Unique Jewelry Weblog » Religious Jewelry

Claddagh Rings – Popular for Three Hundred Years

Jewelry Blogger — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:45:36 +0000

Some of the most beloved styles of Irish jewelry are the Claddagh rings. It is said that the heart on the ring is representative of love, while the hands are for friendship and the crown shows loyalty. The quote that goes along with the symbols is “In my hands I hold your heart, crowning it with all my love”. This particular style of ring is often given to a loved one as a promise ring, an engagement ring or a wedding ring. It is said that the proper way to wear this ring is with the symbols facing inward for those who are in a relationship.

There are a couple of stories passed down through the years of the origin of the Claddagh rings. Both of these stories date back well over three hundred years ago and originate from the tiny village of Claddagh in Ireland. This village was a fishing village and the name itself meant a flat stony shore. One thought is that a woman by the name of Margaret Joyce used a great deal of her inherited wealth to build necessary bridges in Connacht. It is believed that the ring was a gift and a reward to her for her generosity and that it dropped in her lap from a passing eagle.

Another possible explanation for the history and development of the Claddagh rings was that they came from a man named Richard Joyce. It is thought that this man was kidnapped by Algerians who then sold the man as a slave to a goldsmith. Some say that in 1689 William III demanded that all British subjects be released including Richard Joyce. The goldsmith that purchased Richard Joyce wanted him to stay so badly that he offered the many a substantial amount of wealth and his daughter’s hand in marriage to do so. The many refused and returned home with the Claddagh ring.

Whatever story you believe about the origin of the Claddagh rings it is easy to see why they are so popular. These rings are filled with history and symbolization like few others making them a much sought after and regularly worn style of ring. These rings have even become extremely popular in the United States. Many individuals find them to be both beautiful and meaningful. The rings typically are made in both silver and gold and are worn by both men and women. The rings can be enhanced by adding such things as gems to reflect birth stones and diamonds.

The History of Byzantine Crosses

Jewelry Blogger — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:12:31 +0000

The origin of the Byzantine cross dates back to the time of the fourth century Emperor, who was St. Constantine, and was responsible for Christianizing the Roman Empire. Byzantium officially began on this date with the capital of Constantinople that was in establishment by St. Constantine. This era was to see a time of the creation of excellent art, architecture, and jewelry by the Romans, the Greeks, and Christians in addition. Amid the jewelry category, some magnificent Byzantine crosses have been unearthed in archeological digs, and it is these Byzantine crosses. That is the most beautiful of all this jewelry.

The history of Byzantine crosses began with St. Constantine, who was the fourth century Emperor of the Roman Empire. St. Constantine was integral in the Christianization of the Roman Empire and he came up with the capital of Constantinople in Byzantium. This new era that Byzantium was being able to influence was also helping to influence others in numerous other ways in addition.

Byzantium was to experience a new time that was to never be in seeing again and what greatly made an impact on this culture were the areas of art, architecture, and of course jewelry. Jewelry did indeed reflect the changing times towards Christianity and the acceptance of the Roman Empire by this new form of religion on all fronts. In the key areas that were in mention, art, architecture, and jewelry, the Romans, the Greeks and also Christians was in doing of personal contributions where these areas were the most inspirational to them.

The Byzantine crosses from this early period are not just very pleasing to the eye because of their overall eye appeal. In addition, because they are inspirational in that they represent faith due to their ancient symbols of Christian belief in God. The Byzantine jewelry medallions are just as equally as exquisite from a captivating viewpoint. These Byzantine crosses also represent spirituality, which is the essence of what faith is all about.

Byzantine crosses also symbolize a very important place to those culturally as well. They are everything that seems to unlock the mysteries. That is in association with all that is in involvement with the mysteries that surround our universe and death as a rule. Crosses of any kind are the thing that most Christians keep close to their hearts because to them it signifies their faith and the presence of God within their lives per se. These sacred crosses and or pendants are the things that are tangible and something whose reality means a lot to Christians that feel secure and happy in knowing that they are in close contact with.

Gold and silver jewelry, which includes crosses and whatever else, give a Christian not only an affinity with God, but it also gives each person a sense of ethnic identity, religious conviction, appreciation for religion overall, and last but not least a feeling of social standing amid others. Byzantine crosses can come either in gold or silver or in gold, silver, and other precious metals. They can contain precious stones or not contain precious stones in addition.

