Star of David Necklace

Two interlocking triangles, known in Hebrew as the Magen David — the Shield of David. It became the widely recognised symbol of Judaism and the Jewish people over the last few centuries, and appears on the flag of Israel. Unlike a cross, it signifies peoplehood as much as religious belief.

It's not forbidden, and opinions among Jewish people vary. Many see it as a symbol of solidarity worth wearing; others find it uncomfortable on someone outside the community, particularly as a fashion piece. If you're not Jewish and want to wear one, understanding what it means to the people it belongs to is the least it asks.

Entirely. A five-pointed star is decorative and carries no religious weight. The Star of David has six points formed from two overlapping triangles and is a specifically Jewish symbol. They are not design variants of each other and shouldn't be substituted when choosing a gift.

For a bar or bat mitzvah it's among the most traditional gifts there is. Outside that, give one to someone you know is Jewish and wears the symbol — as with any faith piece, gifting it to someone who has stepped away from observance can land wrong.

18 inches is the default and sits below the collarbone. 20 if you'd rather it tuck under a shirt — many people wear theirs privately rather than visibly, and a longer chain makes that easy.

Ours is 3.0 microns of gold over solid sterling silver, against an industry standard of 0.2. The open cut-out shape has more edges than a solid pendant, and edges are where any plating thins first — so keep it away from chlorine and put it on after perfume.