GIFT for CAMINO WALKER: Relieves stress and worry?

Camino walkers scallop shells

Can jewellery intended to help combat negativity, worry and stress make a suitable gift for someone planning to walk El Camino?

With the Junta de Andalucía in southern Spain announcing further development of it’s own Camino routes – Camino del Argar, Camino Mozárabe and Camino al Rocío (see below), the prominence of walking Caminos as a cathartic experience to help purge the soul of life’s troubles, once again comes to the fore.

Jewellery gift for Camino walker
Jewellery gift for Camino walker

Founded in Christian faith and rooted in spiritual belief, some of the Camino jewellery in our SHOP has been added to a range of jewellery aimed at people wanting to combat any negativity, anxiety or stress in their lives, especially when starting something new or adventurous (including walking El Camino de Santiago, for example) and to help promote positivity, optimism and success.

So can this jewellery also make a good gift for a Camino walker?

We think so, yes, because much of our jewellery for positivity, optimism and success is interchangeable with our traditional Camino jewellery:

Jewellery for positivity, optimism and success

The designs of our necklaces, bracelets and earrings are based on the principles of faith and belief . . the belief that one’s goals are achievable, whatever they are: It is jewellery with meaning. Nowhere is this feeling of belief and achievability more powerful than amongst the community of walkers (and bikers) who travel “El Camino de Santiago” (the Way of St. James) every year . . fired up by the dream and the enthusiasm for reaching their goal.

Many Camino travellers have a strong Christian faith but, in recent decades, that Christian faith, once so common amongst Camino walkers, has given way somewhat to a more secular approach: Indeed nowadays, people choose to do a Camino as much for personal reasons, as for any religious reason: They decide to take time out of their busy modern life and perhaps look for something a bit different, in the hope perhaps, of finding inspiration or spiritual enlightenment as they journey along: They are able to reflect on their life whilst in the supportive environment of their Camino. No doubt they hope to improve their outlook on life and bring themselves closer into contact with nature – whilst expanding their cultural horizons through contact with other walkers.

Many of these so-called ‘pilgrims’ on the Way of Saint James carry the Scallop Shell symbol of El Camino de Santiago as a token, a charm, a keepsake . . or on a piece of jewellery. Others (perhaps a bit more “religious” ) wear a Cross of St James.

The shell has great significance in jewellery: It symbolises strength, commitment and determination. In this sense, it has special meaning to millions of people, and is commonly used by individuals to help them feel more confident about themselves.

The Cross of Saint James, according to many Spaniards, “es un símbolo que favorece el coraje y la esperanza ante las dificultades” [a symbol that favours courage and hope in the face of difficulties] . . promoting both faith and good fortune, as well as strength and hope.

Some 200,000 pilgrims travel El Camino de Santiago every year from all over the world to find inspiration and/or deeper spiritual understanding. Many of them carry one of these symbols and everyone experiences the journey in a different way.

Camino gift ideas

But whatever somebody’s journey – whether on El Camino itself, a business trip, a gap year, trekking, etc, (or perhaps merely the “journey” through life in general), many people like to carry a symbolic charm or piece of jewellery to encourage them and give them belief – as well as, in their minds, to protect them. Studies have shown that symbolic tokens and charms can boost people’s confidence, with many admitting there’s power in a thought made positive by meaningful charms such as these – being a constant reminder of purpose and desires: In addition to any value that these symbols have in themselves, or the religious faith that they might represent, symbolic and meaningful jewellery such as this can also act as a reminder to be careful when travelling: And this can be a powerful aid to staying safe whilst away from home too.

Buy Camino de Santiago souvenirs and gifts online

Much of our jewellery is hand-crafted in Galicia, close to El Camino de Santiago. It would make an ideal gift for any special event / occasion, but particularly for someone starting out on a new adventure in life – like walking a Camino, or even starting a new job, travelling afar or beginning retirement.

What to buy a Camino walker – Faith Jewellery?

There are many “caminos” or “walks” in the world but the Spanish “Way of St James” is probably the most famous, along with the Islamic Hajj to Mecca. We have a complete range of Camino jewellery in our SHOP online.

