Miracoli Rosaries

Handmade Custom Rosaries Since 2007

Portrait of Jennifer Sinclair, owner of Miracoli Rosaries

Welcome

When I was little, facets and their flashes delighted my imagination, and my dream was to attend the Gemological Institute of America to become a gemologist.  While I never made it to GIA, I did earn my degree in Fine Art; as a rosary maker, I have been able to combine my two great loves of faith and beauty, and it has been a wonderful experience.

In 2007, I opened this little artisan bench to create beautiful handmade rosaries.  Soon after, a truly inspired moment led to the innovation of what I call the Mantle Wrap.  This very unique construction method combines the beauty of antique rosaries with the durability of modern day wire-wrapping.

Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of materials, styles, clients, and budgets to create deeply meaningful Catholic sacramentals.  It's a true gift to have played a part in someone's life of faith, and I am truly grateful for friendships I have made over the years.

My bench is currently paused for new projects, as well as repairs and rebuilds of non-client work, but it is always open for repairs of past client projects.

Please contact me if your Miracoli rosary is in need of repair. Please put "Repair" in the subject line, otherwise I will not receive your message.

Blessings to you!

Jennifer Sinclair,
Owner & artist

The Difference is in the Details

78837735_458844624816238_4932477963284250624_n-1

Faithful Replicas

There is something so warm and poignant about these pieces.  Every crucifix, centerpiece, and medal is a hand-cast replica of vintage and antique originals found all over the world.  My favorite pieces were worn smooth by their original owners, and I always wonder who that person was, and how their faith brought them closer to Christ.

Solid bronze and Argentium sterling silver wire that is used in a Miracoli rosary.

Solid Wires

Durability, ease of care, and aesthetic are just a few of the reasons that I use solid Argentium silver (.930) and solid bronze. I also like that they are truly noble materials, which makes them an especially lovely choice, a sort of liturgical echo that rings out from Holy Mass.

Comparison of wire gauges by Miracoli Rosaries

Wire Gauge

For both alloys, I use thicker gauges of 21 and 20 for a strong link, and sometimes 19 depending on the needs of the design.  If you’ve ever noticed the wire links of the old antique rosaries, you’ve probably noticed the thinness of the 24 and 26 gauge wires, which, sadly, is why they often broke.  Gauge is the wheelhouse of strength when it comes to durability. Thicker = stronger.

 

Handmade rosary links featuring Miracoli Rosaries' style of short neck wire-wrapping called the Mantle Wrap

The Mantle Wrap

Not long after I began wire-wrapping rosaries, I became frustrated with my technique.  I was thrilled with the permanence of the construction, but I had no peace about the aesthetic.  My links were cumbersome and awkward, and I was concerned that the wraps would be a distraction to prayer, not a help.  And then inspiration struck: “If I wrap it like this…”  It was in that moment that I was given the gift of the Mantle Wrap, and I haven’t looked back since.  I believe that the Mantle Wrap is the most beautiful, durable, meditative, and nostalgic wire-wrapping method that you will find anywhere.  And I guarantee it for life.

78749276_581350275770854_4266437507584884736_n

Gemology

The principles of Gemology set the limits of a rosary's beauty and durability.  Hardness, toughness, and stability are at the core of the Gemological principle of tenacity, a principle that I have learned to respect.  The broken Rhodochrosite bead is a great example of what happened when I ignored gemology.

Hardness.  Did you know that dust in the air falls on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness of about 7?  It contains a lot of silica, which is a quartz, which scratches anything softer, which is almost everything in your house.

The Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness measures minerals and metals on a scale of 1 to 10 according to how easily they can be scratched. - or a metal  Diamond is at the top of the heap at 10, which talc rates at 1.  Quartz, Agate, and Jasper have a hardness of 7 - 7½.  Softer, “soapier” minerals like Sodalite are around 5.

Toughness.  Hardness and toughness are not the same thing.  While a diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs, it’s very brittle and can shatter on impact.  Quartz fares far better than diamond, but Jade tops them all for toughness.

Stability.  Some minerals are very resistant to the effects of light, heat, and chemicals, while others are not.

