Religious medals are some of the oldest jewelry humans have made. The first known medal jewelry dates to 200 AD, found in Roman catacombs. For Catholic families especially, the patron-saint medal is the piece kept close, blessed at chapels, and passed down.
Here's a brief guide to the medals we sell most often and the meanings behind them.
Saint Christopher — Patron of Travelers
Saint Christopher is invoked for safe travel — by car, by plane, by sea. The medal shows him carrying the Christ child across a river. Many Catholic families give a St. Christopher medal at confirmation, when a young person gets their driver's license, or before international travel. He's also a patron of athletes and storm sufferers.
Worn by: Travelers, drivers, athletes, anyone seeking protection on a journey.
Saint Michael — Patron of Police and Protection
Saint Michael the Archangel is the warrior saint, depicted with a sword and shield, defeating evil. He's the patron of police officers, soldiers, EMS, and protectors of all kinds. The Saint Michael medal is one of the most common gifts at police academy graduations and military deployments.
Worn by: First responders, military, anyone seeking spiritual protection.
Saint Benedict — Protection from Evil
The Saint Benedict medal carries a Latin inscription that translates to "May the Holy Cross be my light. May the dragon never be my guide." It's the medal of exorcists, monastics, and anyone seeking spiritual protection in their home. The Benedict medal is often blessed by a priest before being worn.
Worn by: Practicing Catholics seeking blessing and protection.
Saint Jude — Patron of Hopeless Causes
Saint Jude Thaddeus is invoked when nothing else seems to be working. He's the medal of last hope — for illness, for impossible situations, for difficult decisions. Many wear him through chemotherapy, through legal battles, through fertility journeys.
Worn by: Those facing significant hardship, prayer for difficult outcomes.
The Miraculous Medal
The Miraculous Medal is also called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. It was designed by Mary herself in 1830, according to visions of Saint Catherine Labouré. The medal shows Mary standing on a globe, with the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." It's the most-worn medal in the Catholic Church.
Worn by: Devotees of Mary, those seeking her intercession.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas, particularly Mexico. She appeared to Juan Diego in 1531. Her medal is worn across Latin America and the Hispanic Catholic community as both a spiritual and cultural symbol. The image is unmistakable — Mary surrounded by golden rays, standing on a crescent moon.
Worn by: Hispanic Catholic community, devotees of Mary.
The Crucifix vs the Cross
The crucifix shows Christ on the cross. It's specifically Catholic and emphasizes the sacrifice. The cross is empty — it's worn across many Christian traditions and emphasizes resurrection. Catholics typically wear crucifixes; Protestants more often wear crosses. Both are valid expressions of Christian faith.
When to give a medal
Religious medals are often given at:
- First Communion (typically age 7–9)
- Confirmation (typically age 14–17)
- Baptism (infant or adult)
- Quinceañera (15th birthday in Hispanic Catholic tradition)
- Wedding
- Before military deployment or significant travel
- Memorial of a loved one
Many Catholics have their medal blessed by a priest before wearing it. Most parishes will do this for free; just ask.
Shop our Saint Medals, Cross Collection, and First Communion + Baptism collections. Solid 10K and 14K gold pieces plus sterling silver.