I had the idea for Sanctus Jewelry several years ago when I began giving saint medals as gifts to my friends in New York City.

Although at the time I was trying to be kitsch, I grew up with the saints and knew their relevance. My grandmother gave us Saint Christopher when we got a car, we asked Saint Anthony for help when we lost something, and we planted Saint Joseph in the yard to sell a house.

I was always fascinated with this idea of asking for assistance from these saints, all of whom carry particular stories that have somehow made them the patron saints of obscure things like dog bites, jugglers, telephones and the gout.

Although useful for gift giving, I thought the old medals seemed slightly outdated. I started to think about a spin off from the traditional design when I moved to Rome three years ago. In the Eternal City I found that inspiration for my idea was abundant.

With help from a team of fellow expatriates, I stumbled across antique prayer cards that struck me with their intricate symbolism, rich colors and historic value. Santini, little holy pictures, are one of the most important and endearing traditions of Catholic iconography. These cards are often carried for protection, given as remembrances at communions, confirmations and funerals and are meant to present a visual biography of the saint’s life.

After many years of searching through dusty boxes in the Roman heat and rain, I chose these antique images thinking about how they could be worn for either their spiritual significance or their artistic integrity.

The images have been reduced to fit inside the pendants which are made in sterling silver and gold.

I hope you enjoy wearing them and may you grow as attached to them as I am.

Jessica Ricci, Designer