CB: “A friend gifted me with a bracelet that contained a charm in the shape of a bee. It was made by a jewelry company named HART and when I searched their website, I was disturbed by some of the messaging. It sounded very New Age. Is it safe to wear this jewelry?”Great question, CB!
Personally, as a Christian, I would be wary of wearing HART jewelry for the following reasons.
When I reviewed their website, I found it to be riddled with the typical New Age “Law of Attraction” vibe about intentions and Vision Boards, etc. Equally concerning is how blatantly the company encourages the superstitious use of some of their jewelry which is sold as talismans.
For example, they offer charms such as the bee you mentioned which supposedly brings empowerment, evil eye charms are sold for protection, and horseshoes for luck, among many others.
To accompany these talismans, the site offers a downloadable Intention Card with the advice: “Download this card to reflect on memories and intentions that you wish to stay mindful of each time you wear this talisman.”
Their downloadable “Sushi Card” helps customers find the right charm for their intentions.
The company, which is relatively new and founded in 2016 by Hart Haggerty, a Chinese and Sociology Major at Vanderbilt University. Haggerty lived in ShangHai for five years and worked in advertising in New York City before returning home to Charleston, South Carolina to start her jewelry company.
“Our mission is to create meaningful, soul-boosting, high-quality jewelry that are wearable reminders of your intentions and values,” the site explains. “Yes we love pretty things, but we’re even more inspired by the soul-boosting superpowers of our talismans. Each piece is embedded with meaning and channels spiritual tenants in a modern, fresh way. . .”
Soul-boosting superpowers? Channeling spiritual tenants (which means residents or occupiers)? Embedded with meaning? How is this meaning embedded? By a “blessing” of some kind?
As Catholics, we are taught that to put our faith in objects for protection is a form of idolatry. “Scripture constantly recalls this rejection of ‘idols, of silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.’ These empty idols make their worshippers empty” (No. 2112).
In No. 2117, it denounces the magical use of talismans, which it refers to as “reprehensible.”
Even though I found no evidence on the site that these items are “blessed” in any way, which means the jewelry is harmless unless worn in a superstitious manner, it’s up to the discerning Christian whether they want to support a company that promotes these beliefs.
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