Crosses & Crucifixes

Friday, May 01, 2009

Greek Religious Jewelry – An Impressive Fashion Statement

There are in fact several definitions of jewelry. One of them is that it describes any ornamental adornment on the body ranging from toe rings to tiaras and everything in between. Now, there has been an extensive use of jewelry in every culture during different phases of history and in many different ways. While in many cultures in the present day jewelry is found to be applied mostly on aesthetic purpose, in the other cultures jewelry is found to serve other functions as well, like marital status and tribal affinity. If truth be told, in a lot of cultures jewelry has been applied both for religious purposes and as the emblem of religious affiliation. The Greek religious jewelry in this regard deserves special mention among several traditions. It is in view of the fact that from the ancient period the Greek jewelry is noted as a venerable device being extensively used in the religious purposes making them for solemn and refined.

Gold Greek Cross Pendant

Now when we discuss of the Greek religious jewelry, at the very outset we must accept since in the modern days jewelry is mostly used for decorative purposes we often tend to forget of the roots of jewelry. With it we also do not care to remember that the jewelries in several cultural traditions have been used extensively for religious purposes. The Greek religious jewelry in this way is a great instance which through its respected uses has influenced the thought processes of generations after generations of people. Now, for example, if you are asked of your feeling at the time of thinking of a cross what shall be your answer? Certainly you will not answer in an amusing way saying that it reminds you of a latest Hollywood movie. But obviously it does make you remember the story of Christ and his crucifixion. Or you may answer of other identifications with a cross. The next question obviously will be where from you have got the other identifications with the cross. You may point to the American Red Cross whose cross is synonymous to a plus sign but red, and wider, defined as two perpendiculars, symmetrical points. Now once you get the whole idea or a detailed definition of this type of cross you can in the same manner equate it with any Greek orthodox emblem of cross. In fact from the earliest period of European history this cross from Greece has been accepted as the noblest form of jewelry that has been found to benefit the wearer in different ways. As a result, through ages, this Greek religious jewelry has been accepted as a figure that is adorned most popularly in necklaces, bracelets, earrings or anklets. You can go through a variety of ways, on the basis of your interest, to have the appropriate type of cross jewelry for a certain occasion.

Greek Religious Jewelry

Well, if you want to have the Greek religious jewelry both in terms of fashion and religious purpose, there are in actual fact many designs. Among them if you desire for the solid ones there are in fact several designs that can earn your attraction because this simple design (or lack thereof) will be flexible for any occasion. you can simply wear the Greek religious jewelry on any, be it an anklet, charm bracelet, or even in the form of earrings. There is nothing to worry about also since the simplicity of this jewelry will in no way remove any spotlight from the rest of your apparel. Whereas to a certain extent it will wholly complement any fashionable outfit. You may also go for the distinctive pattern since in it there is also an existence of diverse designs pertaining to the Greek religious jewelry and thus can also make an exceptionally impressive fashion statement.

Friday, September 07, 2007

Patron Saint Medals

The patron saint medals are very popular among the Catholics. They are the medals which characterize the features of a particular saint. Patron saints are the protectors or negotiators before God. A particular saint is designated to serve each occupation and state of people. The relics show that the saint medals were prevalent from the ancient period. The practice of using the patron saint medal is believed to be inherited from the culture of the Romans and Greek.

Gold Saint Christopher Medal

Patron saint medals were introduced to honor the Christian martyrs. Later, the medals were evolved as a way to express the faith and devotion. The medals are also used to keep away the evil spirits away. They are a means of request to God to shower his blessings. They think that the medals will help to overcome the difficult situations.

Patron saint medals are usually worn as pendants on necklaces or chains. Some people used to carry the medals in their possessions such as rosary, car, home, etc. The medals are sometimes laid on the foundation of buildings or in the walls of the barns to protect the building from evil. Most people fix the medals in a sacred place of a business area for prosperity. Patron saint medals usually features the picture of the saint and inscriptions such as "pray for us." The medals are made of different metals such as scarlet silver, gold, bronze, etc.

Saint Jude Thaddeus Medal

Patron saint medals have become an integral part of Christian jewelry. The medals are also used as special religious gift items. Patron saint medals are available from leading Christian stores. Internet helps to locate the online shops, which provide a wide variety of the medals. Most of the shops offer custom made patterns of the medals.

Patron saint medals are worn by people in favor of a particular saint to improve the life and career conditions. Patron saint medals are available for most of the saints such as St. Andrew, St. Anne, St. Anthony, St. Barbara, St. Brendon, St. Dymphna, St. Gregory, St. Hubert, St. Joan of Arc, St. Lawrence, St. Michael, St. Nicolas, St. Peter, St. Rose, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St.William. It is also used as a pet jewelry to save the pet from evil spirits.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com expert Eddie Tobey

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Cross - Most Popular Religious Symbol

Religious jewelry is a meaningful representation of spirituality and style. What comes to mind when you think of religious jewelry?

Diamond Vintage Style Cross

A cross may obviously be the first thing affiliated with it, but there are also well-known symbols such as the fish and the Star of David that can also be used as religious symbols sported on jewelry. The cross, however, may be the most popular religious symbol, and thus, modeled most heavily on religious jewelry.

