The cross is a symbol of God’s love

Art and architecture thrived when St. Constantine Christianized the Roman Empire. At this time several popular symbols were created that are still used in Christian art and jewelry. These symbols include the cross, the rosary, and the Christian fish charm. The cross is a symbol of God’s love and a reminder of Christ’s suffering. Rosary beads are prayer beads that began in the Roman Christian world but are now used predominately by the Catholic Church. Rosary beads are also used in the Islam and Buddhist faith. The Christian jewelry fish charm came about when early Christians would make an acronym with the Greek word for fish.

Religious jewelry was a symbol for nature, played a role in religious ceremonies, and represented status. Natural materials were used in their jewelry including feathers along with minerals such as turquoise and metals like silver. These natural materials were a reminder of the Earth around them. During healing ceremonies and harvest rituals, the people would take care to wear specific kinds of religious jewelry that were the right color, made of the right materials, and representing the right symbol for that event. The jewelry that is worn by a person is representative of the different stages of life an individual has entered into. In several tribes adolescents are initiated into adulthood when they receive the spiritual totem consisting of shells, beads, or symbols from nature. Native American religious jewelry was also given to women after there first menses and to newly married couples. Religious jewelry has played a significant role in Native American culture.

Christian jewelry a religious gift

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of christian jewelry, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of christian jewelry.

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.The wearing of religious jewelry is steeped in many faiths. 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.popular Patron Saints are:

Patron Saints most christian likes to wear are:
St. Jude - The Patron Saint, St. Matthew - One of the 12 Apostles, St. Philomena, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Agnes - The Patron Saint of girls. Religious jewelry is not only an adornment - it is a manifestation of faith. When given as a gift it is a reminder of one's faith in God.

christian jewelry : Patron Saint Medals

Sometimes it can be difficult to navigate through the temptations of day-to-day life. This is why we wear patron saint medals; to invoke the wisdom of the saints to help guide us past the pitfalls we might otherwise fall into. Each of us has our own set of problems and pitfalls to deal with in life, and so each of us needs our own patron saint. So, how do you find the right patron saint medal for you? It’s easy! There are literally hundreds of saints, and with so many to choose from you can be sure that you’ll find a saint medal that perfectly represents you.

Examples of patron saints:

There are many patron saints depicted on saint medals. To choose the right one for you, you must simply find the one that best represents you and your life. Here are a few examples of patron saints:

St. Francis of Assisi: born c. 1181 in Assisi, Italy. In 1206 St. Francis made a pilgrimage to Rome, and upon his return devoted his life to poverty and the care of the sick. In 1209 he founded the Franciscan order, and in 1224 he received the stigmata. He died in 1226, and was canonized in 1228. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace.

St. Patrick: born c. 389 somewhere in Roman Britain. At the age of sixteen St. Patrick was captured by Irish raiders, and held captive for six years. He was consecrated a bishop by St. Germanus c. 432, and returned to Ireland to succeed St. Paulinus. St. Patrick is well known for converting the Irish to Christianity. He died c. 461. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and excluded people.

St. Helena: born c. 250 at Drepanum, Bithynia. She married the Roman General Constantius Chlorus c. 270, and gave birth to Constantine, who would later become Emperor of Rome, c. 280. In 313 Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, permitting Christianity in the Roman Empire. Around the same time St. Helena converted to Christianity. She traveled to Palestine c. 324, and while there is reputed to have discovered the True Cross. She died c. 330 and was buried at Constantinople. St. Helena is the patron saint of archeologists and converts.

St. Christopher: according to legend St. Christopher was an ugly giant who made his living carrying people across a river. It was his quest to find someone more powerful than himself, and, after many years of searching, he decided that this could only be Christ, since the devil feared the Savior. One day, while carrying a child across the river, the child grew so heavy that St. Christopher feared that they would be drowned. The child then revealed that he was Christ, and that the heaviness was the weight of the world He was carrying on His shoulders. St. Christopher is reputed to have died in Lycia c. 251. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.

St. Dominic: born 1170 at Calaruega, Spain. St. Dominic was appointed canon at Osma in 1199. In 1206 he founded an institute for women in the Albigensian territory of Prouille. In 1214 he founded an order to convert the Albigensian heretics. In 1215 he founded the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. Saint Dominic died in 1221 and was canonized in 1234. Legend says that Dominic received a vision of a beggar who, like Dominic, would do great things for the Faith. Dominic met the beggar the next day. He embraced him and said, "You are my companion and must walk with me. If we hold together, no earthly power can withstand us." The beggar was Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers, scientists, and the falsely accused.

