What You Should Know About Religious Jewelry

In recent years religious jewelry has become fashionable in its own right. Religious jewelry is not just about cross and crucifix pendants. It is a rapidly expanding market where Islamic charms and Buddhist symbols feature just as much on bracelets, rings and broaches as rosary beads hang from the necks of nuns.

Wearing jewelry is an expression of individual style and for those seeking to express their spiritual commitment, it is no different.

Today there is great demand for religious jewelry and it is an ever-growing industry. No longer does religious jewelry simply mean rosaries and beaded bracelets. Designers from across the industry are introducing unique patterns and stylish designs in everything from bracelets to brooch pins in a range of materials.

The fundamental meaning behind religious jewelry remains the same - the expression of belief in one's God. But in today's fashion-conscious world designers and jewelers appear to be making much more of a concerted effort to bring chic, trendy pieces to the forefront.

So what is out there and what does it all mean?

In Catholicism jewelry is usually related to milestone events. Gifts are usually given for baptisms, Communions and Confirmations. It is common practice at baptisms for family members to give babies a bracelet or little rosary. Those first pieces of jewelry are often kept for years on end. At First Holy Communions, a necklace or rosary is bestowed to a young follower. But it is at Confirmation that a person will accept a Saint medal - a gift that epitomizes the celebration of religion.

The most well-known and popular form of Christian jewelry is the cross pendant and it is seen in all manner of styles and sizes and in an array of designs. Whether it is diamond studded or in-laid with Tiger's Eyes stones, the modern take on the cross is a world away from the traditional, simple silver or gold pendant. Another popular item is a gold or silver bangle bracelet which has detailed carvings depicting the Last Supper encircling the bangle.

Egyptian jewelry can be extremely symbolic and will usually feature an Eye of Horus, Scarab or Ankh symbol. These good luck and eternal life symbols are central to Egyptian beliefs and is therefore an important feature of Egyptian religious jewelry.

Sacred symbols from the Qumran and the Kabbalah can be seen on Jewish jewelry while Native American jewelry often celebrates symbols of nature. Followers of Islam value the bilingual prayer watch. The watch displays global prayer times in Western and Hijara dates.

Angel charms are also extremely popular among religious people and make excellent gifts. If you are looking for a piece of religious jewelry, either for yourself or a friend, it is worth checking out specialist stores. You will usually find a vast collection of fashionable, yet eye-catching jewelry that will be cherished for years to come.

*Special Egyptian Jewelry, EgyptianJewelry.com

*14K Gold "The Last Supper" Bangle Bracelet, Christian-Jewelry-Gift.com

*Jewish Jewelry, Ahuva.com