Jewellery Guides
A Guide to Saint Pendants
One of our most gifted styles, our saint pendants make for thoughtful gifts for loved ones but understanding the significance of the saints and knowing which to choose can add a layer of complexity. This guide gives a background to the tradition of wearing saint pendants, who they are suited to and how to choose yours.
What is the significance of Saint Pendants? Who wears them?
Saints have long been worn by Catholics and non-Catholics alike for the purposes of devotion, guidance, or protection. The tradition became popular throughout Europe in the 16th century, when Saint Pope Pius V began blessing ‘medals’ of religious icons, but early examples of pagan or Roman archaeology show that wearing amulets or charms to ward off evil spirits has been ever-present in societies throughout the ages.
How do I choose a Saint Pendant?
Each saint holds a unique patronage, offering their blessings to specific groups of people or life stages. Here's a quick three step guide to finding the saint that best aligns with you:
1. Understand what each saint represents. Take a look below to identify the saints and their meanings. Choose one whose patronage closely represents the message you want to send or the protection you wish to bring.
2. Consider who you are buying for and when the pendant will be worn. Is it for your own personal wear or are you buying for a friend or relative? Are you gifting for a special occasion or life event or is this a gift of well wishing or appreciation? This will determine the size, use and how and when the pendant will be worn.
3. Choose a metal. This may be an aesthetic choice, determined by value or type of wear, for example, silver may be a more practical choice for a recent graduate who will wear the pendant daily or on a trip they are planning.
Should I be religious to wear a Saint Pendant?
No, not at all. Although many Catholics choose to wear a saint associated with their beliefs, many non-religious wearers choose a saint to symbolise a personality trait or interest, such as a St Francis Pendant, which represents a love of nature and animals.
Which Saint Pendants make the best gifts?
Saint pendants make great gifts for a variety of occasions and receivers. Our saint pendants make particularly popular gifts for christenings and confirmations, as a lovely memento for your loved ones to carry through their life.
For those embarking on gap years or university degrees, St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, is a particularly popular graduation gift.
For Mother’s Day or to celebrate the birth of a girl, gift St Anne, patron saint of mothers and daughters.
Discover the full list of our saint pendants and their meanings below.
Saints & Their Meanings
St Anthony is the patron saint of lost items. The saying goes 'St Anthony of Padua, great thief and great trickster, give us back, what is not yours!' His feast day is 13th June and is the perfect gift for those with a habit of missing placing items!
St Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians and poets. The St Cecilia pendant is inspired by Raphael's paintings for the San Giovanni in Monte church, Bologna. His feast day is 22nd November and is the perfect good luck gift for the performer in your life.
St Christopher is the patron saint of travellers. His feast day is 25th July and is the perfect keepsake for those embarking on their travels or gap years.
St Francis is the patron saint of nature and animals. His feast day is 4th October and is the perfect pendant for nature lovers.
St Genesius is the patron saint of actors and comedians. His feast day is 25th August and is the perfect good luck token before an important show.
St Michael is the patron saint of doctors, grocers, soldiers, police and mariners. St Michael champions justice, is a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil and a healer of the sick. His feast day is the 29th September and is the perfect gift for newly graduated professionals.
The St Thomas Cross is inspired by the patronage of architects and builders. His feast day is 3rd July and is an ideal charm for architectural aficionados.
Cassandra's Saint Pendants
Pearl
Our most popular saint pendants are available in large or small sizes in both gold and silver. Pair them with a necklace chain from our selection.
If you need any further advice or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team who will be happy to help.