Saint medals as gifts: meaning and how to choose
A saint medal is one of the most personal gifts you can give. It is worn close, often every day, and it usually says something about faith, family or a moment worth remembering. Here is how to choose one with care.
What a saint medal means
For many people a saint medal is a quiet way to carry their faith. Some wear the saint they were named after, some the saint their family has always turned to, and some a saint tied to a time in their life.
Two of the most loved are the Virgin Mary, often on the Miraculous Medal, and Saint Benedict, whose medal many people wear for protection. A rosary or a cross carries the same kind of meaning.
Choosing the saint
The best saint is the one that already means something to the person. If you are not sure, think about their name, the saint their family prays to, or the occasion: a baptism, a first communion, a new job, a move, or a hard season.
If you still are not sure, the Virgin Mary is a choice that rarely goes wrong.
Choosing the metal
A medal worn every day should be made for it. 14k gold is 58.5% gold, does not tarnish, and softens with scratches into a satin glow. 18k gold-filled has a far thicker gold layer than a plating and holds its colour for years with basic care. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver; it darkens over time and polishes bright again.
For a baby or a child, a piece that can be kept and worn later matters more than the trend of the day.
Choosing the chain length
A 16" chain sits at the base of the neck, 18" at the collarbone, 20" a little below it, and 24" at or above the bust. If you are not sure, lay a piece of string around the neck at the length you picture and measure it.
If the length turns out wrong, sizing exchanges, a different chain length for example, are welcome within 21 days. As with any return, you pay to ship the piece back.
Giving it
Keep it in its pouch when it is not being worn. And if the gift needs to change, a gift can be returned for an exchange or store credit, with no receipt needed.