Our Favorite Jewish Jewelry Trend

Hi! I hope you’re getting used to GOLDA popping into your inbox more regularly, because we have a lot of fun stuff coming your way. Like today, when we’re talking JEWISH BLING. (If you’re new here, you can always start with our archive.)

But first, an introduction to my co-writer on today’s newsletter: Ariel Shapiro.

I met Ariel when she was writing The Verge’s popular podcast newsletter, Hot Pod, and I was hosting Unorthodox. She was a reporter who had worked at Forbes and MSNBC, and I loved the way she brought humor and warmth to her coverage of the audio industry. 

The first time we met in person, though, we didn’t talk about podcasts. We talked about jewelry. 

We both happened to be wearing versions of Israeli jeweler Hot Crown’s Star of David (mine was the bracelet, hers the necklace). The star has a tiny ruby at the center, a tribute to the bright red anemones that famously grow in the south of Israel, and a symbol of hope and regrowth after tragedy. We catalogued all the Jewish jewelry we bought after Oct. 7, and described the bat mitzvah-era pieces we recovered from the bottom of our childhood jewelry boxes. I recounted my Oct. 12 pilgrimage to Rachie Shnay’s Upper East Side showroom to get my hands on a Mazel Ring. Ariel had the necklace version, if you’re sensing a pattern. 

I think a lot of us have had moments like this. Maybe it’s telling a stranger you like her Hebrew nameplate necklace and immediately feeling connected. Or asking a friend of a friend the story behind his chai necklace. It can feel like an audacious act to wear an overtly Jewish symbol these days, but it also bonds us across subway cars and grocery aisles. 

It’s about more than jewelry. It’s how we telegraph our Jewish identity—to ourselves and to others—and how we customize and put our own spin on it.  

But also, the jewelry! We’re in a golden age of fun and funky Jewish jewelry, with Jewish designers breathing new life into classic motifs and symbols. 

One of those delightful designers is Susan Alexandra, who has expanded her whimsical offerings to include Jewish-themed jewelry as well as menorahs, mezuzahs, and more. I asked her what inspired the Jewish objects she makes. 

“I always try to add a bit of fun and humor to any project, and exploring the world of Judaica was no different,” Susan explained. “When you say ‘Judaica,’ it often evokes very staid and traditional items… The very first piece we made was a quirky Star of David necklace with eyes and lips. I can't resist a little face where one doesn't belong.”

What’s clear is that it’s an exciting time to be building out your Jewish bling collection. To guide you, Ariel and I will be highlighting our favorite Jewish jewelry trends, and the designers behind the pieces we’re coveting. 

We’re starting with a retro classic that makes a thoroughly modern statement. I’ll let Ariel pay tribute to the biggest flex around.

Hey GOLDA gang! Ariel here. I am willing to bet that, like me and Stephanie and every other Jew you know, you acquired a tasteful Star of David necklace in the past year and a half. My rabbi even gave them out at Rosh Hashanah services under the pews, Oprah style. And for good reason! It’s been a crucial way to convey Jewish pride, even if it doesn’t exactly shout.

But maybe at this point in the post-October 7th world that is not enough for you. Maybe you want your Jewishness to be visible from the next block over. Maybe there is a particularly egregious antisemite coming to your work event and you want to rub his stupid face in it (I couldn’t possibly relate). 

Enter: The Big-Ass Chai.

The Big-Ass Chai is not subtle. It can be blinged out or spare, silver or gold, but crucially it must be BIG big. It should be the first thing people notice about you. It should look like it belongs nestled in the glorious chest hair of Elliot Gould circa 1979. The boldness is the point.

Chai is the Hebrew word for life, and the two letters—chet and yud—have become a popular symbol in Jewish art and jewelry. Everything about the chai is loud, from the guttural ‘chhhh’ sound you make when you say it to its proud declaration of Jewish life. 

“The Magen David felt like it was identifying us, where the chai felt like we are ALIVE,” says Paz Friedman, who co-founded jewelry brand Year of the Flood with Frances Cohen and Claudette Levy. “It was like our own little rebellion.”

The best of the big chais are equal parts fashion and disco. Here are some of our favorites:

Year of the Flood ‘You Only Chai Once’ pendant (starts at $2,200)

If you have spotted a Big-Ass Chai on Instagram, chances are it’s the You Only Chai Once (YOCO) pendant. It has become a favorite among chic Jews, most notably fashion writer Leandra Medine Cohen. 

These made-to-order pendants in the large size start at $2,200 for plain 14K gold and go up to an auspicious $3,600 for the diamond version. There is also a particularly stunning rhodium/black diamond option, also for $3,600.

Nora Kogan ‘Chai Pendant’ ($4,800)

My mom and I used to have a hypothetical jewelry store called Biggah Bettah Diamonds. If we sold a Big-Ass Chai, it would probably look something like this one, from the extremely cool Odessa-born Jewish designer Nora Kogan. 

Hey Jude Fine Jewelry ‘The Bold Chai 14K’ ($930)

Spare, save for the pavé bale, this makes for a great unisex option. Guys, channel your inner Elliot Gould! Do it for the Jewish people.

Marlo Laz ‘Large Southwestern Chai Charm’ ($2,000)

Yee-haw!

Susan Alexandra ‘L'Chaim Necklace’ ($268) 

A more affordable chai with impact, this chunky silver guy comes with a choice of silver chain, black cord, or this pink “lox” cord.

Brutalist 14K Gold Chai Pendant ($2,800)

For the full vintage effect, simply buy vintage! This Foundrae-looking chai medallion from the 60s that also says “Happy Birthday” on the back is unfortunately sold out (and will haunt my dreams). Still available, though, is this massive brutalist pendant from the 70s, available on 1stDibs.

When They Go Chai… 

These pieces don’t need to cost thousands of dollars to make an impact. Etsy is a great place to search for your perfect pendant, with options across all price points. Here’s what comes up when you search “oversize chai necklace.” Happy hunting!

I’m thrilled to midwife Ariel’s return to newslettering. We’ll be hearing more from her, and of course we’ll keep bringing you GOLDA’s favorite trends, from jewelry to Judaica and beyond. 

Until then, I’ll be adorning myself with these amazing chai pendants I found at my in-laws' house.

L’chaim!

Stephanie