Bbudded Cross Pendant

Catholic Crucifix - Details and depiction are two words that sum up observations of a catholic crucifix. In silver or gold, a Catholic Crucifix is distinguished by a suffering Christ against the Cross. At first glance, Christ’s figure on the cross can be very subtle, giving all assumptions towards a traditional-style cross. But when seen up close, the crucified body can easily be seen. A Catholic cross, given as a gift, will serve as a memorable reminder of Christ.

Greek cross - Can you visualize what their design entails? Envision the plus sign in mathematics. The American Red Cross is the "plus sign", but red, and wider, defined as two perpendicular, symmetrical points. More descriptively, if you were to put a square (a plane of four equal sides) around it, each of the tips of the cross would perfectly touch the sides. Now that you have a detailed definition of this type of cross, define this also as a Greek cross, a religious work of art, yet also a figure adorned most popularly in necklaces, bracelets, earrings or anklets.

Celtic cross - A cross that features three important aspects, a Celtic cross brings together a religious, stylish and cultural blend into a unique design. A Celtic cross consists of a traditional-style crucifix, complemented with a slightly smaller ring encircling the cross. A cross that has rich meaning, the ring on the cross is said to be a symbol of God’s endless love. Among other symbolisms, the ring is also said to stand for eternity and the sun.

Silver Celtic Cross

These three crosses are just a few of the many beautiful styles that have depicted this religious treasure. The cross, a universal symbol of Christianity, is a religious treasure that is versatile as any piece of jewelry, from a necklace to a brooch - to wear for that very special occasion.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com Stephanie Tuia

Saturday, December 10, 2005

A Brief History in Religious Jewelry

Jewelry is a broad term that describes any ornamental adornment on the body. It includes toe rings to tiaras and everything in between. Jewelry has been used in every culture throughout history and in many different ways. While in our culture today jewelry serves mostly an aesthetic purpose, jewelry can serve other functions as well. Jewelry is used to represent social or official rank, age, marital status, and tribal affinity. In addition, jewelry serves as emblems of religious, social, and political affiliation. In fact, one of the very first uses of jewelry was to show religious affiliation. The following are the main cultures that began the use of religious jewelry and the common symbols and uses of their jewelry.

Roman Christianity and Religious Jewelry

Art and architecture thrived when St. Constantine Christianized the Roman Empire. At this time several popular symbols were created that are still used in Christian art and jewelry. These symbols include the cross, the rosary, and the Christian fish charm. The cross is a symbol of God’s love and a reminder of Christ’s suffering. Rosary beads are prayer beads that began in the Roman Christian world but are now used predominately by the Catholic Church (officially accepted by the Catholic Church during the rosary approbation in 1520). Rosary beads are also used in the Islam and Buddhist faith. The Christian fish charm came about when early Christians would make an acronym with the Greek word for fish, “ichthys,” Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior). This symbol attracted less attention to the persecuted Christians. The Christian charm remains very popular today.

Native American Jewelry

Native American religious jewelry was a symbol for nature, played a role in religious ceremonies, and represented status. Natural materials were used in their jewelry including feathers along with minerals such as turquoise and metals like silver. These natural materials were a reminder of the Earth around them. During healing ceremonies and harvest rituals, the people would take care to wear specific kinds of religious jewelry that were the right color, made of the right materials, and representing the right symbol for that event. The jewelry that is worn by a person is representative of the different stages of life an individual has entered into. In several tribes adolescents are initiated into adulthood when they receive the spiritual totem consisting of shells, beads, or symbols from nature. Native American religious jewelry was also given to women after there first menses and to newly married couples. Religious jewelry has played a significant role in Native American culture.

Because our culture today uses jewelry mostly for decorative purposes we often forget the roots of jewelry and how, to some cultures, it can have a deeper spiritual meaning. Recognizing the importance of this religious jewelry in other cultures allows us to see the greater symbolic uses that jewelry can be used for.

Source: Harris Michael Jewelry

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Victorian Garnet 9K Gold Cross Pendant Necklace

9K Gold CrossVictorian Garnet 9K Gold Cross Pendant Necklace.

For those who treasure the spiritual, devotion is a state of being and mind that is both beautiful and divine. This circa 1880s Victorian Garnet Cross Pendant Necklace embraces and embodies the deep sentiment and dedication to faith that marked the Era of Romance. A massive pink gold cross set with faceted red garnets is the heart and soul of this sparkling symbol of boundless love. This incredible pendant is breathtaking in its size and beauty. This 2 and 1/4" long and 1 and 5/8" wide cross stirs the heart and warms the spirit. A small triangle with three garnets that no doubt symbolize the Trinity, join the dangling pendant to an outstanding faceted garnet chain. A dual strand of gorgeous faceted garnet beads pours down along the neck giving this dazzling jewel a dramatic drop. The necklace measures 18 and 1/2" and closes with a French tube push clasp. During the Victorian Era, love and fellowship went hand in hand. A woman's lifelong love might be found at church socials or other such events and this may very well have been a love token between two smitten individuals intent on spending their lives together in faith and devotion.

9K Gold Cross Pendant Necklace Price - $1650.00 Buy Now

See also more: Religious Jewellery Crosses and Crucifixes Collection at Jewelry Store JewelryAdviser.com (14K YELLOW GOLD, 14K WHITE GOLD)