However, the understanding of jewelry in today’s world is very different from ancient times, being that a lot of the contemporary jewelry in the here and now is just in doing in mass production, and a lot of doesn’t have or hold the same meaning as it did during the Byzantine era.

It was Byzantine crosses that were in creation during this illustrious period that would go on to become the epitome of power and beauty and be something that would always reflect what faith and spirituality had in meaning to multitudes of people who were Christians and had a love for God and spirituality in their lives.

These crosses were not just a religious symbol either to those who so held them in high esteem. They were also the very essence of what true Byzantium art was and all that was inspirational in the making about everything that was in association with Byzantine art from art to architecture to jewelry, therefore their voice is something that has brought a great and everlasting influence to the world of mankind who so treasures them both from a personal and a spiritual standpoint.

The Different Types Of White Gold Religious Jewelry

Jewelry Blogger — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:54:07 +0000

White gold religious jewelry can show others what faith you have and what you believe in. Many people like to wear white gold religious jewelry because of the beauty of it and the reminder of what it means to them. There is a rage today for religious jewelry so everyone can show what they are following and who they follow. Faith is shown throughout with different symbols and signs that can be made from or with white gold. Many people also like their jewelry in yellow gold as well, but the white gold seems to be the most popular.

White gold religious jewelry can come in all shapes and sizes. People pick these religious symbols due to their faith and wanting to show others what they believe in. They also want to sway others to follow them in their faith, and they wear the white gold religious jewelry to remind them of that. Other people may like the design or symbol that is presented in this type of jewelry. There are necklaces, bracelets, earrings, broaches, pins, cuff links, rings, wedding rings, anklets, and bolos that contain some type of religious symbolization.

White gold religious Christian jewelry can include crosses, crucifixes, fish, WWJD? pieces, crown of thorns, angels, doves, the word JESUS, and nails. These all represent something to everyone. Jesus was crucified on the cross. The crucifix can come with Jesus on it or by itself. The fish represents Jesus. The WWJD Jewelry is good for kids to wear because it reminds them to ask What Would Jesus Do in any situation.

The crown of thorns can be casted in a ring or on a necklace. It is the crown that Jesus wore before the crucifixion. Angels are the holy messengers of God. Dove have always been the representation of peace. The word JESUS has been fashioned into earrings, rings, necklaces, and pendants. The nail has become quite popular in the previous years as they are the nails used to fasten Jesus to the cross.

White gold religious jewelry can bring a lot of variables into play. What about different faiths from Christianity? From the Jewish faith, there is the Star of David, the Tree of Life, Shema Israel, Melchizedek Key, and the Key of Prophecy.

For Buddhists, there is a selection of the Om Mani Padme, Kalachakra Mantra Gau, Ashtamangala, Vishva Vajra, and the Endless Knot. For the Islam faith, you can wear a likeness of Fatima’s hands or an elaborate bejeweled headdress. Hinduists can have the Om Namoh, Mangala Sutra, Trident of Shiva, and the Goddess Bhavani. For Pagan faiths, there is the Pentagram, Pentacle, Reiki symbols, Triple Moon, Tree of Life, Triquetra, and Chakra wheels with gemstones. Catholicism has some of its own unique pieces as well. There are rosary necklaces, all of the Saint’s: Christopher, Anthony, Matthew, Teresa, Jude, and many others. There is also the four way medal and the miraculous medal.

For many believers, wearing the white gold religious jewelry helps not only strengthen their faith, but it will also provide protection as well. They believe the piece of jewelry has magical powers. A cross will protect them from danger. The Saints will look after them when they are down. Reiki symbols will help us feel better. All of these have their own special meanings to the faith and to the wearer. The jewelry helps them show which path they are following in life. As an observer, you can choose your own path with whatever jewelry catches your eye. You should also pick jewelry that flatters your look and your dress.

Gold Crucifixes Make Stunning Pendants

Jewelry Blogger — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:10:00 +0000

It seems like there are a few styles of pendants that seem to sell better than other styles. I think that one of the number one selling pendants to put on chains would have to be the gold crucifixes. These great pendants are a great way to show your religious side without having to go around talking about it. Many people have different feelings on gold crucifixes, but the fact remains that they are, and more than likely will remain, a number one seller for all time. When something is that big of a seller it just does not go away overnight. Gold crucifixes are here to stay.

