| Practically every type of religion has spiritual jewelry. | | | | worn. These pieces often are very expensive, but |
| Whether Buddhist, Christian or New Age, there are | | | | pieces using inexpensive metals and fake stones are |
| spiritual symbols that are often worn as adornment | | | | also popular. |
| by both men and women. This type of jewelry is | | | | Many Native Americans wear spiritual jewelry. The |
| almost as old as history itself. | | | | jewelry may have to do with a rite of passage, be a |
| Much of the early artwork that survives today has a | | | | healing stone or be used only in ceremonies. In the |
| spiritual connotation. Whether the art was an idol or a | | | | United States there are special laws about jewelry |
| symbol of the creator's faith, we see surviving pieces | | | | that is sold as Native American jewelry, so if you |
| made of stone, iron, brass or gold. In addition to | | | | want authentic jewelry, be sure that you understand |
| those pieces of art, there were pieces of jewelry | | | | these laws. |
| made that reflected the wearer's religious beliefs. | | | | The cost of such religious jewelry may vary greatly, |
| Some jewelry that was spiritual in nature was worn | | | | regardless of the faith of the person. Jewelry made |
| in order to ward off evil spirits. Other pieces were | | | | from inexpensive alloys and simulated stones or |
| made to remind the wearer of their god or religious | | | | simply enameled may be very inexpensive. If the |
| duty. The pieces were worn because they were | | | | settings are made of gold and precious stones are |
| important to the wearer. | | | | used in the jewelry, then the purchaser can expect |
| Catholicism has jewelry in the form of crosses, | | | | to pay more for the piece. Custom made pieces will |
| rosaries and crucifixes. These adornments are | | | | be found to be even more expensive. |
| important to the wearer in reminding them of the | | | | If you are planning to purchase spiritual jewelry, you |
| suffering of the Savior. Rosaries are used during | | | | should begin by setting a budget. Know what you |
| prayers. Additionally, medallions such as St. | | | | can and want to spend before you begin shopping. |
| Christopher metals are often important to Catholics | | | | As with any other jewelry, you will want to look for |
| as well as non Catholics. | | | | quality workmanship. Make sure that settings are |
| While rosaries and crucifixes are less popular with | | | | secure and that clasps and fasteners are secure. Like |
| Protestants, the cross is a popular piece of jewelry. | | | | other good jewelry, you do not want a piece to be |
| In addition, the symbol of the fish found in the | | | | ruined by a lost stone or lost because of a faulty |
| catacombs has been important for thousands of | | | | clasp. If you are new to your spirituality and unsure |
| years. | | | | about what piece of jewelry to purchase, speak with |
| New Age jewelry often has very ancient roots. | | | | someone who is more experienced in the practice of |
| Amulets which have been copied from pieces that | | | | your religion. They may be able to direct you to a |
| were created thousands of years ago are often | | | | piece that will grow in meaning to you over time. |