The Uniqueness of Jewish Jewelry

The Jewish culture has a long ancient history that dates thousands of years ago. Throughout time, the Jewish people have been scattered all around the world, absorbing various cultures of Eastern and Western societies. However, the core of the Jewish culture has been preserved and managed to survive through turbulent times.

Jewish religious articles and symbols have played an important role in maintaining the bond between Jewish communities from all around  the world. Today Judaica art gives an expression to these common motifs that have sustained the collective unity of the Jewish people. One such example is the Star of David. Within the field of Judaica art, Jewish jewelry draws a wide audience who is fascinated with the original ways in which Jewish jewelry incorporates Jewish symbols and styles.

So what makes the <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.canaan-online.com/groups/jewishjewelry">Jewish jewelry</a> so unique? Throughout history, the Jewish Diaspora has been exposed to diverse cultures. At the same time, prominent motifs in Jewish culture have been well preserved. Today we can find these multiple influences come to life in Judaica artworks with new interpretations. Contemporary Jewelry designers combine modern elements with ancient motifs to create pieces that express collective identity and religious faith. Judaica designers also celebrate the love of the Jewish people for the aesthetics by adding a dimension of their own creativity and imagination. The mix of elements results in unusual designs with symbolic significance that bring together the old and the new, Eastern and Western.

Jewish jewelry has enjoyed a growing popularity in the last few decades. Many people, including non-Jews, are drawn to this type of jewelry for its beauty and what it represents. In addition to its aesthetics, jewish jewelry carries a feel of something ancient and sacred. Many Jewish women and wear Jewish jewelry as a way of expressing their identification with Judaism and solidarity with Jewish nation and culture. The Star of David pendant or necklace is a great example. Wearing the Star of David is a common expression of faith, as well as it demonstrates the bond with the state of Israel as it decorates its national flag.

The Star of David is one of the several prominent symbols in Jewish tradition that are believed to protect the people who wear them on their hands and around their necks. Jewish people also believe that wearing a red string around the wrist wards off evil. The Book of Psalms, one of the most sacred texts in Judaism, is also a common motif in Jewish jewelry. Like other protective amulets, the Book of Psalms is believed to protect the ones carrying it.

Miniature versions of the Book of Psalms or quotations from the sacred text decorate many Jewish jewelry and other Judaica items. Today, Star of David pendants or Book of Psalms pendants make popular gifts for Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah.  Hamsa jewelry is also given as a romantic gift between two lovers, as a way of showing someone you care for them and their safety.

The Hamsa hand is an excellent example of a symbol that the Jewish culture has absorbed that it is not derived from religious or biblical sources. The Hamsa hand has become a popular motif that decorates an array of Judiaca designs.

In addition to Hamsa designs, many jewelry items are inscribed with Hebrew words, letters or symbols with Kabbalist meanings, generally known as Kabbalah jewelry. Kabbalah is a Jewish school of thought concerned with the mystical aspect of Judaism. Kabbalah discusses the inner meaning of religious Jewish texts. The combination of the three Hebrew letters 'Alef-Lamed-Dalet', for example, spells out one of God's sacred names and can be found on many pendants, rings and bracelets. There are many symbols in the Kabbalah amulets that are believed to bring good energies. In recent year Kabbalah jewelry has become wide spread with the growing interest of people, Jews and non-Jews, in spirituality.

The fact that the Diaspora Jews were constantly prosecuted for generations in the last centuries, reaching its peak during World War Two has also influenced the growth and development of the field of Jewish jewelry. In Post World War Two, many proud Jewish people have felt a need to show a sign of identification with their nation. The Star of David that was negatively used by the Nazis during World War Two has turned even more sharply into a sign of collective pride.

Large audiences are drawn to the spiritual aspects of symbolic jewelry. Judaica artists, in response to the growing demand, aspire to design jewelry that includes traditional motifs with an appropriate meaning. Today's artifacts are inspired by old models of Jewish tradition with a modern twist.  People enjoy wearing symbolic jewelry because they carry meaning and a touch of holiness. As these can be found in so many designs and styles, no wonder Jewish jewelry is so popular in so many places around the wor