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Jewelry has many more functions than to simply make us look beautiful or to showcase our personalities and styles. Jewelry is a wonderful way to emphasize your values and beliefs. It is a way to remind us of an important message to us.
For Christians, wearing Christian jewelry is a constant reminder of their faith. It is a statement of their beliefs.
While most people opt for a crucifix, there’s more to Christian jewelry than this. In fact, there’s an entire selection of beautiful symbols and style choices to choose from when picking your perfect piece. In this article, let’s look at everything you need to know about buying Christian jewelry.
Why Wear Christian Jewelry?
People wear Christian themed jewelry for many reasons. A person may be going through personal hardship and may wish to feel closer to God by having a constant reminder.
It can be comforting for many people to wear a symbol like a cross and to remember that God is watching them, keeping them safe.
Others may choose to wear faith-based jewelry to make a statement about their beliefs. They may wish for others to know that they are Christians.
Another reason is that wearing a Christian symbol can be a conversation starter. Others may ask about your jewelry choice, which can lead to a discussion about your religious beliefs, which is ideal if you are committed to sharing your faith with others.
And finally, Christian jewelry can be worn simply because it looks beautiful and reaffirms your faith.
How to Choose Christian Jewelry
When picking out the symbol that corresponds with you, there are a few factors to consider to help you make the choice.
Asking yourself the following questions will help you in this process:
- Do I want to make a statement with this?
- Is there a specific reason I want to wear it?
- What message do I want to receive from it?
- Do I want a popular symbol or a more obscure one?
The answers to these questions will help you decide if you want to go with a common symbol like a crucifix or something more general like a butterfly (yes, the butterfly is an excellent symbol of resurrection).
Symbols in Christian Themed Jewelry
Now that you have an idea about why you want to buy your Christian themed jewelry, let’s take a look at your options.
1. Crucifixes and Crosses
Needless to say, this is the most recognizable Christian symbol in the world. Many Christians wear a simple crucifix or cross around their necks, as a constant reminder of their faith.
Although we tend to use the words crucifix and cross interchangeably, there is a big distinction between them. A cross features just the cross whereas a crucifix is a cross with the image of Christ on it.
The most popular type of jewelry for crosses and crucifixes is the pendant, because it rests against your heart and can be seen when you look down. As such, you are always reminded of its presence.
When choosing your cross, note that there are many different types. The cross that most of us are familiar with is known as the Latin cross, which is the type of cross on which Christ died. But there are many types of crosses.
While earrings are a popular option too, they are more for others to see than for you yourself. While you can feel your earrings, you cannot see them. If you want your Christian jewelry to be easily visible, then opt for a pendant or a charm on a bracelet.
2. Choose an Angel
We all like to think we have a personal guardian angel watching over us. Angel jewelry is very popular as they are seen as messengers from heaven and also as guardians that take care of us.
Angels are usually depicted as female with large, elegant wings. Sometimes they may feature a halo.
Angels are popular as pendants, earrings and bracelets. They also are beautiful when used in accessories such as brooches and hair accessories.
3. Anchor
While not immediately obvious as a Christian symbol, the anchor represents hope and commitment. An anchor holds in place regardless of troubled waters or changing seas.
The anchor is mentioned in the Bible in Hebrews 6:19, where hope is compared to an anchor of the soul, holding on surely and steadfastly.
4. Ichthus or Fish
The Ichthus is a famous Christian symbol that has a few different references. Firstly, it harks back to the miracles involving fish, the fishermen who followed Jesus and the famous words of Christ, “Be fishers of men”.
Secondly, in Greek, the initial letters of the words that mean Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior when put together spell the word Ichthus which in itself means fish.
And lastly, in the olden days, when Christians were ruthlessly persecuted, the sign of the fish was a way for Christians to identify fellow Christians secretly.
5. Descending Dove
Doves have a special place in the Bible and represent the Holy Spirit. When depicting the Holy Spirit, it is common to use doves as a symbol.
The descending doves in particular are a symbol of the Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus during his baptism in the river of Jordan. In addition to this, doves also represent peace and purity in Christianity.
6. Butterfly
Butterflies are an excellent symbol of resurrection because of their life cycle. A butterfly begins its life as a caterpillar, then morphs into a chrysalis before emerging victoriously and beautifully as a butterfly. As such, it is a representation of resurrection, victory and life.
While butterflies do not have direct links to the Bible or to Christianity, this association is one that makes it a perfect symbol for Christians. Wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry that features a butterfly is a subtle and gentle reminder of your faith.
7. Verses, Words and Prayers
The Bible is full of beautiful verses, words and prayers that hold so much meaning for people.
For example, one of the best-known prayers in Christianity is the Lord’s Prayer. Most people know the prayer by heart and it is one that brings peace and serenity to many. Wearing a piece of jewelry that features this beautiful prayer is one way of keeping the prayer close.
Choosing words that resonate with you is another option when it comes to Christian themed jewelry. Words like faith, hope, love, peace, believe and blessed are connections to your beliefs, values and faith.
While pendants, bracelets and rings are the most popular option for Christian jewelry with quotations, watches make an excellent option too. It is impossible not to be reminded of your faith each time you check the time or look at your watch.
Where to Buy Christian Jewelry
There are many physical stores that sell beautiful Christian jewelry but if you want a world of options, we suggest taking your search online. There are several online stores that specialize in Christian jewelry and you can start at one of these.
But you can also take your search to sites like Etsy and Amazon which have excellent collections of faith-based jewelry for you to choose from.
Wrapping Up
There are many options for you when you’re looking for Christian themed jewelry. This article has attempted to outline some of the most popular symbols but it goes without saying that this isn’t an exhaustive list. There are symbols all around if you look for them.
Finally, it’s important to point out that although Christian symbols are beautiful to wear, most people wear them not because they look beautiful but rather because of the meanings that they hold for them.
