Tips to Choose a Classic Rosary
How to Choose a Classic Rosary
Find helpful tips to choose a classic wire and chain rosary. For example, did you know that a rosary moves more freely with rounded loops?
About Classic Rosaries
It is classic because it is a recognized rosary style. Single loops of wire hold the beads in place.
What They Look Like
Rosaries with looped wire on each side of the bead to hold it in place are a classic design. Sections of chain separate the Our Father beads from the groups of Hail Mary beads. They have looked like that for centuries. Their strength depends on the quality of wire and construction.
Beads are a Key Element in Rosary Design
Choosing the Beads
Bead type, size, and spacing change the finished look and feel of a rosary. Click to read more.
Examining the Beads
Be sure to examine the rosary for cracked, misshapen, or chipped beads. They should feel smooth and comfortable to the touch. Bubbles near the surface of a glass bead indicate a thin area. It could eventually create a hole or a rough section on the bead surface. As a rule, a bubble close to the bead core is only an aesthetic issue.
Weight
The Crucifix, centerpiece, wire, and chain have an initial weight that gives the rosary a feeling of substance. Rosaries with hematite beads are the heaviest ones we make. Even rosaries with plastic beads can seem more valuable along with metal components.
Our Father Beads
A rosary with Our Father beads that stand apart in some way has an advantage over other rosaries. They can make it effortless to say the correct prayers on the beads, even with eyes closed while praying. Look for a different shape, colour, or size.
Bead Caps
Enhancing beads with caps adds to the character and uniqueness of the rosary. However, they can work their way loose unless the wire is stiff and well-rounded. Wire wrapping adds rows of wrapped wire stacked on each side of the caps. It is a way to hold them consistently and securely in place.
The Wire and Metal Parts That Hold It Together
Wire Integrity
Unhooked links can make a rosary come apart. Sturdy loops are tight at every connection. Yet, they will only stay in place if the wire is stiff and strong enough to hold its shape. Adding loose bead rings will not keep the wire in place. A sturdy wire is the best solution.
Loops
A rosary bends in different directions during prayer. The links will turn without a problem when they are smooth and round. Angled or long, narrow banana-shaped loops will cause the rosary to kink.
Good quality rosaries also have uniform loop sizes on both sides of the beads.
Connections
We use sturdy jump rings to attach some of our rosaries. Since they are heavy-duty, they will not let the chain slip through.
We also attach our rosaries with bows. We wrap them into a finished loop that looks like a bowtie. Even heavy beads will stay in place with these.
Bead Caps
Enhancing beads with caps adds to the character and uniqueness of the rosary. However, they can work their way loose unless the wire is stiff and well-rounded. Wire wrapping adds rows of wrapped wire stacked on each side of the caps. It is a way to hold them consistently and securely in place.
Choosing an Classic Rosary: More Tips
Themes
Rosaries can have different themes based on the center medal, the Crucifix, or even the beads. For example, a rosary with a Saint Therese of Lisieux center can remind us to ask for her intercession as we pray. Click to shop by theme.
Symmetry
Well-made rosaries line up evenly. Laying it out on a flat surface is the simplest way to check for symmetry.
Rosary Cases & Pouches
Loose rosaries can become entangled with keys or other items in purses or pockets. They can also catch on bits of fabric. For example, I once had the challenge of untangling a massive ball of rosaries. It was from inside someone’s coat pocket. A rosary pouch or case will protect your rosary from being tangled, tarnished, or lost. Click to read more.
Handmade Leather Rosary Cases
We give a free drawstring velveteen pouch with most of our rosaries. However, some are too large to fit inside.
We also make leather rosary cases to protect your precious rosary. Click to have a look.
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CREDITS
The LOGO image of Our Lady of Grace is original artwork by Martin Lariviere in 2009. We have the artist’s permission (my son). It is our exclusive trademark logo image.
A beautifully photographed sky by Donald Tong inspired the website’s colour scheme. Cropped portions of it are the background for the footer Bible verse. He shared it as a free download on pexels.com.
Raphael painted The Sistine Madonna circa (1513-1514). We made circular cut-outs from the original image.
Our information is from general knowledge, experience, and shared internet resources. We’d like you to use it as a starting point for your research to verify facts and build a reference list.
IN REVIEW
A wire rosary has a loop of wire on each side of the beads to hold them in place. Here is what you need to know when you are shopping:
- Make sure the loops are rounded, uniform in size and tight at every connection.
- The wire should look sturdy and smooth without deep marks or dents from the pliers.
- Check for cracked, misshapen, or chipped beads.
- See if the Our Father beads stand apart in some way so that you will be able to notice them during prayer.
- Make sure the bead caps are wire-wrapped to hold them securely in place.
- Check the connections. Jump rings or bows should be sturdy with no sharp edges.
- Make sure the sections of the rosary line up evenly.