| Religious jewelry is often worn as an expression of | | | | rosary bracelets are also popular gifts among |
| religious faith and inner joy. The very word 'jewelry' | | | | Catholics. |
| comes from a French word called, 'joiel' which means | | | | * Patron saints like St. Michael and the Archangel |
| 'joy.' Even though definitions of religious jewelry keep | | | | feature on medals on chains and signify protection for |
| changing with time, its essential meaning remains | | | | the wearer. Gifting such jewelry is considered lucky for |
| pristine and has not faded away. | | | | those who have risky professions like firemen, |
| Initially, religious jewelry comprised rosaries and beaded | | | | policemen and soldiers. These are also gifted to |
| bracelets. With change in lifestyle preferences, there | | | | children on their communion. |
| are varieties to choose from such as pendants, | | | | * Gifting salvation bracelets and spirit bracelets is also |
| bracelets, rings, pins and brooches. Gifting a piece of | | | | widespread. Bracelets with religious engravings or |
| religious gold jewelry to a loved is also a trend that has | | | | popular spiritual phrases are common too. |
| grown considerably. | | | | Religious Gold: Significance in Other Religions |
| Popular Items in Religious Jewelry | | | | Different cultures all over the world have some or the |
| The following are some popular items which dominate | | | | other form of gold jewelry:- |
| the category of religious gold jewelry: | | | | * The religious jewelry of Egyptians features the 'Eye |
| * Gold cross necklaces and gold cross pendants are | | | | of Horus', 'Scarab' and the 'Ankh,' each of which have |
| highly sought after pieces. | | | | different meanings. |
| * Bracelets which depict important events like the Last | | | | * For Christians, any gold that features the crucifix is |
| Supper are also common in Christian jewelry. | | | | symbolic of their faith. |
| * Celtic designs are renowned for their aesthetic value. | | | | * Islamic religious gold comprises a prayer watch. This |
| Some popular Celtic religious gold jewelry comprises | | | | helps to remind the Muslims of their prayer time. A |
| rings, pendants and charms. | | | | bilingual prayer watch indicates time in both English and |
| Gifting Jewelry | | | | Arabic. |
| Gifting loved ones with a piece of religious jewelry is a | | | | * Kaballah amulets and necklaces are popular with |
| thoughtful expression of respect and affection. Here | | | | those who embrace Jewish faith. |
| are some interesting points on gifting jewelry: | | | | Jewelry is worn by celebrities and youngsters to look |
| * Baptism and first communion are common occasions | | | | trendy as well. |
| to gift a child his/her first rosary. Saints' medals and | | | | |