Even though the Jewish nation has been scattered around the world for many generations, the Jewish culture has been preserved, almost miraculously. What kept the strong bond between Jewish communities at such great distances and trough turbulent times? Jewish religious articles and symbols have played an important role in maintaining the bond between Jews all around the world.  Wearing Tallit, lighting Chanukah menorah and displaying a Star of David are explicit signs for Jewish identity. Contemporary Judaica designers today give new interpretations to these traditional motifs that have kept the unity of the Jewish people.


 
Within Judaica art, Jewish jewelry is a field in high demand. You can find on the web an overwhelming selection of accessories that incorporate prominent Jewish symbols and Hebrew letters and words. What makes these accessories so popular? Many Jewish people enjoy wearing religious jewelry because it carries historical meaning with a touch of holiness. Wearing Jewish jewelry items in artistic designs is a sign of collective pride and at the same time a celebration for beauty admirers. Today, wide audiences are fascinated with the original and exceptional way in which Jewish jewelry items incorporate Jewish symbols and styles.
 
Many contemporary Judaica artists specialize in Jewelry designs.  Modern Jewish jewelry is unique since it combines modern elements and styles and expresses at the same time a sense of nostalgia to an ancient Jewish heritage. Contemporary Judaica designers also celebrate People's love for the aesthetics and fashion by adding their own creativity and imagination. The result of this unique mix of elements is unusual designs that bring together old and new, Eastern and Western, personal style and a celebration of collective identity.
 
Jewish jewelry enjoys a growing popularity in the last few decades. Jewish jewelry makes some of the most popular gifts given at special occasions, such as Jewish weddings, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs and as romantic gifts. Many people, including non-Jews, are drawn to these jewelry items. These unique articles often carry a feel of something ancient and sacred.
 
Jewish men and women from different communities around the world wear Jewish jewelry items as a way of expressing their identification with Jewish religion, culture and solidarity with the Jewish nation and the Jewish state. Among the popular Jewish jewelry items, the Star of David pendant or necklace makes a wonderful example.  If you pay a visit to Israel, New York or London or even a small European village, you can always spot Jewish people who wear a Star of David pendant around their necks. Wearing the Star of David is an expression of collective pride and religious freedom. The Jewish Star is also strongly associated to the state of Israel as it decorates its national flag.
 
Although Star of David (Magen David) is not a religious symbol, it is traditionally believed to protect the people who wear them on their hands and around their necks. There are also many other  traditional jewish motifs that are worn as protective amulets, as the popular Hamsa hand, images of a fish and the word Chai, which means Life in Hebrew. The Hamsa hand symbol is an example to the influences that the Jewish culture has absorbed, and it is not derived from religious or biblical sources. The Hamsa hand has become a popular motif that is decorates numerous Judiaca artworks. Hamsa jewelry by Jewelry designers has become a popular Jewish gift given on birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, anniversaries and even Valentine's Day.
 
The Book of Psalms, one of the most sacred texts in Judaism, is also a common motif in Jewish jewelry. Like other protective amulets, the Book of Psalms is believed to protect the ones carrying it.  Miniature versions of the book of Psalms or famous psalms from this sacred text decorate many Jewish jewelry articles as well as many other Judaica items. 
 
In addition to the Hamsa designs, many jewelry items are inscribed with Hebrew words, letters and symbols that have a Kabbalist meaning and are therefore generally known as Kabbalah jewelry. Kabbalah is a Jewish school of thought concerned with the mystical aspect of Judaism. Among many things, Kabbalah explores and discusses the inner meaning of Jewish religious texts. The combination of the three Hebrew letters Alef-Lamed- Dalet, for example, spells out one of God's sacred names and can be found on many pendants, rings and bracelets. Many symbols in the Kabbalah amulets are believed to bring good fortune. In recent years, Kabbalah jewelry has become wide spread due to the growing interest of people in spirituality and mystics.
 
The persecution that Jewish Diaspora has endured for generations for its religious faith, reaching its peak during World War Two, has contributed to the growth and development of Jewish jewelry. After the war, many proud Jewish people have felt the need to demonstrate a sign of identification with their nation. The Star of David that was used against the Jews by the Nazis during WW2 has become even more profoundly a sign of collective pride.
 
Jewelry that is rich with symbolism and spiritual meaning is bound to attract large audiences. In response to the growing demand, Judaica artists have aspired to design jewelry that includes traditional motifs that convey the appropriate meaning. Today's jewelry is inspired by old pieces taken from the Jewish history and traditions, but with a modern twist.  And when there is such an amazing diversity of styles and designs to choose from, no wonder Jewish jewelry has a large and devoted wave of fans from all ages, places and cultures.