Religious Jewelry

Jewelry, normally enjoyed for the aesthetic it imparts, can also serve religious purposes. In the realm of religious jewelry, every culture and religion in the world has something unique to offer. These items can include crosses, crucifixes, rosaries, and religious rings.

Among the major cultures known for religious jewelry, there a variety of religious symbols used in most pieces. Ancient Egyptians used very symbolic pieces like the scarab or beetle, lotus, serpent, falcon, and the eye in their religious jewelry. These represented good luck and resurrection, protection, healing, and eternal life. They were extravagant and made of gold and semi-precious stones.

Once the Roman Empire gave in to the winds of Christianity they created the religious jewelry of that period. These included the cross, the rosary, and the Christian fish charm symbolizing God's love and Christ's suffering.

Native Americans largely used feathers and minerals such as turquoise and metals like silver – reminiscent of the earth and her bounty during healing ceremonies and harvest rituals.

While jewelry today has acquired a decorative nuance, in many cultures around the world jewelry is still used to celebrate deep, spiritual roots.