It seems to me that there are a few types of pendants that I see on the street more these days than I use to. The number one growing type of pendent is the gold crucifixes. You are starting to see these all over the place, and they are being worn by people of all ages. People found that this is a very stylish way to show their religious side to the world. Many people like to show what they believe in, and this is a great way to do.

In fact, gold crucifixes make great gifts for religious people. Once they open up that gift, it is something that they will never forget. The gold crucifixes have touch many peoples lives, and they keep doing so today. However, sometimes it is hard to find a good deal on some of the gold crucifixes because they are such big sellers. This is where the internet comes in handy.

I am not one of those people that likes to over pay for anything, and gold crucifixes are no different. When I walk around and take a look at some of the shops selling these gold crucifixes at such a high price it makes me sick. They are making it harder for you to get the type of pendent that you really want. However, thanks to the booming internet you no longer have to put up with those high prices. You are able to surf the web and look for the lowest price you can find. Because of the millions of stores out there that you can look at, you are sure to find a good deal. In fact, if you see a place that is charging too much for their gold crucifixes, then do not worry. That is because there is about a million other places that you can go to buy your gold crucifixes. In this day and age you do not have to over pay for anything anymore. Things are getting made cheaper buy the day.

With the cost of gold crucifixes rising in stores and dropping online, it is no wonder that people are starting to buy them online. After all, people like to get what they set their mind to, however, they do not want to over pay for it, that is just human nature. Now with the internet leading the way of low prices you can get what ever you need at the price you want to pay for it. If you have never shopped online before then you are overpaying for everything that you buy. That is just a fact, however, you can change that fact by starting to shop online. So the next time you are looking for some gold crucifixes, then you know where to go. Start hunting the internet, and soon you will find what you need.

Want Faithful Children? Bracelets Could Be The Answer

Jewelry Blogger — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:44:08 +0000

Parents have good reason to think about the religious beliefs of their children. Bracelets can help a child to get noticed, but they do not always seem like a way to teach the importance of religious faith to children. Bracelets are too often associated with the glitzy world of those who wear lots of jewelry. Among such jewelry wearers, it can be hard to find someone with strong religious beliefs. The writer of the following article has tried to reach out to parents. The following article suggests two possible ways by which a parent might bring faith and bracelets closer together.

In an overview of jewelry for children, bracelets show-up as a popular item. Some of those bracelets are given to infant children. Bracelets that can be made larger often attract the attention of those who need a gift to present at a baptism or a christening.

Let’s take a closer look at those adjustable bracelets. Can they affect the faith of children? Bracelets can bear a religious symbol, but does a child notice that symbol? Does a child consider the symbol on an infant bracelet when faced with the chance to declare his or her religious beliefs?

A parent might find a way to show with a bracelet the association between security and faith in a higher authority. A parent might, for example, touch a child’s bracelet lovingly, while putting an infant to sleep with a religious song. A parent should never discount the observations of children. Bracelets with religious symbols could well be an important part of such observations.

At the present time most of the bracelets for children focus on only one group of beliefs—the beliefs of a strong Christian. A Muslim parent can not find a child’s bracelet with a dangling crescent. A Jewish parent can not find a child’s bracelet with a dangling Star of David. Yet a Christian parent can find a child’s bracelet with a dangling cross.

Does that mean that all of the bracelet makers have harbored a secret desire that large numbers of children would become strong Christians? If that were the case, the bracelet makers could be in for a real disappointment. Some of the bracelets made for children have lacked any dangling object, but those same bracelets did have some colorful beads. Those bracelets thus resembled the prayer beads used in some non-Christian religions.

A parent might want to buy his or her child a bracelet with a few colorful beads. The parent could then touch those beads when reciting short prayers with the child. That would give the child a pleasant introduction to the importance of prayer. That should help a child see how faith has touched the hearts and minds of those closest to that child. Of course, there is no guarantee that a parent’s prayers for a child will be answered. Still, that should not rule out the positive effect of praying with children. Bracelets can encourage that positive event to take place. Bracelets can thus have a positive effect on children.

By associating bracelets with prayer beads and with prayer, a parent can better separate that one piece of jewelry from the glitzy world often associated with those who wear jewelry. In that way, possession of a bracelet can come to represent a statement of faith.