The practice of wearing amulets and pendants dates back to ancient times, well before the advent of Christianity. Various cultures have utilized sacred symbols to protect those who wore them and to express their faith. The Egyptians, for example, used amulets like the Ankh, symbolizing eternal life, while the Greeks wore symbols such as the caduceus to represent healing and peace. These early religious pendants were often made from materials like stone, precious metals, and fabrics. They depicted deities, heroes, and fundamental spiritual concepts.

The earliest forms of Christian religious medals trace back to the first centuries of Christianity, during which Christians lived under persecution. To discreetly express their faith, they wore symbols like the fish (Ichthys) and the Chi-Rho.

Over the centuries, the cross became the principal emblem of Christian faith, and medals increasingly depicted this symbol, representing the death and resurrection of Christ. Early medals engraved with the cross were tools not only of protection but also of faith declaration. These cross images marked a passage from darkness to light, symbolizing salvation and hope.

With the establishment of Christianity and the end of persecutions, the Middle Ages saw a rise in pilgrimages to sacred sites. Pilgrims often carried medals depicting images of saints, relics, and biblical scenes as mementos of their journey and expressions of their devotion. Religious medals began to evolve, incorporating images of saints and other biblical representations. The Church encouraged the creation of medals as teaching tools for the faithful, especially for those who were illiterate. Thus, these medals became vehicles of spirituality, depicting sacred scenes or protective saints like Saint Benedict, whose medal became renowned for its blessings against evil and illness. These medals became popular souvenirs and symbols of spiritual protection, often set with gemstones and made from precious metals.

Religious orders played a crucial role in the dissemination of medals and pendants. Orders such as the Dominicans and Franciscans commissioned artists to create intricate medals depicting biblical scenes and the lives of saints. These objects were used both for personal devotion and public expressions of faith, becoming an integral part of daily religious practice.

During the Renaissance, Christian art experienced a new flourishing. Artists began incorporating more complex and detailed symbols into religious medals, reflecting the growing importance of art and symbolism in religious practice. Baroque medals, with their elaborate decorations and dynamic compositions, expressed intense and dramatic spirituality, mirroring the aesthetics of the era. Themes like the Madonna, Christ Pantocrator, and the Trinity became increasingly complex iconographic subjects, and medals were no longer merely signs of faith but also high-quality artistic expressions. Each medal became a small masterpiece telling a biblical story.

Large ecclesiastical institutions and nobility began commissioning artistic medals as symbols of devotion and prestige. These patrons financed the creation of refined medals, often adorned with gemstones and intricate artistic details. Medals also became tools of religious propaganda, spreading messages of faith and Christian values through accessible and appealing images.

In the 20th century, the iconography of religious medals continued to evolve, reflecting Marian apparitions at Fatima and Lourdes, and other popular devotions. Medals like those of Saint John Paul II or those dedicated to Jesus the Merciful are examples of how the Church continues to produce medals with images and symbols that address the spiritual needs of modern believers, making medals always current and meaningful for every generation.

Over time, religious medals and pendants have continued to evolve, incorporating new artistic techniques and modern materials. The introduction of precious metals like gold and silver, along with the use of gemstones and enamels, has allowed for the creation of even more elaborate and beautiful pieces. Contemporary artisans blend tradition and innovation, keeping the Christian iconographic heritage alive through modern and creative designs.

Today, religious medals and pendants can be fully customized to reflect individual devotion and the wearer’s personality.