Friday, May 13, 2016

Mustard Seed Jewelry

The Parable of the Mustard Seed



Mustard Seed FAITH Charm
People often ask me what is MY favorite jewelry? And, I really love ALL jewelry, but as far as my favorite... my mustard seed jewelry. I love that it is a symbol of faith and I love talking about the message behind the mustard seed. 

What is that message, you ask? I'm going to tell you!!! 





The mustard seed represents Faith and Growth. 


Matthew 17:20 "So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 13:31 "Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”"

I started making mustard seed jewelry in the Fall of 2008 when I was pregnant with my first son. I was taking a metalsmithing jewelry class because it was NOW or NEVER. You know those feelings of impending doom... like somehow you must accomplish all of your dreams before your child is born? Well, I wasn't having it! I was going to learn how to work with metal (soldering, sawing, ring making, setting stones) and I was going to move mountains!

Mustard Seed Orb and Hand Stamped Oxidized Scripture Necklace

Mustard Seed Orb Bracelet

FAITH Brass Mustard Seed Orb Necklace














During a visit with my grandmother, my sister and I were looking through her jewelry box. I came across a vintage lucite heart charm with a small mustard seed inside and a broken amber glass necklace. I collected the pieces and asked if I could take them home to repair them. It is then that I learned the meaning behind the mustard seed.
Grandma's Mustard Seed Charm with the amber glass beads



Examples of Vintage Lucite Mustard Seed Charms
Mustard seed charms became popular in the 1950's and 1960's as a symbol of faith and I was determined to bring them back! I purchased several vintage charms on ebay and started bringing the charms to my jewelry shows. I incorporated some of the mustard seed charms in my jewelry designs and hand stamped the scripture verse along with the charm. 




I tried looking for sterling silver mustard seed charms, but was unable to find affordable options, so I started making my own! The sterling silver resin charms are my best seller on etsy and at shows. I've added a gold-filled version (and SOLD OUT at my last show) as well as oxidized sterling silver mustard seed rings. 

My most popular mustard seed charm necklace




Mustard seed jewelry is the perfect gift for Baptisms, Confirmations, and Dedications OR for those amazing souls that teach your children (everybody needs a little faith). I'm thinking my oldest son's teacher might be needing this necklace (and a gift certificate to the local liquor store)! 








Mustard Seed Earrings
Mustard Seed Rings