In the Gospels, Saint Joseph doesn't say a single word. And yet he's the one who sets off for Egypt in the middle of the night, who searches for a place for Jesus to be born, who teaches him a trade. So many dads are like him: they don't say much, they do a lot, and they figure an extra word isn't needed.
This Father's Day, we had them in mind. Five pieces of jewelry that don't make a fuss but say a lot: two medals dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth and three crosses for men who live their faith every day. You'll find more ideas in our Father's Day Gifts collection.
Medals for the Dad Who Watches Over His Family
Yellow Gold St. Joseph Medal
Saint Joseph is the husband of Mary and the guardian of Jesus, and the Church honors him as patron of the universal Church, of families, and of workers. In art he's often shown holding the Child in his arms, and that's exactly the image on this 18k yellow gold medal: tenderness and protection in a small relief.
It can be engraved with a name, a date, or both, making it a gift from a son or daughter, a wife, or the grandparents.
Why we recommend it: it captures in a single image the hardest job in the world: being a father. Perfect for a dad-to-be, for a man who works with his hands, or for anyone named Joseph.
Yellow Gold Holy Family Medal
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth: a simple home, a life of work and love. That's why the Holy Family has always been the model Christian families look to. This 18k yellow gold medal depicts them, and it's the most precious piece in our selection.
It's made to last: engraved with the children's names and a date, it becomes a keepsake for the whole family.
Why we recommend it: a dad truly feels like a dad when he sees the people he loves all together. This medal keeps them with him wherever he goes.
Three Pendants for the Dad Who Carries His Faith in His Heart
White Gold Tube Crucifix
The crucifix is the image of a love that goes all the way, and anyone who gets up every morning for someone else understands that. This white gold pendant has a clean, understated design that looks just as good under a dress shirt as over a sweater.
It can come with a personal message written by you.
Why we recommend it: it's the right crucifix for the dad who doesn't care for jewelry: he puts it on, forgets about it, and it's always there.
Yellow Gold Crucifix Pendant with Raised Cross and Modern White Gold Corpus
On the wood of the cross, Christ. Here the cross is yellow gold and slightly raised, while the corpus is white gold: each one makes the other shine, and the eye goes straight to the Crucified. The design is modern and clean, but the subject is timeless.A pendant for the man who wants a crucifix that stands out without being bulky. It can come with a personal message.
Why we recommend it: it's modern in design and faithful in meaning. For the dad with good taste who wears his faith with style.
Gold-Plated Silver Straight Cross Pendant
The sign we make over ourselves every time we pray has only one shape: a straight cross. This pendant keeps it just as it is, in gold-plated sterling silver, with a clean line that works for weekdays and Sundays alike.
It can come with a personal message.
Why we recommend it: it's the most affordable and the most versatile. Ideal as a child's first gift to Dad, or to add a little something extra to another present.
How to Choose the Right Gift
Not sure which one to pick? Think about what your dad is like:
- The protector, who's always there: the St. Joseph medal.
- The family man, who puts his loved ones first: the Holy Family medal.
- The understated type, who doesn't like frills: the white gold tube crucifix or the straight cross.
- The modern dad, with an eye for design: the crucifix with raised cross.
- The dad who has everything: a medal engraved with a name and a date, because a personal keepsake is worth more than one more thing.
How to Make Your Gift Last
Religious jewelry is worn for years, and a little care is all it takes to keep it as beautiful as the first day.
- Gold (medals and crucifixes): use a soft cloth, or lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then dry it well. Take it off before swimming in a pool or using cleaning products, and store it apart from other jewelry so it doesn't get scratched.
- Gold-plated silver (straight cross): the plating is thin, so avoid water, cologne, lotions, and abrasive products. After wearing it, wipe it dry with a soft cloth and store it in a sealed pouch.
Why Choose Mondo Cattolico
Picture your gift in St. Peter's Square on a Sunday at noon, as the Pope appears for the Angelus. If you choose the free Papal Blessing at checkout, we'll bring it there for you during the Sunday Angelus: your dad won't just receive a piece of jewelry, but a blessed one.
We can do this because our shop has been right there since 1952, just steps from the Pope's window. Every day we see pilgrims looking for a keepsake to take home, and we know how much a gift chosen in that spirit is worth.
You can make the piece your own: a personal message on every item and, on the medals, an engraved name and date. Personalization takes up to 15 days, so don't wait until the last minute.
Have a question? Book a live video call with our multilingual team. We'll show you the piece up close, just as if you were in our shop.
You'll find all our ideas in our Father's Day Gifts collection.