| For thousands of years, human beings have imbued crystalline jewels and accessories with religious meaning. In the Christian church, followers often invest in holy items, like crosses, rosaries, and Virgin Mary medals to celebrate the miracles of Christ. Jews, on the other hand, create and trade ornamental stars of David, symbols from the Kabbalah, and the Hebrew letter Chia, which symbolizes life. In the Islamic world, scholars and travelers often invest in prayer watches, which indicate specific times of day to pray to Mecca. These watches are often made in both Arabic and English. Buddhists often wear pendants and charms celebrating the miracle of the Buddha's enlightenment. Hindus draw upon sacred scriptures, the Upanishads, to create intricate holy jewelry. Religious jewelry has a long and storied tradition. Back in ancient Egypt, craftsmen of the day honored the Sun God, Ra, and developed the enduring symbol of the Ankh, which to this day remains a potent religious icon. Some originally "religious" jewelry is now considered almost secular by nature. For instance, in the United States, cross necklaces are considered fashion statements as well as religious declarations. Some precious pieces cross religious boundaries. Many religions, for instance, embrace ornate earrings, lapel pins, and necklaces as holy symbols. Today, thanks to e-commerce enabled by the Internet, religious jewelry traders have access to a vast and growing network of suppliers, customers, and fans. You can find a wide assortment of religious jewelry at online auctions, from 50-cent trinkets to ornaments worth tens of thousands of dollars. |
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