| The Hoshen in Judaica jewelry is inspired by | | | | name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The |
| Israel's rich historical past. Based on the linen | | | | breastplate was held in place by gold braid chains |
| 'breastplate' that was worn by Israel's High Priests | | | | attached to settings on the ephod's shoulders at |
| in biblical times, the design is seen as a powerful | | | | the top, and by a blue cord at the bottom. The |
| symbol of hope and optimism. Whether worn in | | | | Urim and Thummim, used by the High Priest when |
| the form of a pendant, earrings, or a broach, it is | | | | consulting the Divine, were carried inside of it. |
| an attractive piece of jewelry that represents | | | | Because Aaron was instructed to wear the Urim |
| Israel's culture and religion. | | | | and Thummim over his heart when entering the |
| The Hoshen is sometimes known of as "Aaron's | | | | presence of the Almighty, Aaron's Breastplate is |
| Breastplate", or "the Breastplate of Judgment". | | | | sometimes seen as having a mystical significance. |
| Made for Israel's first High Priest Aaron, it was | | | | In the Talmud, its wearing is seen as atoning for |
| part of the original ceremonial vestments that | | | | Israel's inadvertent sins. |
| were passed down to every High Priest | | | | Today, jewelry inspired by Aaron's Breastplate is |
| succeeding him. When officiating at ceremonies in | | | | made in the form of a square-shaped base that is |
| the Temple, the reigning High Priest would wear it | | | | set with twelve gemstones. Faithful to the original |
| on his chest, over an apron-like garment called the | | | | breastplate's design, the gemstones are arranged |
| 'ephod'. Both the ephod and the breastplate were | | | | in four rows of three each. Since no one is |
| made from the same richly embroidered, fine | | | | completely certain what the original gemstones |
| twined linen. | | | | were, the stones used can vary according to the |
| The breastplate itself was made of a single piece | | | | biblical interpretation favored by the jeweler. One |
| of linen that was folded double and measured a | | | | possible combination is that of sardin, chrysolite, |
| span in length and breadth. On its front were | | | | green feldspar, purple garnet, lapis lazuli, jade, |
| twelve stones in filigree settings, set in four rows | | | | turquoise, agate, jasper, topaz, cornelian, green |
| of three. Each stone was engraved with the | | | | jasper. |