Israeli Jewelry

Judaic jewelry carries a special meaning to many people around the world. Jewelry has always played a significant role in the history of humankind. There are different types and designs for all cultures and the Jewish people have a large variety of accessories for children, women and men. The jewelry made for Jewish people combines particular motifs and important symbols of Jewish religion and culture. These things connect us in our cultural values and shared beliefs, and most Judaic jewelry is very closely related to the homeland of Israel and other Jewish symbolism.

Judaic Jewelry is often given as gifts

Judaic jewelry is commonly given as gifts on happy occasions such as wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. It is also sometimes given at the birth of a newborn Jewish child so that their first gift is one that symbolizes their culture and heritage. By wearing jewelry that stands for something as important as ones culture and religion, the bearer has the chance to have a piece of their history close to them for both fashion reasons as well as cultural and religious significance.

Judaic jewelry is all about our identity and each piece has a different meaning and importance. The most commonly worn piece is the Star of David. This not only symbolizes our heritage as Jews, but it also is said to protect all who wear it. Then there is the Hamsa Hand which is also said to ward off negative energies.

Shema Yisrael Star of David pendant

Aside from the symbolism that comes along with Jewish jewelry, many pieces are inscribed with prayers and important stories and life lessons. The Birkat Hakohanim can be found on many pieces and is the blessing found in the book of Numbers. This is a powerful verse and is considered to be a blessing to all who wear a piece bearing its inscription. No matter what is inscribed on the jewelry it is almost always in Hebrew as this is the language that is sacred to the Jewish people. For more information on Hebrew jewelry click on the link)

You can find these items and more by Israeli artists at Judaica_Jewelry online.

Kabbalah inspired Judaic jewelry pieces are worn as amulets

Judaic jewelry has become very popular for those outside the faith as well. So many people are enamored with the mystical appeal that the Hebrew language holds as well as the historical meaning attached to it. Many people believe that the Hebrew letters have their very own energy and has since the world was created. Much of these beliefs stem for Kabbalah and though it is can be difficult to determine what jewelry is Jewish and what is Kabbalah, it is important to remember that Kabbalah pieces, while in a different niche, are not separate from Judaic jewelry or tradition.

There are plenty of jewelry artists out there that have many different design ideas that are pretty unique.  These designers can represent many different cultures and rituals that make each piece one of a kind.  One of the leading jewelry designers is Israeli artist Ester Shahaf.  In the last decade Ester Shahaf has become internationally known for her handmade Jewish jewelry and Judaica art. Here we will take a closer look at her distinctive designs and creations.

The accomplished artist Ester Shahaf is best known for her stylish designs of Jewish jewelry that can be easily recognized by her fans across the world. Shahaf’s pieces often incorporate traditional Jewish motifs such as the Hamsa hand and the Star of David. Inspired by local Israeli culture, Ester Shahaf has designed many pieces inspired by her surroundings . Shahaf lives in Binyamina, a small and pastoral town in the north of Israel.

Esther has created a bunch of different types of necklaces and earrings.  Individually made , the pieces use high quality materials like Swarovski crystals.  One interesting part of her designs is that the colors of her jewelry pieces are not dull in any way.  Shahaf often chooses to use bright and cheerful colors.  Some of them include light blue, ruby red, and some light and dark greens.

A graduate of Tel Aviv University in theater and costume design, Shahaf now sells internationally via the online stores that market Israeli products. She even hosts some events that help her show off her different pieces.  These events help get many different types of people introduced to her designs and get her jewelry out there.   Shahaf proficiently combines the old with nevou, and the modern with the traditional, western with oriental influences.

As you have seen above, Esther Shahraf has made a name for herself in the jewelry world.  She takes what she sees from her surroundings and creates beautiful pieces of art.  The use of bright colors and various materials makes her jewelry one of a kind.  If you are looking for some interesting, high quality art, take a look at Esther’s work and be amazed by it.  Shahaf’s artworks are displayed in museum shops and first-class shops in Israel and in the USA.

Where to find? For more info and purchase visit Handmade Jewelry Online!

Have you been thinking about adding some flair to your jewelry collection?

The owners of Beadart studio, Orly Arnon-Asif and Nitza Yarel, create a jewelry line that captures the beauty of the exotic Israeli culture with a mix of modern influence.

After graduating from Tel Aviv Design and Architecture Workshop, designer Orly Arnon-Asif began working as a artist. Over the past decade, her two main platforms have been plastic art and jewelry design.  Arnon-Asif African upbringing as influenced her work, as she is familiar with bright and colorful African Beads that are used by the locals. Beadart’s jewelry combines Arnon-Asif her passion for traditional and modern materials to design an award winning line of jewelry.

After graduating from New York Fashion Institute of Technology, Yarel has worked with various types of metals and stones as a designer and goldsmith. She defiantly adds a fashionable flair, influenced by her Manhattan upbringing, to the line of jewelry creations available at Beadart Studios.
These talented women create one-of-a-kind designs that prides themselves on high quality precious metals, semi-precious and glass stones, cotton, leather and various other materials used.

You can find Beadart jewelry in over 100 international and regional stores and boutiques.

The company was formed in 1999 when the two women first combined their creative talents. The result of their 10 years together is a high quality line of jewelry. The jewelry collections are sold in Israel. Beadart jewelry can also be found abroad in various boutiques and stores. You can find many of their items at Judaica 7 – Israeli Jewelry Products

Below you will find Beadart’s top sellers! These items well reflect current trends in Israeli fashion jewelry.

