The Christian faith has been around for ages, Christian jewelry just as ancient as the faith itself. Jewelry of Christian themes tends to reflect the humility of the religion in stunning, unmatched designs. They have always been worn by high priests during special rituals and sometimes with inscriptions. Christians, historically, have been prosecuted for their faith by a number of different groups of people. It’s faith, determination, and dedication that has kept Christianity going strong and proud into the modern day world. Here is a list of the most prominent types of jewelry worn by high authorities as well as Christians worldwide.
Ichthus Fish (ΙΧΘΥC) Jewelry
The fish is one of the most well known symbols of Christianity. The first four disciples of Jesus were originally fishermen. Jesus said he would make a new ‘kind of fisherman’ out of the four, where their sole purpose was to spread the word of god to men and women they ‘caught’. ΙΧΘΥC, the Greek for the world Ichthys (or Ichthus) means “Jesus Christ, God’s son, savior”, (Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ”, Iēsous Khristos Theou Huios, Sōtēr), their code for their belief in Jesus and their way of avoiding prosecution.
Types of Ichthus Fish Jewelry
Plain Ichthus Fish Jesus & Ichthus Fish Cross & Ichthus Fish
Cross Jewelry
Most devout Christians have some kind of cross jewelry in their jewelry collection, which is why it makes a most excellent symbolic, meaningful gift. Regardless, cross jewelry is just as heavy in Christian symbolism as the Christian fish. The Christian cross is the representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It sometimes contains a three-dimensional representation of Jesus’ body. The cross is marked by two lines crossing at angles, like in the shape of the letter ‘t’. It’s a piece of Christian art that is both aesthetically appealing and widely worn.
Types of Cross Jewelry
Crucifix Crosses
Celtic Crosses
Fleur De Lis Crosses
Ornate Crosses
Orthodox Crosses
Latin / Western Crosses
Angel Jewelry
Angel, comes from the Greek word aggelos (ἄγγελος) which means “messenger” so jewelry having to do with angels typically conveys an important message of faith. Typically, angels encompass the range of spirits that God has created in both good and evil aspects such as seraphim, cherubim, and the arch angel.
Praying Angels
Guardian Angels
Thinking / Pondering Angels
Prayer Pendant Jewelry
Though lockets themselves are not uncommon nor a new trend, prayer pendants are a relatively new phenomenon. They are also called ‘wish boxes’ or ‘hope pendants’. Their sole purpose is to be worn over the heart with a special wish, hope, or prayer hidden away on a small piece of paper. Sometimes, the wearers will seal the prayer pendant closed especially if they choose a message they want to be applied to the entirety of their life.
Variations of Prayer Pendants
Saint Jewelry
Besides being there to watch over you and keep you safe, saints are also representative of those young Christians who have chosen their saint and have finally been confirmed. Therefore, it’s the kind of gift that has a plethora of meanings. From Saint John Paul to the Virgin Mary, there are so many saints to choose from and each having their own special message.
St. Helen: Saint Helen of the city of Colchester, England was the birthplace of this saint. She made a famous pilgrimage to Jerusalem with the strong desire of discovering the crucifix cross that Jesus suffered to carry. She is the patron of archaeologists.
St. Michael: The archangel, “who is like God” is the interpreted symbol of humility before God. In the New Testament Saint Michael leads the army of God against Satan’s in the Book of Revelation.
