Where can you find high quality Jewish necklaces? Buy from a specialist Judaica shop that lists the exact metal and chain length for every piece, such as The Israel Store, which sells Star of David, Am Yisrael Chai, Shema Yisrael, Ahava, Tree of Life and Israel map necklaces from $25.
Many people buy a Jewish necklace for its look and only later learn what the Hebrew on the pendant says. Know the meaning before you buy, because the wearer will carry that message every day.
This guide explains what each symbol means and how to choose the right metal and chain length for the person you are buying for.
What do the most popular Jewish necklace symbols mean?
Each symbol carries its own meaning. Knowing it helps you choose a pendant that fits the person who will wear it.
Star of David (Magen David)
The six pointed star is called Magen David, which means Shield of David. It became the most widely recognized emblem of the Jewish people and appears on the flag of Israel. Our guide on what the Star of David means covers its history in detail.
Chai
Chai is the Hebrew word for life. It is spelled with the letters chet and yud, which have the numerical values 8 and 10, so the word equals 18. The phrase Am Yisrael Chai means "the people of Israel live" and is often worn as a statement of identity.
Hamsa
The hamsa is an open hand symbol used across North Africa and the Middle East. It is especially popular among Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, who often hang it in homes or wear it as protection against the evil eye.
It is a folk symbol and has no source in the Torah. Our store does not currently stock a hamsa necklace.
Shema Yisrael
Shema Yisrael is the opening phrase of Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One." Jews recite the Shema in morning and evening prayers, and its words are written on the scroll inside a mezuzah.
Ahava
Ahava is the Hebrew word for love, written אהבה. It is a popular choice for couples and close family because its meaning is simple.
Tree of Life (Etz Chaim)
In Proverbs 3:18 wisdom is called "a tree of life to those who hold fast to her," and Jewish tradition applies the verse to the Torah. The wooden rollers of a Torah scroll are also called etz chaim.
Israel map
An Israel map pendant shows the outline of the country. People wear it to express a personal connection to the Land of Israel, often after a visit or as a gift from family there.
Which material is best for a Jewish necklace?
The material decides how the necklace wears over time. Read the listing for the exact metal before you buy.
- Stainless steel: resists tarnish and costs less than precious metals. Most of the necklaces in our jewelry collection are stainless steel, in silver or gold color.
- 18K gold plated: a layer of gold over a base metal gives a warm gold finish at a lower price than solid gold.
- 925 sterling silver: 92.5 percent pure silver, a traditional choice for fine jewelry and formal gifts. Polish it from time to time to keep its shine.
What chain length should I choose?
Chain length changes where the pendant sits. A 45 cm (17.7 inch) chain sits near the collarbone on most adults. A 50 cm (20 inch) chain falls a little lower and suits both men and women. A 60 cm (23.6 inch) chain sits mid chest and works well over a shirt.
Several necklaces below come with a 45 cm chain plus a 5 cm extension, so the wearer can adjust the length.
Which Jewish necklaces in our store are worth buying?
These are active pieces in the store, with details taken from each product listing.
- Stainless Steel Star of David Necklace with blue enamel, $39.99. A 25 mm star with a blue enamel accent on a 60 cm chain. A fit for someone who wants a visible, everyday Magen David.
- 18K Gold Plated hollow Star of David Necklace, $39.99. An open frame star of 3.4 x 2.7 cm on a 50 cm chain. A fit for someone who prefers gold.
- Sterling Silver Star of David and Heart Necklace, $59. Made of 925 sterling silver with an opal inlay and a gold tone heart, on a 50 cm silver chain, in a gift box. A fit for a wife or daughter.
- Shema Yisrael Prayer Necklace in stainless steel, $39.99. A 33 x 30 mm round pendant with the Shema in Hebrew, on a 45 cm chain with a 5 cm extension. A fit for someone who prays daily.
- Am Yisrael Chai Necklace with Star of David, $39.99. Stainless steel, 33 x 30 mm, on a 45 cm chain with a 5 cm extension. A fit for anyone who wants the word chai with a clear message.
- Ahava Hebrew Love Necklace in stainless steel, $25. A unisex 28 x 26 mm pendant on a 45 cm chain with a 5 cm extension, also sold in gold color Ahava necklace. A fit for a couple or a first gift.
For the Tree of Life, the stainless steel Tree of Life Necklace combines the tree with a Star of David on a 50 cm chain for $39.99.
For an Israel outline, the Israel Map with Star of David Necklace is a small 3.5 x 1 cm stainless steel pendant on a 50 cm chain for $39.99.
How do I give a Jewish necklace as a gift?
Match the symbol to the occasion. A Star of David or Am Yisrael Chai pendant is a common bar or bat mitzvah gift, while an Ahava pendant is a natural choice for an anniversary.
Order early. The Israel Store processes orders in 1 to 3 business days. US delivery usually takes 5 to 10 business days and international delivery 7 to 21 business days. Returns are accepted within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find high quality Jewish necklaces?
Buy from a Judaica shop that lists the metal and chain length for every necklace. The Israel Store lists these details and ships worldwide.
Can non Jews wear a Star of David necklace?
Yes. Many Christians and friends of Israel wear the Star of David as a sign of support for the Jewish people. Wear it with respect for its meaning.
Is stainless steel or sterling silver better for a Jewish necklace?
Stainless steel is more resistant to tarnish and costs less, so it suits daily wear. Sterling silver is a precious metal and suits a formal gift.
What does Chai mean on a necklace?
Chai means life in Hebrew. Its letters add up to 18, which is why Jewish gifts of money are often given in multiples of 18.
Is a hamsa a Jewish symbol?
The hamsa is used by Jews and Muslims across the Middle East and North Africa. It is common among Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, but it is a folk custom with no source in the Torah.
Where to buy your Jewish necklace
Start with the symbol that fits the person, then compare materials. You can see every Star of David, Shema, Ahava, Tree of Life and Israel map piece in the Jewish and Israel jewelry collection at The Israel Store.
