Jewelry is more than just a fashion accessory. Whether it’s understated, classic styles for every day use or bold, statement jewelry for special occasions, it could be argued that everyone chooses jewelry not only based on their style preferences but also based on their special meaning and personal significance to them. Having said this, many jewelry styles have particular religious and spiritual significance. One such style is Buddhist jewelry.
Buddhist jewelry is not actually a strict and formal style of jewelry used in Buddhism. Like all other religions, Buddhism has special symbols, imagery, and designs that represent and hold particular significance to its believers. Special as they are, these icons are often created as jewelry using precious metals and stones. Whether a piece of jewelry is worn every day or for special occasions, styles with religious significance are usually worn to keep a deity physically close to oneself, as a form of protection and guidance, or as a simple and clear symbol of faith. When it comes to Buddhist jewelry, a number of different icons, figures, and symbols are especially created into various forms of jewelry. Necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings and even brooches are a number of the styles that can be made into meaningful and gorgeous Buddhist jewelry.
Of course, the most popular icon is that of Buddha. Necklaces with a striking pendant featuring an image of Buddha are a great way for Buddhists to keep a symbol of their faith with them all day and close to their hearts. Aside from this, Om and Mantra writings depicted in gold, silver or brass cuffs, rings and even earrings, along with beautiful filigree designs, are both meaningful and fashionable pieces of jewelry. Another exquisitely intricate and eye-catching type of Buddhist jewelry is the representation of Mandala in the form of pendants and cuffs. Other auspicious and sacred icons, including the eight Ashtamangala signs, are also popular as pendants. Of course, precious Buddhist symbolisms are not only limited to wearable pieces of jewelry. Handcrafted Gau, which are traditional prayer boxes, amulet containers or even lockets, can be beautifully carved and embellished with semi-precious stones, including turquoise and coral. These then become both functional and stunning accessories.
While Buddhist jewelry is, naturally, most significant and coveted by those who practice the faith, non-Buddhists can also wear any form of Buddhist jewelry. You don’t actually have to be a Buddhist or even a religious individual to be able to appreciate and wear Buddhist jewelry or any other styles of religious jewelry and spiritual symbols for that matter. Whether you’re a Buddhist or not, choosing to wear Buddhist jewelry comes with appreciation not only for its physical style but also with respect to its unique significance, theological importance, and cultural meaning.
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