St. Michael: St. Michael is one of three angels, with Gabriel and Raphael, liturgically venerated by the Church. He is the leader of the Heavenly Host, and the Archangel who cast Lucifer from Heaven. St. Michael is the patron saint of artists, bakers, bankers, knights, mariners, ambulance drivers, paramedics, and battle.

St. Jude: St. Jude was the brother of St. James, the nephew of Mary and Joseph, and first cousin of Jesus Christ. It was St. Jude who anointed Christ’s body after the Crucifixion. After Christ’s death, Jude preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia where he was martyred, along with St. Simeon. St. Jude is the patron saint of hospitals and lost causes.

These are just a few examples of the many patron saints. There are so many saints, representing so many different aspects of life, that you’ll have no problem finding the right saint medal to represent you. Here is a good page to view the different types of patron saint medals.
christian jewelry

By Casey Buell

christian jewelry : Catholic Jewelry Advice

Saint medals:

Saint medals are medals with the depiction of a patron saint upon them. Usually worn on necklaces, saint medals are a reminder of a patron saint’s triumphs and sacrifices, as well as an evocation of his or her protection. A saint medal can be the perfect piece of Catholic jewelry, as each saint has his or her own special qualities, just like every individual has his or her own special personality. Patron saints include:

St. Francis of Assisi: born c. 1181 in Assisi, Italy. In 1206 St. Francis made a pilgrimage to Rome, and upon his return devoted his life to poverty and the care of the sick. In 1209 he founded the Franciscan order, and in 1224 he received the stigmata. He died in 1226, and was canonized in 1228. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace.

St Patrick: born c. 389 somewhere in Roman Britain. At the age of sixteen St. Patrick was captured by Irish raiders, and held captive for six years. He was consecrated a bishop by St. Germanus c. 432, and returned to Ireland to succeed St. Paulinus. St. Patrick is well known for converting the Irish to Christianity. He died c. 461. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and excluded people.

St. Helena: born c. 250 at Drepanum, Bithynia. She married the Roman General Constantius Chlorus c. 270, and gave birth to Constantine, who would later become Emperor of Rome, c. 280. In 313 Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, permitting Christianity in the Roman Empire. Around the same time St. Helena converted to Christianity. She traveled to Palestine c. 324, and while there is reputed to have discovered the True Cross. She died c. 330 and was buried at Constantinople. St. Helena is the patron saint of archeologists and converts.

St. Christopher: according to legend St. Christopher was an ugly giant who made his living carrying people across a river. It was his quest to find someone more powerful than himself, and, after many years of searching, he decided that this could only be Christ, since the devil feared the Savior. One day, while carrying a child across the river, the child grew so heavy that St. Christopher feared that they would be drowned. The child then revealed that he was Christ, and that the heaviness was the weight of the world He was carrying on His shoulders. St. Christopher is reputed to have died in Lycia c. 251. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.

These are just a few examples of the many patron saints. There are literally hundreds of saints, and with so many to choose from one can be sure to find a saint medal that represents perfectly his or her own individuality. Here is a good page to view Catholic jewelry.

Where is the best place to purchase Catholic jewelry:

To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in Catholic 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 Catholic jewelry, but you are most apt to find a greater selection online. Just type "Catholic jewelry " into an Internet search engine like Google or Yahoo and you will find several reliable websites that specialize in Catholic jewelry.

The cost of Catholic jewelry is dependant upon many variables. In solid 14K yellow or white gold, crosses and crucifixes should cost about $50 to $300 depending on size. Saint medals should cost between $40 and $200, depending on the size.

The ultimate expression of faith:

Catholic jewelry is the ultimate expression of faith. With so many styles and so many stories, Catholic jewelry is easy to individualize. Whether a cross, crucifix, or saint medal, Catholic jewelry always has and always will proclaim the proud heritage of Christians around the world.

by Casey Buell

christian jewelry : Finding the Perfect Piece

Catholic jewelry is fast becoming the most popular way for one to show one’s faith. But with so many styles and symbols to choose from it can be difficult to find the perfect piece. Crosses, crucifixes, and patron saint medals, these are all beautiful representations. It is of course up to the wearer how he or she is most comfortable showing their faith.

