Gone are the days when a simple gold cross for communion was as nice as religious jewelry ever got. These days, you can find every religious symbols—cross, chai, hamsa, stars of David, Islamic star/moon and more—made from all manners of precious metals and adorned with diamonds and assorted precious gems. It’s interesting to note that in the early centuries A.D., persecuted Christians wore a fish symbol as a secret symbol of their faith.
Over time, symbols became more overt, with the cross emerging around the fourth century. As jewelry designs evolved, they naturally included symbols of faith and wearing these symbols became a favored way of expressing one’s beliefs. Ancient Egyptians and Native Americans also wore jewelry to represent their convictions.
Because there are so many inexpensive versions of these items around, you may not even think that fine items like this exist. Three things to say about that:
- They do.
- Ask for them.
- Remember that jewelers can usually custom design anything you ask for.
At Loudoun jewelry on Maple Avenue, we often get religious items in stock, but feel free to call ahead to see what we have, and don’t forget to browse other pawn shops in Northern Virginia. Religious jewelry is often found among estate and antique items and, here, you may find items much different from what you’re used to seeing in stores when you shop for jewelry in the DC area.