Here is a bit of information about some of the less well known “Caminos” in Spain that are currently in the news: Camino del Argar, Camino Mozárabe and Destino Rocío:

El Camino del Argar

El Camino del Argar is a rather obscure (arduous and long) route from southern Spain to Santiago de Compostela in the north. It starts at the Cathedral of Almería in Andalucía from whence it traverses the entire Iberian Peninsula, initially via Cabo de Gata and along the south coast before heading inland and north-west. It passes through places such as San José, Rosalquilar, Las Negras, Carboneras, Mojácar, Garrucha, Vera, Cuevas de Almanzora and on through to Huércal Overa and Lorca before heading north up through Murcia to Almendricos, Albacete and along the Camino de Levante.

Caminos de Argar

From Mora (Toledo) it’s main route then circumvents Madrid and joins the Vía de la Plata in Zamora north-west of the Spanish capital before finally heading into Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. In total, the Camino del Argar is about 1,500 Km. It is named Camino del Argar after an early Bronze Age settlement/culture “El Argar” which was based around the small town of Antas in Almería in eastern Andalucía. The community was active from about 2200 to 1500 BC and was renowned for its pottery and metallurgical techniques.

Peregrino en el Camino Argar

El Camino Mozárabe

The Camino de Santiago Mozárabe (also known as the Camino de Santiago Sanabrés) arose in the Middle Ages linking the important ports of Al-Andalus with some of the larger cities on the western side of Spain such as Córdoba and Mérida. These days, the paths between Almería and Granada are signposted and have some infrastructure for pilgrims / walkers along the way. But other parts of the route are less well marked until one reaches the Via de la Plata.

Starting on the Mediterranean coast in Almería it follows the chain of valleys of the Andarax and Nacimiento rivers to Guadix and thence to Granada along the old Roman and Muslim roads that linked these two cities taking in the terraces of the Alpujarras and parts of the Sierra Nevada. It is a strenuous route over the mountains before dropping down to Córdoba but from there to Mérida it is more relaxed. Nonetheless, it is a very long Camino indeed, crossing the whole of the Spanish peninsular south to north.

El Camino al Rocío

El Rocío is a village located 15 km from Almonte in the province of Huelva, Andalucía (Spain). The Rocío Pilgrimage (known as Romería de El Rocío or more simply “El Rocío”) is an age-old tradition of travelling early summer to the church of La Virgen del Rocio in the village of El Rocío in honour of “La Virgen” (whose image was believed to have been witnessed at this location in the 15th Century, and is now represented in the “Ermita de Sancta María de las Rocinas – or Ermita de El Rocío). The Romería brings together roughly one million pilgrims every year.

Ermita Rocío

This fervent event which is best described as somewhere between religion and folklore, takes place on the second day of Pentecost (May or June – depending on the year) but the build-up to it (and the journey) can take weeks with many people travelling in horse-drawn carts from far away with singing and dancing round the camp fires every night. The festival dates from 1653, when the Virgin of Las Rocinas was appointed patron Saint of Almonte.

Ayamonte, Huelva, Sevilla, Jeréz, Gibraltar, Malaga

Expanding on this tradition of travelling to the church of La Virgen del Rocio, the newly-envisaged Camino al Rocío or Destino Rocío has been called El Camino de Santiago ‘Andalucian style’. However, it has little to do with Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain – but is nonetheless a ‘religious’ Camino.

Parque Doñana
Donaña Park

There are eight different routes connecting the eight provinces of Andalucía with this devotional focus located in Huelva.
The Almería route (officially called ‘Ruta Nazarí’) has two starting points: One from Cabo de Gata (close to the capital Almería city itself) and another from Los Vélez towards Baza. They both meet up in Guadix and, from there, the path goes through Granada, Antequera, Ronda, Arcos, Jerez de la Frontera, and Sanlúcar to cross the Guadalquivir river, and through the great park of Doñana to reach the village of El Rocío. [Other Andalusian routes are: The Olive Grove Route (which begins in the Sierra de Cazorla); the Sierra Morena Route (which starts in Las Navas, Jaén); the Valle de los Pedroches Route (from Pozoblanco); the Aguardiente Route (from Belalcázar); the Silver Route, the Ham and Fandango Route (from the Sierra de Aracena) and the Gibraltar Route (from Algeciras)].