Styles of crosses in Catholic jewelry:

The cross is of course the most recognizable symbol of Catholic jewelry, and with so many variations it is easy to find one with a special personal meaning. Here are a few examples of crosses and the symbolism behind them:

The Latin cross: The Latin cross is the most commonly used form of the cross. It cross is a cross with a long vertical bar intersected slightly above center by a shorter horizontal bar. The Latin cross is the form upon which Jesus was crucified. The Latin cross is left blank as a representation of hope, faith, and joy in Christ’s resurrection.

The crucifix: The crucifix is the ultimate symbol of the Catholic Church. The crucifix is a Latin cross with the body of Christ (corpus) upon it. It is used as a representation of the sacrifice and suffering of Christ as a cleansing of mankind's sins.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

All of these variations of the cross are stunning representations of faith, and beautiful symbols for Catholic jewelry.

By Casey Buell

christian jewelry : The History and Lore of Catholic Jewelry

Catholic jewelry has a long and rich history. It has taken on many forms and many meanings over the millennia. From the hidden meanings of anchors and Ichthys, to the development of the crucifix in the 5th century A.D., Catholic jewelry has played a large part in the faith of millions.

Early Catholic jewelry:

While the cross has always been the most important Christian symbol, it was not openly used as such until the 4th century A.D. Early Christians feared persecution for their faith, and so developed several symbols that were not easily recognized as Catholic jewelry in order to recognize each other. The two most prevalent of these symbols were the anchor and the Ichthys. The Ichthys, two intersecting arcs resembling the profile of a fish, was probably used in Catholic jewelry as a reference to Christ as “the fisher of men”. The anchor, or mariners cross, was used in Catholic jewelry as a symbol of hope based in the faith in Christ. By using these forms of Catholic jewelry early Christians were able to avoid persecution.

The cross and the crucifix

It was not until the Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in the 4th century A.D. that the cross became openly and widely used in Catholic jewelry. More than fifty variants of the cross would later develop, but the four most important were: the Latin cross, a cross with a horizontal bar intersecting a longer vertical bar near the top; the Greek cross, a cross with equilateral arms; the Tau cross, a cross in the shape of the letter T; and the Saint Andrews cross, a cross shaped like the letter X. The crucifix, a Latin cross with the body of Christ (corpus) and the inscription INRI or “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” upon it, did not become prevalent in Catholic jewelry until the 5th century A.D. Whereas the Protestant churches use a Latin cross left blank to symbolize the Resurrection, the Catholic Church uses the crucifix to symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus.

Saint medallions:

The tradition of wearing Saint medallions is derived from the pagan practice of wearing talismans depicting their gods as a form of protection. The Catholic Church, instead of banning it, embraced this practice, substituting the pagan gods with Catholic saints. Saint medallions are now one of the most popular forms of catholic jewelry. They are worn as a way to invoke the protection of a patron saint. Patron Saints include: St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace; St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland and excluded people; St. Helena, patron saint of archeologists and converts; St. John Bosco, patron saint of students and laborers. Here is a good page to view all styles of Catholic jewelry.

Where is the best place to purchase Catholic jewelry:

To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in Catholic 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 Catholic jewelry, but you are most apt to find a greater selection online. Just type "Catholic jewelry " into an Internet search engine like Google or Yahoo and you will find several reliable websites that specialize in Catholic jewelry.

The cost of Catholic jewelry is dependant upon many variables. In solid 14K yellow or white gold, crucifixes should cost about $50 to $300 depending on size. Saint medals should cost between $40 and $200, depending on the size.

The ultimate expression of faith:

Catholic jewelry is the ultimate expression of faith. Whether a pendant, cross, crucifix, Ichthys, or anchor, Catholic jewelry always has and always will proclaim the proud heritage of Christians around the world.

by Casey Buell

christian jewelry : The Cross:

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.

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.

By Casey Buell

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.

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.

ScriptureWear® is pleased to announce the addition of Tunes for Tots. Children love to hear their names and your child’s name will be sung throughout their Tunes For Tots personalized music CD. How exciting it is for a child to have their name in a song that they and their friends can sing along with. You can select from our Original Collection or our Christian Collection of songs for your child’s CD.

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