Religious Jewelry: Judaism

Posted by Laurie Zeiden on Apr 26, 2016

Antique malls, flea markets and collectibles show are a great place to search for antique and vintage jewelry of all kinds. Finding Judaica is easiest in areas with large population centers but the savvy searcher will be able to locate great items any place jewelry is being resold.

What should you look for? Just like shopping for any item of jewelry - look first for a design you like then study the item's condition. Used jewelry will often have an uneven patina and may show some wear. Decide if you're okay with the condition you see. And if you are, go for it! It's a satisfying feeling to give someone else's treasure a new chance as your treasure.

I hope you enjoy these examples of Judaica jewelry.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Sterling silver charm

Sterling silver pendant with scripture inside

SHEMA YISRAEL
Shema Yisrael is a Jewish prayer recited during morning and evening services in which God is praised.

Silver and enamel pendant

MAGEN DAVID or JEWISH STAR
Probably the most iconic and recognizable symbol of Judaism.

Collection of Magen David pendants

Brooch by Yaacov Agam, Israeli sculptor and kinetic artist

Vintage pair of cuff links

CHAI
The Chai symbol, 2 Hebrew letters, has many meanings but is most commonly used to mean "long life."

Sterling silver pendant

Gold and turquoise pendant or charm
Am Yisrael Chai / The People of Israel LIve

Artists and sculptors were commissioned to make a series of pins for Hadassah, Women's Zionist Organization of America.

Burning Bush by Retsinger and Am Echad (One People) by Lipchitz

Twelve Tribes Breastplate by Kani K and Prisoner of Conscience by Tumarkin

Menorah by Lipchitz and Shalom by Chaim Gross

Unsigned Menorah brooch

Pomegranate pin and pendant. Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, of the Torah.

Silver Shaddai brooch

Silver ring with lots of detail. Top shows the Ten Commandments with the Lions of Judah flanking the tablets. One side panel shows a Rabbi holding the Torah and the other side shows a warrior or Maccabee.