Destino Rocío
Destino Rocío

It is hoped that this new Camino al Rocío or “Destino Rocío”, will have a wide network of signposted paths – in the simple ‘yellow arrow’ style that guides pilgrims to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela along the more traditional “Way of St James” to the north.

What to buy a Camino walker – Faith jewellery?

See Faith Jewellery and Camino gift ideas in our shop that could be ideal:

JEWELLERY for SELF CONFIDENCE, belief and self-esteem

Confident lady with jewellery for self-confidence

Can wearing jewellery boost self-esteem and relieve anxiety, worry and stress?

Many people think so, yes, and in our SHOP you can find examples of Confidence Jewellery like Confidence Necklaces and Confidence Bracelets:

Confidence jewellery detail
Confidence jewellery gift card

How wearing jewellery can boost your confidence

Many items of jewellery are said to help reduce stress – think of worry beads as just one example; or the simple Rosary: Whether Catholic, Islamic, Buddhist, or Hindu, most are based on faith.

And this is the principal behind Confidence Jewellery . . imparting a belief that, with a little bit of faith, one’s wishes can come true – giving strength of purpose to everyday actions to achieve a goal.

Help someone combat adversity, hardship, misfortune and ill-health

The emphasis of our Jewellery for Confidence is to encourage positivity, optimism, achievement and success – but it can also be ideal to send as a gift to help friends and loved-ones combat any adversity, hardship, misfortune or ill-health in their lives.

Jewellery to give me confidence

The point about Confidence Jewellery is that its sole purpose it to boost self-esteem and give more confidence to the person wearing it . . a Confidence Bracelet for example, Confidence Earrings or Confidence Necklaces .

Of course there is a lot of jewellery based on faith, like the Christian Cross for example, or Angel charms, the Hamsa, the Caravaca Cross, and so on, but in our SHOP you will find Confidence Jewellery – mostly based on the Shell symbol: The shell has great significance in the Christian faith: The scallop shell in particular is the badge of Baptism, the symbol of The Way of St. James – and the shell’s close association with this Camino de Santiago has propelled it to be the symbol of pilgrimage too.

Confidence jewelry bracelet with shell
Confidence jewelery bracelet with Camino scallop shell

Give yourself confidence

A shell is also said to symbolise strength, commitment and determination along the journey of life; in this sense, it has special meaning to millions of people, and is commonly-used in jewellery to help individuals feel more secure and confident about themselves.

The sea shell in particular is known for its so-called protective qualities, stemming from its ability to provide a safe haven in the dangerous environment of the seas. It is this connection that also leads it to being a symbol of a strong will . . defiant and even stubborn – unmoved by the tides, the winds, and by the adverse currents of life.

Confidence and self-esteem jewellery

It is all these associations that has led the humble shell to be linked to the feeling of self-confidence, and this can be a great asset in the world in which we live, making people feel more happy about themselves, content about their resistance to stress, and their ability to overcome their worries. All this can improve someone’s performance, allowing them to be stronger against the adversities of life. Heightened self-confidence can also make people more adventurous – more willing to try out new things.

Much of our Jewellery for Confidence features the shell symbol

Confidence bracelets, necklaces and earrings with gemstones

In addition to the Shell as a symbol of self-belief and determination, some of our Jewellery for Confidence also features a gemstone – especially Aventurine, Citrine and Sodalite.

All these gems are known for their confidence-boosting properties – indeed, some say that gemstones like these can help people change the way they feel about themselves:

Sodalite is said enhance self-esteem and to be a calming gem for patience and endurance.

Citrine is known as the “Success Stone” – and is said to heighten confidence, creativity and stamina. It believed by some that Citrine helps to manifest goals, and attract abundance and prosperity.

Aventurine gemstone is said to help people cope with life’s stresses and strains: It is so well renowned for goal achievement, it is called The Gambler’s Stone. If a dream is worth pursuing, Aventurine is the stone to help.

