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FREE DELIVERY ON ALL UK ORDERS
FREE DELIVERY ON ALL UK ORDERS
FREE DELIVERY ON ALL UK ORDERS
Saint Christopher: the man, the myth, the legend. He's probably one of the most popular Saints to adorn our jewellery, whether that pendant necklaces, earrings, cufflinks or bracelets. But who was St Christopher? And why is he so special to us today?
In most St Christopher jewellery designs you will see the image of a man, with a staff, carrying a small child on his shoulders. What's not immediately obvious is that he is carrying that child to safety through a river. Christopher lived during the 3rd century, and according to legend, regularly helped people cross a particularly treacherous river. One day, a small boy asked for help crossing and Christopher obliged. As he carried the child on his shoulders, the river swelled and the boy appeared to get heavier and heavier, nearly drowning them both. Christopher battled on and did not drop the boy. On reaching the other side - just - Christopher mentioned to the child that he'd felt like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The child replied that it because he was, and revealed himself as Jesus Christ.
Poor old Christopher was beheaded by the Romans years later, for not getting involved in some pagan ritual or other. He was venerated by the Christian church some time in the Middle Ages, though churches and monasteries cropped up in his name from the 7th century onwards.
Because of his assistance to travellers needing to cross a river, St Christopher is most famously known as the patron saint of travellers. His image is considered a blessing outside of the home, and whether it's a quick trip to Sainsbury's or a flight to the other side of the world, it is believed that St Christopher's image will get you there and back safely. St Christopher necklaces make very popular gifts for this reason, with smaller medals often gifted for Christenings.
But St Christopher doesn't only offer his patronage to travellers, he is also believed to patronage athletes, mariners, bachelors, soldiers, gardeners, motorists and drivers, sailors and surfers. St Christopher is also the patron saint of many places including Greece, various towns in Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Latvia to name a few!
Medal necklaces aren't the only way to wear a St Christopher image. You will also find his image on stud earrings, lockets and cuff links, and we even sell an anklet with a St Christopher charm.
This all comes down to taste and budget. We love both types of metal at Sterling and Wilde, and all of our St Christopher jewellery is well made and looks fabulous. Sterling silver is the most cost effective solution, but for an heirloom piece it's often wise to opt for gold since it holds its value so well.
Do you have any questions about our St Christopher necklaces and jewellery? Send us a message at hello@sterlingwilde.co.uk or call us during office hours on 0207 846 0254. We always happy to chat jewellery.
