Christian Jewelry
From LoveToKnow Jewelry
Wearing Christian jewelry is one way for believers to express their faith.
Evolution of Christian Jewelry
To understand how Christian jewelry came into being, we need to look at the early beginnings of the Christian faith, because the two are entwined.
Christianity is the name given to the faith that evolved from the followers of Jesus Christ. Christ was quite a controversial figure in his time, and the ruling Roman culture considered him a direct threat to their power, hence his crucifixion.
In the years following Jesus' death, his followers were also persecuted and executed, leading them to take their faith underground. Christian rights were practiced in secret locations behind closed doors, and Christians themselves took great care to conceal their faith from the ruling party.
Christian jewelry evolved as a means for Christians to identify each other. It was usually quite discreet in design, and often concealed under clothing, only shown when a person was reasonably sure they were in like company.
Let's look at some examples of Christian jewelry both past and present.
Crucifixes and Crosses
For Christians, the crucifix, is not a symbol of Jesus' death, but of his triumph over all death, opening the possibility for all believers to attain heaven.
Although the terms "crucifix" and "cross" are used somewhat interchangeably, there is a major difference between the two. A crucifix features an image of Christ on it, while a cross remains empty.
Reliquary crucifixes are yet another variation of the standard cross. These crucifixes contain a hinged opening to carry small relics from the Saints, which many wearers believe impart certain gifts and/or protection to those who wear them.
Both crucifixes and crosses are usually worn as pendants or earrings when used as jewelry.
Rosaries and Chaplets
Although technically not jewelry, both rosaries and smaller chaplets are sometimes worn by Christians when reciting the prayers their arrangement of beads are designed to reflect. These pieces range from the very simple to the very ornate, but each one holds a certain unique beauty.
Chaplets are often the size of bracelets while rosaries may be worn around the neck, or as rings in smaller versions.
Religious Medals
Religious medals are extremely popular pieces of Christian jewelry, especially by those of the Catholic faith. Each medal relates to one of the established Saints, and is usually meant to convey a certain message, with the promise of spiritual gifts to be received by wearing one.
The Miraculous Medal is perhaps the most commonly worn religious medal of all. This piece traces its origin back to the visions of Saint Catherine Labouré, who was said to have received directions for its making from the blessed Virgin Mary herself. It's commonly believed that praying with the Miraculous Medal will obtain the intervention of the Virgin for one's cause.
St. Christopher has also been a very popular subject for Christian jewelry over the years, and remains so even though his existence has been questioned by some religious officials.
Coin Pendants
Today, coin pendants are mainly high priced relics or antiques. In the days of the Emperor Constantine, coins were minted using images of Christ and the cross. Holes were driven though he tops of these coins in order to turn them into pendants, or necklaces.
Due to the separation of church and state in most countries, coins are no longer minted using religious imagery.
Angel Jewelry
Angel jewelry is amazingly popular across all religious sects. Angels are widely believed to be heavenly messengers as well as personal guardians, and as such have gained wide appeal.
Angels appear in a wide range of Christian jewelry including, necklaces, pins and earrings. Angels also make lovely additions to charm bracelets.
Conclusion
Although Christian jewelry is quite attractive, most people do not wear these pieces to enhance their personal beauty as they might with other styles of accessories. This jewelry is usually worn to make a statement about one's faith and personal beliefs.
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