Something to give me confidence

An elevated sense of confidence and self-worth comes from having a belief in yourself – and this self-belief and increased self-esteem can be enhanced by wearing Confidence Jewellery, being something to believe in . . and acting as a powerful aide memoir to one’s personal goals and wishes.

SEE Confidence Bracelets, Confidence Necklaces and Confidence Jewellery in general in our SHOP online.

INDALO for PROSPERITY, wealth, success and luck

Indalo prosperity bracelets

Friends, loved-ones, relatives in debt? Short of money? Struggling financially? We have gifts that could perhaps help people cope with financial difficulties

See our Shop for Indalo Próspero jewellery online

Indalo necklace jewellery for prosperity
Jewellery for prosperity and success

It is always difficult when financial problems arise but, with one of our Indalo Próspero good luck gifts, you are able to pass on your wishes of prosperity, wealth and success in a kindly fashion to someone who is a bit short of money and/or struggling financially.

Indalo as a symbol of financial prosperity

For many years, people in southern Spain have worn Indalo jewellery (or attached the Indalo Man symbol to their house) to help protect them from adversity – whether it be from actual physical harm caused by an accident, earthquake, flood, etc, or through illness, injury or bad health . . but also to protect them against financial hardship and other difficulties or business woes.

How can the Indalo offer protection against financial hardship?

Around the world, the Indalo figure has existed in rudimentary form for many years although nowadays, it is more commonly associated with southern Spain (and in particular in Almería, Andalucía). Here, it is a renowned lucky charm symbol said to offer protection, good fortune . . and prosperity. In these parts, the Indalo symbol is considered very lucky and there is a belief that an Indalo charm can lead to a rise in wealth and even income for the owner.

Indalo Man as a protection talisman symbol

Everything stems from the protective nature of the Indalo – established over many years: Around 4,000 years ago, Neolithic man decorated the walls of a cave in southern Spain with drawings of goats, deer and birds, as well as basic sketches of men/women in various poses, alongside other shapes. Some of of these ‘shapes’ were in the form of the Indalo (a man with arms outstretched holding a rainbow).

Subsequently, over the years, this symbol was daubed on the walls of many properties in the Levante region as some sort of lucky symbol and indeed, as time passed, it was thought to have been instrumental in protecting the local population from various misfortunes that befell other nearby areas – such as harm from the succeeding floods and earthquakes. When the local populace looked at how they had fared against their neighbours, it appeared as if they were somehow “protected” by this symbol from the cave (‘cueva’ in Spanish).

The “Cueva de los Letreros” is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Indalo has become famous throughout the province of Almería (and beyond) where to this day, it is strongly believed that this “Indalo Man” can offer protection and bring good fortune wherever it is situated. Travelling around, you will see it everywhere. It is an integral part of the way of life of this region of Spain: Even today, in the small village pueblos that lie hidden behind the giant sierras that roll down to the Mediterranean Sea, the Indalo is known for its good luck properties and as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Our Indalo Prospero jewellery, representing wealth, abundance and success, is a reflection of this belief and is intended to encourage people who would like to increase their good fortune.

As a gift, a piece of Indalo Próspero jewellery makes a present with real meaning to those suffering financial hardship or when times are hard. Consequently, you are able to wish someone prosperity, wealth and success by sending them a good luck gift based on the Indalo Próspero talisman.

But why not just gift someone money?

Should you give money as a gift? Should you pay off a debt of someone dear – a close friend, relative or loved-one?

If someone is going through a hard time financially, there is nothing wrong with sending them money to ease the financial burden. But, if you’ve ever wondered what gift to give someone who is struggling financially, that is NOT pecuniary, the Indalo Próspero could be ideal: Representing the promise of wealth and abundance to many people (particularly in southern Spain), it could make an ideal gift to someone who is hard up and needs a break . . someone in debt who needs money to get them out of their current financial difficulties.

Indalo Próspero wealth and abundance necklace
Indalo wealth and abundance necklace

See our shop for INDALO JEWELLERY to buy online

How WELLBEING JEWELLERY gifts improve MENTAL HEALTH

Wellbeing jewellery necklace Get Well gift

Is there such a thing as jewellery for wellbeing?

