++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ STERLING AND 14K GOLD MEDALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sterling & Vermeil come boxed with chains. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 14K Medals do not come with chains. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SHIPPING TIMES: Most orders will reach you in 3 to 7 days. However, depending on how busy we are, some may be shipped directly from the Creed factory and may take a little longer.

Today, medals are worn by Catholics around the world. While not regarded by all as holy objects, they are worn as a reminder of one's faith and to impart spiritual lessons. Many Catholics treat them as talismans of protection, guarding the wearer from harm. Medals depicting Saint Christopher, for example, are popularly worn to protect travelers.

It was only in the 16th century that the Catholic church began to strongly encourage the use of devotional medals depicting religious figures as a means of reinforcing one's faith. During this period, papal blessing of medals became commonplace, establishing medals as holy objects.

Patron saint devotional medals bear the image of a Catholic saint. Saints are assigned qualities or causes of which they are the "patron saint." People pray to the saints about these qualities. These usually relate to acts and causes taken up by the saints when they were alive. Patron saint medals are often selected by people who have some relation to the quality that the saint is associated with. For example, a person working with animals may wear a medal depicting St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals.