Creating A Custom Rosary
The rosary is a lovely devotion to Our Lady, a prayer that brings us closer to Jesus through Mary. When we pray the rosary, we meditate upon the mysteries of Christ’s life, the Joyful, Glorious, Sorrowful, and Luminous Mysteries. It is a beautiful prayer, and deserves a beautiful prayer tool to accompany it.
The physical rosary is as personal as the prayer, and should be unique, durable, and beautiful. I strive to offer quality rosaries at a variety of price points, to suit the tastes and needs of everyone. Custom rosaries require much thought, as there are many options available! Choose your metal, gemstone bead type and size, and determine which center piece and crucifix are best for you. Read below to see the various options available, and create the perfect rosary. Create your custom rosary here.
Metal Types
14k Gold means that the piece is made of 14k gold, all the way through. Because pure gold is very soft, it must be strengthened with alloys. Gold that is 14k is the standard for gold jewelry, and is 58.3% pure gold mixed with alloys like zinc, nickel, and copper to strengthen it. These pieces are not plated, but a solid mixture of gold and alloys. Gold is durable, luxurious, and does not readily oxidize. It lasts well, is easy to clean, and makes for a beautiful heirloom rosary.
Gold-Filled means that there is a minimum of 5% gold by weight in a piece. Gold filled parts have a brass core. They have a much thicker plating of gold than “gold plated” pieces, and the gold layer endures much longer than regular gold plated pieces. The plating may wear off in time, after much use, but the color and shine are easily maintained with a polishing cloth. Gold filled pieces can last for decades, and are very durable. Many people choose gold-filled as a more affordable - but still luxurious - alternative to 14k gold.
Sterling Silver is silver that is strengthened with other metals (alloys). Sterling silver has a shiny finish, but in time can oxidize and turn yellow and black, which is called tarnish. This is easily prevented and removed with a polishing cloth, which is included complimentary with our rosaries. Sterling silver will last longer and is much more durable than silver plated pieces, and is heavier, giving it a more luxurious feel. Sterling silver is an excellent choice for a special occasion rosary, and makes a treasured gift.
Pewter looks very similar to sterling silver but has a much lower price point. It is a metal alloy consisting of tin, antimony, copper, and bismuth. It takes some time to oxidize but can be maintained with a polishing cloth.
Silver Plated/Silver Toned and Gold Plated/Gold Toned parts are the most affordable, and are more lightweight than Sterling or Gold Filled parts. The metal is softer and less durable than sterling silver or gold filled. The plating will wear off in time to reveal the base metal underneath, which is usually a copper colored metal. Plated metals typically last a few months to a year before the plating wears away. Once plating wears off, the color can not be restored and the metal will oxidize. Most rosaries seen in stores are made from silver plated or gold plated metals, and while affordable, don’t have the longevity that sterling or gold filled pieces offer.
Bronze is an alloy made of copper and tin. Bronze is durable, affordable, and holds up well over time. It has a lovely vintage appeal and our bronze rosary parts are vintage replicas. It can oxidize and turn darker when not routinely polished.
Brass is a metal alloy of copper and zinc. It forms the core of gold filled parts and is itself a gold-colored metal. It’s an affordable alternative to 14k gold or gold filled metals and is durable and easily maintained with a polishing cloth.
Choose Your Beads
Most of our rosaries are made with 6mm beads, but we also carry beads in 8mm. Beads can be smooth or faceted. Faceted beads catch the light and seem brighter than smooth beads, but either one makes a lovely rosary.
We have over fifty gemstone beads available in a variety of colors and price points. Use one gemstone type for a rosary, or a mixture of different gemstones to create a family birthstone rosary or rosary of your favorite colors. Choose from gemstones like Morganite, Pink Opal, Aquamarine, Black Onyx, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Garnet, and more. Browse the Rosary Gallery to see some of the gemstone options available, or message us to see other gemstones not yet featured on our site!
Choose your Rosary Center and Crucifix
There are a variety of pieces available to complete your rosary! Choose your favorite saint, Mary, Jesus, or the Holy Family as your rosary center piece. Select from a variety of crucifix styles to match, from simple to ornate. Simply send us a message to inquire about the various pieces available, or if you have pieces in your possession you’d like us to use in your rosary, send them to us and we’ll create your rosary with them!
Creating Your Custom Piece
A custom rosary typically takes 3-4 weeks to create depending on the amount of rosaries in queue. We work hard to make sure each custom rosary is durable, beautiful, and unique while meeting your needs and tastes. To get started on your custom rosary, create one on the Custom Rosary page or send us a message on our Contact page to discuss options and receive a quote.
Praying the rosary encourages us to slow down and focus on our spiritual life. It encourages patience, stillness, wonder, and wisdom. It inspires us to live more holy lives, through the example of Mary and her Son. I encourage everyone to pray the rosary, so they may meditate upon the life of Christ and grow closer to him. It is a wondrous and powerful prayer, and since October is the Month of the Rosary, what better time than now to make the rosary a part of your daily life?