Bishop Jewelry: What does It Mean and How does it Look

Christian symbolism is actively used in jewelry-making. A cross pendant or a religious-themed ring doesn’t mean its wearer is actually a believer. Bishop jewelry, mainly bishop rings, is gradually moving from the Catholic attributes to the fashion items. Indeed, fashionistas could not ignore these imposing golden rings heavy-set with precious stones. Today, you do not have to be ordained bishop to wear a ring like his.

Whom Bishop Rings are for

Traditional church rings are awarded to a bishop during his inauguration. This ring signifies the loyalty of the priest to the church and the diocese. Some people describe it as the marriage of a bishop and the church. Indeed, during the initiation ceremony, bishops put a ring on the ring finger of the right hand, just like it is accustomed in the wedding.

In addition to a ring received from the Pope or Archbishop, a bishop may have his own personal rings. However, there is a significant difference between those. The ceremonial Episcopal rings are transferred from one bishop to another and they belong to the church. Bishop’s personal rings can be ordered from church jewelers or received as a gift. They are the property of the clergyman. Besides that, the ring designs also differ - the ecclesiastical ring is lush and richly decorated jewelry with a large amethyst in the center while bishop's personal rings are cast as signets featuring the initials of the cleric and religious symbols.

If you are attracted to the Episcopal ring design, you do not need to become a bishop to get such an item. Now, you can simply purchase a Bishop ring at a jewelry store or online. This style is popular among communities (for example, motorcycle clubs) as a symbol of loyalty to its ideals and brotherhood. On top of that, some families have bishop rings as heirlooms and pass them from father to son.

Signet Rings

Signet rings are traditional jewelry among Catholic clergy. The most famous ring within the church is the Ring of the Fisherman worn by Popes. Every pontiff has his own design but normally, all Papal rings at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/secrets-of-the-papal-ring-goldsmith-details-how-one-of-a-kind-adornment-is-crafted/ feature Pope’s initials and the image of Apostle Peter. Why are they called fisherman? Apostle Peter was a fisher. Jesus once referred him as a fisher of man meaning that he helps save people’s souls.

Bishops may have rings similar to Pope’s. Unlike ecclesiastical items, they are owned by a bishop and don’t belong to the church. These signets are mold from gold and feature various religious symbols as well as bishop’s initials.

Amethyst Bishop Rings

This style of bishop rings at https://www.bikerringshop.com/blogs/news/5-styles-of-bishop-rings-that-you-need-to-know is cast from gold with an insert of a large round or oval amethyst in the center. For several centuries, this purple gemstone has been highly esteemed by church officials. Amethysts encrust religious attributes and priest dresses. Amethyst was chosen for a reason – it is believed that it symbolizes spiritual purity, good thoughts, and selflessness. In addition to amethyst, a Bishop ring can be inlaid with small diamonds or other clear stones. As an alternative to amethyst, some models feature rubies or sapphires.

Crosier Rings

Crosier at http://catholicstraightanswers.com/why-bishops-have-a-pectoral-cross-ring-mitre-crozier-and-pallium/ (or crozier) is a pastoral staff used in the ceremony of bishop initiation. The top of the crosier is has a loop to resemble a shepherd’s crook. Just like a shepherd watches the flock, bishop looks after his congregation as the Good Shepherd.

In rings, the crosier symbol may be placed in the center as a focal point. It often sits on the shank in traditional amethyst-featured designs.

Women’s Bishop Rings

Traditionally, bishop rings are a male’s accessory since women couldn’t take high positions in the church hierarchy. However, as a piece of jewelry, women's bishop rings exist on a par with men's. They usually have a similar design but models for ladies are more sophisticated and elegant. While men's rings tend to have round shapes, their female counterparts are more elongated and oval. A faceted amethyst (or alternative gem) is usually surrounded by accent stones with a discreet color scheme. A ring’s shank can carry additional details – a crown or cross engraved or embossed.

Cross Bishop Rings

The cross is definitely the most recognizable and significant symbol in Christianity. Moreover, it is quite common in jewelry as an attractive though controversial signifier. Cross bishop rings are made of silver or gold, feature a massive shape and an impressive weight, and include a cross design in the center. To make the cross stand out, it can be bejeweled with precious or semi-precious stones, made of contrasting metal, boast a sandstone or hammered finish, or feature blackening treatment (if an item is made of silver). Additionally, the sides of a ring may have small raised or recessed crosses.

Now you know about bishop rings as a new trend in men’s jewelry. Although a ring bought in a store or online won’t have any religious importance, it can mean a lot for you and people surrounding you. Precious, expensive, and with a sentimental significance, it can become your family heirloom.