Be Lucky Bracelet : A beautiful Charm Hamsa Hand Bracelet comes with a matching silver ring. The Hamsa charm has a beautiful natural turquoise chip set which is connected to a natural-cotton red cord.

Multicolor Set Of 3 Rings (brown) – this wonderful set of three elastic rings are made from ceramic beads and complimented by silver-plated hand-made glass.

Flower Studs – the centrally located semi-precious stones come in a variety of colors. The flower is gold-plated with four-petals.

Beadart studio can help you find the jewelry line that fits your style perfectly.  Beadart jewelry line offers a mix of traditional and modern style to compliment any look!

Judaic  jewelry makes a wonderful way to express  your Jewish identity. Judaica or Jewish jewelry mostly includes prominent Jewish motifs, such as the Star of David, or the word “Chai” which means Life in Hebrew. In this blog I bring you a selection of jewelry which includes Star of David pendants, Hamsa jewelry in elegant designs, authentic rings with Hebrew inscriptions and blessings, Kabbalah jewelry and much more. All pieces are handmade in Israel by renowned Israeli jewelry designers in assorted materials and  styles. I believe that any kind of uniquely designed Jewish jewelry, whether a pendant, a ring or a bracelet can make an artistic and stylish expression of faith with great symbolic significance.

Here are some of the most popular motifs in Judaica jewelry accessories:

The Star of David – might be the most popular motif in Jewish jewelry. In the last century, the Star of David has become the most recognizable sign of Judaism. The Star of David decorates numerous of religious objects, such as Hanukkah menorahs. The shape of the hexagram is also believed by many cultures to draw positive energies, and sometime you can spot non-Jews who wear it. A Star of David pendant is also a wonderful way of expressing one’s faith and collective identity. Many people also see Star of David as a sign of connection to the state of Israel, as the Star of David decorates its national flag. In contemporary Jewish jewelry accessories, you can find many interpretations to this ancient symbol, and at the same time Judaica artists aspire to give it appropriate meanings.

Another extremely popular motif in Jewish jewelry is the Hamsa hand. Hamsa jewelry has claimed a special place within the Jewish jewelry niche which often draws on symbols from the Jewish and Israeli cultures. Hamsa hand has been adopted by Judaism and Islam, and now by western societies. Many Jewish jewelry accessories incorporate more than one motifs that are believed to ward off the evil eye and negative energies. There are certain traditional symbols that are considered to fight negative energies such as images of fish, birds and human eyes.

Another prominent motif in Judaica jewelry is the Hebrew symbol Chai. Chai is the 2 letter combination, Heth and Heh. The word Chai, spelled by the letters Heth and Yod, is the Hebrew word for life or living. In Gematria, the word Chai equals to the number 18 – a spiritual number in Judaism. Many Jewish people around the world wear Chai pendants around their necks, as it is believed to be a virtue for protection. The word Chai inscribed on Jewish jewelry accessories demonstrates how Judaism emphasizes and celebrates the sanctity of life. Chai is a very common feature in Jewish jewelry, and it is a popular gift for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Hebrew inscriptions – You can also find Jewelry designs exclusive to Jewish culture with Hebrew inscriptions, such as Shema Yisrael prayer, which is the most famous and significant Jewish prayer, or other quotations from the Bible. Another famous prayer inscribed on many Jewish jewelry accessories is Tefillat HaDerch (Traveler’s Prayer), said upon a long journey, asking God for protection.

Finally, you can find pendants which include a micro copy of the Book of Psalms, one of the most sacred and poetic Jewish texts, believed ton have been written by King David.

There is also a wide variety of Jewish jewelry inscribed with Hebrew letters, words or sentences that have Kabbalist meaning or come from Kabbalah’s sacred sources. One of the most prominent features is the 72 names of God. Many Jewish jewelry accessories are inscribed with a three letter sequence, Aleph-Lamed-Dalet, one of the 72 names of God, which is believed to fight the evil eye. This niche in Jewish jewelry is commonly known as Kabbalah jewelry.

In recent years we can see more and more Jewish jewelry accessories that are inspired by the ancient Jewish symbol the Mezuzah. I absolutely love this unique design that resembles a real Mezuzah case  with a touch of holiness. More and more contemporary Judaica jewelry designers take the traditional symbol and imbue it with new spirits.

What is a Mezuzah ? The Mezuzah is one of the most prominent Jewish symbols. The Mezuzah is believed to provide protection and blessing upon Jewish homes. As commanded in the Torah, Mezuzah cases are affixed to the door posts of Jewish homes. The mezuzah case is used to hold the Mezuzah scroll and protect it from damage. The scroll is actually the sacred part of the Mezuah and is inscribed with the sacred verses of Shema Yisrael prayer. In these verses, God commands its chosen people to inscribe the words of the Shema prayer to every door post.

Just like in a regular Mezuzah, this Mezuzah pendant holds a scroll that inscribed in Hebrew with the sacred words of Shema Yisrael. The scroll is held inside a glass wrapped in sterling silver cap. The first verse of the prayer directly addresses God, proclaiming: ” Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” Shema Yisrael jewelry pieces are often worn by Jewish men and women as protective talisman. You can find out more details at Judaica_Jewelry store.