We think so and we stock wellbeing jewellery in our SHOP online. But is it really feasible that wellbeing jewellery can improve mental health?

Wellbeing jewellery can improve mental health

Some say that wellbeing is in short supply at the moment. So we have curated a range of jewellery specifically to encourage wellbeing – both as a gift and for personal use.

But what IS wellbeing? And what is jewellery for wellbeing? And can it really help us in our daily lives?

Good living conditions such as housing and employment are fundamental to wellbeing – as are good social relationships. But in general, wellbeing encompasses a multitude of factors such as good health and prosperity, mental and physical energy/fitness, happiness, contentment, hopefulness, confidence, good self-esteem, positiveness, creativity, having a sense of purpose – and feeling strong, comfortable and in control. It also involves an element of having luck and good fortune, as well as feeling safe, protected and sheltered – along with sufficient wealth. It is also important to be emotionally and socially competent, to be innovative and open to new ideas, and to have positive relationships.

Overall, having favourable wellbeing is when you feel good about yourself and your life and your achievements, and have a good overall welfare physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and intellectually. You are satisfied with life.

A lot of the jewellery in our SHOP is intended to help with this, and to encourage better wellbeing.

But how does this work?

First let’s look at the definition of wellbeing

Many people have attempted to define well-being but perhaps the most encompassing “definition” is found on the website whatworkswellbeing.org: Namely, in modern parlance, Wellbeing is: HOW WE ARE DOING . . as individuals, and, more expansively, as communities, and as a nation.

So, if we can find something that makes us feel better in ourselves, we will presumably have better wellbeing. Our wellbeing jewellery is designed for that purpose.

It is worth bearing in mind however that here are different types of wellbeing . . namely mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, economic wellbeing and emotional wellbeing. But in reality, these different forms of wellbeing are all closely related; and one way of understanding this is to look at how people are able to flourish, i.e. whether they have positive emotions, can function well in society, can respond to challenges and can have meaning in their lives.

In Martin Seligman’s book, “What Is Well-Being?” he suggests that the principal factors are: Having positive emotions; being active when possible; having good relationships with other people; and finding meaning in one’s life with a sense of accomplishment in the pursuit of goals.

From a more physical point of view, we also have to consider income, employment status and health (especially feeling well physically).

Conversely, psychological constituents that restrict wellbeing encompass feelings of loneliness, as well as anxiety and the loss of a sense of purpose – all major elements in mental health. (Note: Mental health and personal wellbeing are closely related – but nonetheless distinct. But people with poor mental health are much more likely to have a lower level of wellbeing.)

Another important factor (especially from our point of view as a shop selling gifts and jewellery for wellbeing), is something that helps people connect with other people, and the society around them. So relationships, friends and family, and the people we encounter in our day-to-day lives (like neighbours, for example) are vital in this respect – and especially people we can rely on and trust.

Giving a gift (especially a gift with meaning for wellbeing) is a great way to connect

But just as an act of connection is key to wellbeing, so is the act of participation, taking part in society, being active, taking notice of our surroundings, self-educating . . and being involved in occasional acts of giving!

Wearing a piece of wellbeing jewellery personally can help us be more aware of the things that affect us on a day-to-day basis – or the things that help us participate in modern life: The jewellery can act as a constant reminder of our own goals and desires.

To feel well, we need a mixture of things that bring us pleasure and purpose. Feeling isolated and lonely can be very damaging to wellbeing. Whereas, for example, simple exercise, such as running can make people feel happy . . but not everyone. Wellbeing is indeed a personal thing . . but with inter-linking components.

In summary, we believe that if you want to help someone to improve their wellbeing (or your own), the following is advisable:

  • Desirable goals (to bring meaning or purpose to life through the pursuit of success or accomplishment)
  • Positive emotions
  • Engagement and involvement in activities (especially those taking place in the presence of other people)
  • Meaningful relationships

And, if you offer someone a gift that says Be Well, Take Care, Stay Safe, and so on, you can pass on your desire for their wellbeing and offer your support or affection to a special person in your life.

