Jewish silver jewelry
Jewish silver jewelry is important in the traditional art of goldsmith as much as gold, and sometimes even more. In the Jewish Yemenite jewelry craft, which was known for its fine designs, most of the goldsmiths' work was done with silver. In European, many Judaica objects were made from silver, which was appreciated as a noble metal. Now days, silver influences the crafting of modern Jewish jewelry and is involved with new and modern jewelry designs. The Jewish silver jewelry was known in the Holy Land and throughout the world for thousands of years.
The Jewish people who were dispersed in the world following the exile were influenced by their local cultures, and therefore there is a large variety of Jewish silver jewelry designed in different styles. The influences on contemporary Jewish silver jewelry are from biblical era, Diaspora, the return to Holy Land and contemporary jewelry craft styles throughout the world. Jewish silver goldsmithing is an art that passed from father to son and was developed into magnificent Jewels designs that combine symbols and letters from Judaism.
It includes precious and semi-precious gemstones mentioned in the Bible, and stones with positive energy, according to the belief. Those items are incorporated into Jewish silver jewelry in an aesthetically pleasing way, but they also preserve the wearer against evil eye. Another element that is incorporated into Jewish silver jewelry is Hebrew letters Verses from the Bible engraved in silver jewelry, or letters of secret meaning. Judaica symbols are also an element in Jewish silver jewelry, such as Mezuzah and lions of the Holy Ark. Generally, it is not usual to use pure silver for jewels, because it is a soft metal that is difficult to process. Today most of the Jewish silver jewelry is made from sterling silver, which contains 92.5% pure silver. From the Kabbalah point of view, silver is perceived as a metal that attests to purity and understanding and is associated with the Sephira of Grace.
The geometric and three-dimensional symbols taken from the Kabbalah describe the sephiras and the cosmic balance and keep the wearer from negative energies. The uniqueness of Jewish silver jewelry is their connection to Judaism, even when they are designed in a modern and innovative style. Traditionally, the Jewish silver jewelry are suitable for both men and women. Giving Jewish silver jewel as a gift is a gesture of respect and honor.
