Christian Jewelry - Why We Wear It

Undoubtedly the cross is the best known religious symbol of Christianity, and the most common symbol of Christian jewelry worn. It represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There are several "versions" of crosses which we'll discuss later. Also we'll be looking at other symbols of Christianity.

Wow, where does one begin on this subject? There are so many styles of crosses! Some have significance in their style, some don't. But we'll view some of the most popular beginning with the plain cross.
An unassuming statement of faith and beautiful in it's simplicity

The crucifix is undoubtably the most known and probably the most popular style of cross. You'll see tiny little crucifix crosses on children all the way up to the huge bling bling crucifix, and everything in between!

While one will see Christians wearing this style cross, the Ankh Cross has little to do with Christianity. The Ankh cross was an Egyptian hieroglyphic character meaning "eternal life." It is also known as the key of life, or crux ansata, Latin for "cross with a handle." In popular culture the ankh has also been associated with neopagan religion.

Irish inspired, this cross is characteristic of a ring that surrounds the intersection of the cross. Besides the style being very popular in jewelry, the Celtic cross has been used extensively as grave markers in Ireland.

Also Irish inspired, the Claddagh symbol is traditionally an Irish ring given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The elements of this symbol are said to correspond to the qualities of love, friendship and loyalty. Coupling the Claddagh symbol (the two hands holding a heart with a crown) with the cross has become a popular piece of jewelry as the virtues of love, and friendship, and the sacrifice of Christ go hand in hand.

This is a cross that has been embellished with gemstones. Styles can range anywhere from crosses with cheap rhinestones to diamonds.
This particular cross is embedded with lapis, denim lapis and turquoise stones.

Our next few modules we will discuss the different styles of Christian jewelry.

Our first style jewelry is often controversial. Are the individuals that wear this jewelry really devout Christians? Or is this more about the jewelry than the message? I've done a small survey, and it's about half and half. People wear the huge gold crosses or the navel rings with dangling crosses, and for some of them, this type jewelry is a statement of faith. For the rest....it's about the bling.

The Christian pendant is undoublaly the most popular piece of jewelry we see. It is worn by men, women and children alike. It ranges from tiny simple crosses that can be worn as a pendant or charm, to huge gold crucifixes and everything in between. The pendant is made of a variety of materials, is worn at different lengths around the neck and can be hung by sterling, gold, stainless steel, leather, jute, silk and a plethora of other fibers and mediums.

The ring is probably the next most popular form of Christian jewelry. Just like pendants, rings come in variety of materials. However the most popular is gold and sterling silver. Stainless steel is a very popular metal used today. Rings are adorned with a variety of stones, from diamonds to sea shells.

Ah, the good ole bracelet. What women is properly dressed if she's without her bracelet? As with other jewelry, bracelets are made from almost any material. Christian bracelets are available in all styles including link style bracelets, cuff bracelets, charm bracelets and much, much more! Christian men enjoying wearing bracelets as well. There's a wonderful variety of very masculine bracelets for men to choose. Something to suit every taste.

What is more precious than a child wearing a tiny piece of Christian jewelry? Little girls with tiny cross earrings, or a baby boy with a small gold cross pendant. Bracelets are very popular on small children. Even tiny rings are worn by children. And, interestingly enough, children's jewelry is most often made of quality metals such as gold and silver. Witness bracelets are very popular for Christian children. The bracelets are often made from fine quality metals and adorned with gemstones and swarovski cystals. And because the bracelets are made of quality materials, they can be sized up as the child grows.
One word of caution...just as with any small object, children should ALWAYS be monitored when wearing jewelry with small components, as these could present a choking hazard.

As mentioned earlier, there are pieces of Christian jewelry that could be considered controversial. Such as anklets, toe rings, navel rings, ear cuffs or the huge gold bling bling crosses. But a lot of young people today enjoy wearing a "comtemporary" form of Christian jewelry in a subtle sort of way. For example, a dainty toe ring. It's today fashion statement without being overbearing.

This is an interesting array of jewelry and very poplular among young people today! Not just for the Christian but for any devout religious person that believes in abstaining from sex until marriage. While this jewelry is most commonly found in the form of rings, it can also be found as bracelets, pendants, and even keychains. Often the jewelry is made of quality materials such as gold and silver.

Purity jewelry......what a pleasure to see our young people and single adults today resisting the pressures of our secular society, and waiting until marriage to engage in sex. You GO single people!!!

Just as with any type of jewelry, Christian jewelry is available in any and every form of metals, stones, fibers, and/or any imaginable element. I could write a whole lens on what Christian jewelry is made of. Maybe I'll do that next time. But for this lens let it suffice to say, Christian jewelry can and is made from the cheapest of base metals to the finest of gemstones and everything in between! If you can think of an element, it's probably been made into a cross or other form of Christian jewelry.

There are all sorts of neat items that are serviceable and at the same time can be a statement of faith. Take, for example, ID/Badge/Eye glasses holder. It is worn like a pendant but serves as a great little gadget to keep track of those ever misplaced glasses. Also it can be used as a decorative way of wearing your ID and/or badges at work.

Ichthus (sometimes spelled Ichthys) is the Greek word for fish. Frequently this piece of jewelry has the Greek letters "IXOYE" inside the fish.
Persecuted Christians used the Ichthus fish symbol to mark meeting places and tombs. and to distinguish friends from foes.
This style of jewelry is worn as a pendant, ring, bracelet, charm, and can be found on Christian t-shirts, keychains, purses, and much much more!

Angels have played a huge part in religion. Angels were present at Christ's resurrection and informed the grieving friends and family that Christ had risen from the dead!
Angel jewelry is popular and can be found in the form of pendants, earrings and more. Little girls frequently wear angel jewelry, but there is angel jewelry for adults and children alike.

While the dove of peace is more commonly associated with Noah's Ark, it is also popular among Christians. It is a sign of love and peace. It also represents the Holy Spirit that appeared as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus. Crosses with doves are popular pendants.

When you wear Christian jewelry, are you "showing off?" Is wearing your jewelry a form of being boastful or prideful? Is it about how beautifully adorned you are? Not at all! And following are a few good reasons to wear that Christian jewelry:

* Wearing Christian jewelry says who are without ever opening your mouth. It's your statement of faith and your proclamation of your devotion to Christ.

* Wearing Christian jewelry is a form of evangelism. If someone comments on a piece of jewelry you are wearing, it opens the door to share your faith.

* In these politically charged times it's almost prohibitive to broach the subject of Christianity. But if you're wearing an attractive Christian pendant, ring or bracelet and someone inquires about it, then the opportunity is opened to discuss your faith and explain the significance of that piece of jewelry to you.

* Christian jewelry can be fashionable and stylish as well. From the casual toe ring to the large, rhinestone embedded pendant, and everything in between. There is Christian jewelry to suit any fashion statement and any personality.

* Think about this...you don't "look" at your own jewelry. In other words, you can't see your pendant or earrings. And even if you're wearing a bracelet or a ring, you don't "see" them after a while. However others see your Christian jewelry. And, once again, it says who you are, and opens the door for discussion, and maybe an opportunity to evangelize.

We should never be timid, reticent, shy or embarrassed about wearing our Christian jewelry. Remember, Christ said, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26 (NIV)