Wellbeing jewellery is for caring, sharing and inspiring . . making a gift that can be used to offer your encouragement, your appreciation – even your help; a gift that can pass on a general feel-good factor. What’s more, the gifting process itself is an act that can boost your own personal wellbeing.

A gift for wellbeing conveys your wishes of wellbeing and helps friends and loved-ones be more aware of the things that affect their wellness on a day-to-day basis (including friendships). It can act as a constant reminder of goals and desires (and a reminder of who gave it to them).

Larimar said to boost mood

See our SHOP to buy gifts to wish good health wellness


HEALTH WELLNESS GIFTS, JEWELLERY for WELL-BEING – New

Girl with Wellness necklace gift

Wellness Gifts: A wellness necklace or bracelet is a gift for good health and part of our latest Jewellery for Good Health range

We have new products: See our SHOP for the latest WELLNESS GIFTS and health protector gifts

Model with Wellness gift necklace

Brain fog? Lacking in energy? Stressed at work? Welcome to the concept of feeling good again and welcome to peace of mind with some of our latest wellness gifts.

Feel good gifts

As we get older, our health becomes more fragile in terms of our general well-being. So we need to be more aware of the things that affect our wellness – or things that make us feel good (or unwell) on a day-to-day basis.

Wellness jewellery such as this is crucial in this respect – making a perfect gift to pass on wishes of good health . . and protection from some of the causes of ill-health and debility.

It is a constant reminder of good health goals and desires. It doesn’t make you more healthy per se . . it merely expresses a DESIRE to be healthy – a “representation” of good health practices and concepts and, as such, a powerful aide-memoire to adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle wherever possible.

Wellness Stay Well gift card

Studies have shown that symbolic tokens and keepsakes can boost people’s awareness, with many admitting there’s power in a thought made positive by a meaningful charm – being a constant reminder of purpose and desires.

Jewellery gifts for stress relief and anxiety

Jewellery for wellness and health like our wellness necklaces and bracelets are hugely popular at the moment – as both gifts, and for personal use. Many see them as a health protector . . something to ward off sickness and ill-health. In reality, they are more like ‘tokens’ of good health – not a prescriptive solution to illness but rather an aide memoire to strive for a better, more healthy lifestyle.

This principle relies on faith (or belief) – whether that be actual religious faith (as is the case with a necklace bearing a Christian symbol like the Cross, for example), or a more spiritual belief relating to other common health symbols such as the Lotus Flower, Yin-Yang, Hamsa or Indalo figure. All these symbols are centuries old, and millions of people around the world put faith in them for protection on a daily basis. When the protection sought is against ill-health, they can become a “health protector” and, if gifted can pass on wishes of well-being and good health.

Stay well gifts

Take a look at this Wellness Necklace featuring the Indalo symbol for protection, good fortune and well-being: The Indalo is a well-known symbol of protection, wellness and good luck and is said to create a positive attitude to health, and to help achieve the goal of overall wellness.The Indalo Man posture, with arms extended, is said to unify the body, mind and spirit in harmony with nature, internalising goals for good health, and promoting overall wellness. It is said to create a balance in life.

Not only could the Indalo help make you (or a friend) feel more healthy by giving you a positive attitude to healing, but it could also help maintain a certain wellness and good health by offering its attributes as one of the great symbols of protection.

You can wish your friends or loved-ones well by sending them a meaningful present to promote general health and wellness. Even a small inspirational token can really make a difference. It would be a lovely little gift to show that you care about their health, prosperity and well-being.

Protection jewellery

You can also see symbolic wellness necklaces in our SHOP based on Christian health gifts and faith charm jewelry, and Christian symbols for healing and wellbeing . . all founded on various talismans and amulets for healing and protection. The power of the mind to influence the body is well-known and many religious people believe that faith in their God can help heal them and others.

We have a great selection of health and wellness necklaces and bracelets as presents in our SHOP that might be suitable as a gift for health protection.

Join the journey to good health with one of our HEALTH and WELLNESS GIFTS 🙂