A quick question: What do you think of when you read the words,Christian Jewelry?

Like most of us, you may think of your favorite cross necklace, a rosary, or even a wedding ring. Many Christians receive a pendant necklace of their chosen saint after their Confirmation ceremony, and children a guardian angel charm, which they love.

But what about jewelry in the time of the Bible?

There are several Bible verses that are related to Christian Jewelry. You may have heard this verse during a Service or Homily: "Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness-with good works." - Timothy 2:9-10

And what a verse! This verse raises the value of good works over fashion and other earthly goods. But there are many others that highlight the value of jewelry for those in the Bible, just as it is important for those of us today.

7 Examples of Jewelry in the Bible

From engagement accessories to a symbol of thanks, there have been many reasons to wear and give jewelry in the Bible. Here are a few of our favorite examples:

1. A perfect gift

"And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments." - Genesis 24:53

In the book of Genesis, Abraham desires to find a wife for his son, Isaac. In this Bible verse, gold and silver jewelry (sterling silver, maybe?) are given to Rebekah and her family. We can be sure that they gave a mix of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. And all of these accessories were meant to show how Rebekah would be welcomed into their family.

2. A gift of forgiveness

"But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.'" - Luke 15:22

In the story of The Lost Son, a father celebrates his son's return by giving him a ring. More than an accessory, this ring, as well as the garments, highlights the love a father had for his son, despite their disagreements. A gift of jewelry, then, can be used to show forgiveness or kind thoughts for those who have wronged us.

3. A show of thanks

"When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten gold shekels." - Genesis 24:22

Again, we go back to the story of Rebekah. In this part of the story, Rebekah gives water to a servant of Abraham and his camels, who has come to find a wife for Isaac. In thanks, the man gives her a bracelet for each arm and a gold ring and later asks if there's a place he can stay the night.

Gifting jewelry isn't just reserved for a loved one, an engagement, or a sacrament. It can also be a beautiful way to show appreciation for those who have helped you.

4. Treating yourself

"And we have brought the Lord's offering, what each man found, articles of gold, armlets and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and beads, to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord." - Numbers 31:50

This particular Bible Verse comes from a tense situation - after a violent battle. Most of us aren't going into active combat, but we have smaller battles every day. We attempt to navigate office politics, personal disagreements, and bad luck with grace. And after a particularly difficult time, it's common to want to gift ourselves something as a reward. And, in this verse, that's perfectly normal.

Everyone has their own favorite treat. As it was in the past, jewelry is often an ideal reward for a job well done.

5. Showing affection

"When I passed by you again and saw you behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine. Then I bathed you with water and washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and shod you with fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. And I adorned you with ornaments and put bracelets on your wrists and a chain on your neck. And I put a ring on your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head." - Ezekiel 16:8-14

A beautiful piece of jewelry is often an expression of affection for a loved one. This was as true during the Biblical times, as it is today. While Christian gifts as we know them today weren't available, a pendant, necklace, or bracelet was a symbol of care and consideration. Hands holding with affection

6. Marriage gifts

"Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels. We will make for you ornaments of gold, studded with silver." - Song of Solomon 1:10-11

Marriage is more than an occasion - it's a major life milestone. In Biblical times, men often offered women jewelry, along with other high-value goods to ensure an engagement. Gold, silver, and gems, were popular options. While today the practice has been reduced to both an engagement and wedding ring, this Bible Verse highlights how jewelry remains a perfect gift for young couples.

7. A reminder of belief

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck." - Proverbs 1:8-9

In this verse, a father asks his son to be careful of sin. In doing so, he compares virtuous teachings to pendants. Today, it's common to use religious jewelry as physical reminders of scripture. Whether it's a cross necklace, a rosary, or a bracelet engraved with Bible Verses, there is a wide selection of options for people looking to live their faith.

Faith-based jewelry from the Holy Land

Jewelry has always been integral to Christian storytelling and today you can buy Christian gifts from anywhere in the world - including the Holy Land. Whether you are investing in yourself or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, selecting a beautiful piece of jewelry hand-made in the Holy Land can bring a bit of the past into the present.

At Gloria Jewels, we know how much a beautiful piece of jewelry can mean to friends and family. We are a family business based in Jordan, and for generations, we've had the opportunity to serve the worldwide community with hand-made Christian gifts. To see the Christian jewelry our customers love, check out our catalog today.