Easter is a time for celebration, usually in the form of chocolate eggs, often making it easy to forget the reason for the festivities. For the religious among us, Easter is a holiday commemorating significant events in the Christian calendar. The run up to Easter is the period of Lent, leading to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday when Christ was crucified, and Good Sunday commemorating the resurrection. These events form an important festival for those of the Christian faith, and of course religious symbols are used throughout this time to aid prayer and remembrance. The Jewish festival of Passover also occurs towards the end of March. This too is an important time in the Jewish calendar, remembering the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt over 3000 years ago led by Moses. Religious symbols have been consistently produced in the form of jewellery throughout history, and have always been a popular choice as a gift. For those of Christian faith the Cross, carved medallions of saints, lockets, rosaries, pendants and posy rings are used as symbolic jewellery, whereas the Star of David and the Menorah are popular for Judaism; the Om for Hinduism; the Star and Crescent for Islam and the Khanda for Sikh, to name a few. These symbols serve a purpose for the wearer in the form of a beautifully worked ornament. This time of year symbolises the start of spring - a time of new life and re-birth, encouraging us to assess what is important to us and to make positive changes. Often, it is family and friends that we value most highly, so this season is a great time to show them your appreciation. We have selected some pieces from our collection for your consideration, as an Easter gift they will cherish.
