The dove is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The story goes that when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of the dove. The dove is also a universal symbol of peace and purity. The dove is the perfect baptismal gift.

The Lamb of God:

The Lamb of God, or Angus Dei, is the oldest depiction of Jesus. Jesus was named the Angus Dei when John the Baptist, upon seeing him, proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. In Christian jewelry he Lamb has become the symbol of innocence and triumph over sin. These are just a few of the ancient symbols found in Christian jewelry. With so many different symbols with so many different stories it is easy to find the perfect piece to celebrate the individual, while still celebrating faith.

The Cross:

When the Emperor Constantine converted all of Rome to Christianity the cross became far more widely used in Christian jewelry. Soon many different variants of the cross would emerge. These ancient forms of the cross have withstood the test of time, and are still as popular today as they were fifteen hundred years ago. Some examples of ancient cross forms in Christian jewelry are:

The Latin cross:

The Latin cross is the most commonly used form of the cross. The Latin cross is a cross with a long vertical bar intersected slightly above center by a shorter horizontal bar. The Latin cross with the body of Christ, better known as a crucifix, is used by the Catholic and Orthodox churches as a representation of Christ’s sacrifice, while the Latin cross left blank is used by the Protestants as a representation of Christ’s resurrection. The Latin cross is perfect for the quiet, devout person, as it showcases the strength of simplicity.

The Greek cross:

The Greek cross, a cross with equilateral arms, is the most ancient form of the Christian cross. It is used most often by the Greek Orthodox Church, and represents the union of the divine and the human worlds. The Greek cross is a stunning piece of Christian jewelry, for those of the Eastern Church, as well as those who wish to be slightly different in their jewelry.

The St. Anthony cross:

The St. Anthony cross, or Tau cross, is a cross in the shape of the letter T. Some believe that this is the actual shape of the crosses the Romans used for crucifixions. The St. Anthony cross is a perfect piece of Christian jewelry for those who seek discipline in their lives.

The Celtic cross:

One of the most popular pieces of Christian jewelry, the Celtic cross is a cross with a circle around the cross bar. The circle is believed to originally have represented the sun, or possibly the moon, both of which were worshiped by the Irish prior to their conversion to Christianity. Nowadays the circle has come to represent to many the endless love of God as shown through Christ’s sacrifice. The Celtic cross is a one of the most visually stunning pieces of Christian jewelry, and you don’t have to be Irish to wear one.

The cross is definitely the most popular form of Christian jewelry, and with so many styles to choose from, it is easy to find one that is perfectly suited to the individual. Here is a good page to see a wide selection of Christian jewelry. By Casey Buell

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Christian jewelry: A Memorable Gift

The wearing of religious jewelry is steeped in many faiths. Christian jewelry often takes the form of a cross that is worn by the Christian as an outward symbol of his or her inner faith in Jesus. In the Catholic tradition, religious jewelry is often given as a Baptism gift, a Communion gift, or a Confirmation gift. Tiny rosaries or small bracelets are often given to babies upon their Baptism, while necklaces and rosaries are often chosen as gifts for First Holy Communion.

For Catholic children, however, it is Confirmation - and the Saint medals they receive - that is often the most meaningful. In preparation for their Confirmation, Roman Catholic pre-teens choose a Saint's name to take as their own. It's not uncommon for them to pour over books about Saints and to query relatives about their own Confirmation names. Often, relatives will bring out the Saints medals they received as gifts upon their Confirmations and share vivid recollections about the significance of their Patron Saints. Presenting Saint medals to Roman Catholics experiencing their Confirmation is common, as is the gifting of other religious jewelry. Christian jewelry, such as gold or silver crucifixes, Holy Spirit pins, and rosaries are also given. But it is often saint medals that mean the most to the girl or boy being Confirmed.

Some of the most popular Patron Saints are:

St. Jude - The Patron Saint of desperate cases, St. Jude was one of the 12 Apostles. His feast day is October 28.

St. Matthew - One of the 12 Apostles, St. Matthew is the Patron Saint of bankers, possibly because he was a tax collector prior to his conversion. His feast day is September 21.

St. Philomena - Although much of her life remains a mystery, it is believed that St. Philomena was martyred at the age of 14. This is why she is the Patron Saint of infants and children.

St. Thomas Aquinas - Born in 1226, St. Thomas Aquinas is the Patron Saint of students and of universities. His feast day is January 28.

St. Agnes - The Patron Saint of girls, more specifically of the Children of Mary, St. Agnes was martyred at the age of 13. Her feast day is January 21.

Religious jewelry is not only an adornment - it is a manifestation of faith. When given as a gift, it is an acknowledgement of the spirituality of the recipient. When worn, it is a reminder of one's faith in God and a recognition of one's humble origins.