 

Sources:

More than the Mohs Scale – Understanding Gem Durability

Gemstone Hardness and Wearability - International Gem Society

THE DURABILITY AND HARDNESS OF METALS – Jewelry Secrets

The Mohs Scale of Hardness for Metals: Why It Is Important

Toughness of gemstones

Gemstone Database - Gems and gemology, Gem Localities, Photos and Data

79405407_748677048987678_5248249877351104512_n

Gemstones

A rosary has to be tough.  There are toddlers, the floor of the van, the inside of backpacks, war zones, dogs, cats - you name it: a rosary has to survive it all, and the soft stuff just can't hack it.  I play it safe and keep my lower Mohs threshold to about 6½ - 7.  Beads of this hardness include Jaspers, Agates, Swarovski crystal, the Quartzes and more.  They’re not afraid of your kids, your deployment, or your washing machine.

79268150_2532346057002413_6546173759953305600_n

Pearls

Pearls are in a class by themselves.  While easily scratched, they're actually pretty durable.

Their glow reminds me of how Our Lady reflects the of her Son.  This radiance comes from the pearl's nacre, the lustrous outer coating.  Like wire, when it comes to nacre, the thicker, the better, the more resilient, and the more valuable the gem. Freshwater pearls are nacre to their tissue-nucleated core, making them more durable than their saltwater counterparts.

Ps.  See my phone's reflection in this pearl?  This is gem-quality.

The difference is in the details.
But the most important difference a Miracoli rosary can make isn't about the wire, the beads, or its maker. It's about your faith, the people you love, and who you want to become.

Pick it up and pray.

The Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Joyful Mysteries |  prayed on Monday & Saturday | fruit of the Mystery
The Annunciation |  humility
The Visitation |  love of neighbor
The Birth of Jesus |  poverty
The Presentation |  obedience
Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple |  joy in finding Jesus

The Luminous Mysteries |  Thursday
The Baptism of Jesus |  openness to the Holy Spirit
The Wedding at Cana |  to Jesus through Mary
The Proclamation of the Kingdom |  repentance and trust in God
The Transfiguration |  desire for holiness
The Institution of the Eucharist |  Adoration

The Sorrowful Mysteries |  Tuesday & Friday
The Agony in the Garden |  sorrow for sin
The Scourging at the Pillar |  purity
The Crowning with Thorns |  courage
The Carrying of the Cross |  patience
The Crucifixion |  perseverance

The Glorious Mysteries |  Wednesday & Sunday
The Resurrection |  faith
The Ascension |  hope
The Descent of the Holy Spirit |  love
The Assumption |  grace of a happy death
The Coronation |  trust in Mary's intercession

The Prayers of the Holy Rosary

(NAME OF PRAYER. Leader’s spoken words in color.  Responses are normal text.)

SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, [ all bow:  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary ], suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Amen.

OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who art in Heaven; hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.  Amen.

HAIL MARY
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.  Amen.

GLORY BE
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

FATIMA PRAYER
Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins.  Save us from the fires of hell.  Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.  Amen.

HAIL, HOLY QUEEN
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope, to thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee to we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears; turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of they womb, Jesus.  O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

V.  Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R.  That we may be worthy of the promises of life.

V.  Let us pray.
R.  O God, You have purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, by the life, death and resurrection of Your only begotten Son; grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise.  Through the same Christ our Lord.  Amen.

May the Divine Assistance remain always with us,
and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

The Fifteen Promises of Mary for Those Who Faithfully Pray the Rosary

1.  Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.

2.  I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.

3.  The rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.

4.  It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things.  Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.

5.  The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the rosary, shall not perish.

6.  Whoever shall recite the rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune.  God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an un provided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.

7.  Whoever shall have a true devotion for the rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.

8.  Those who are faithful to recite the rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.

9.  I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary.

10.  The faithful children of the rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.

11.  You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary.

12.  All those who propagate the holy rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13.  I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only son Jesus Christ.

15.  Devotion of my rosary is a great sign of predestination.

The Litany of Mary

Lord have mercy.  
Christ, have mercy.
Lord have mercy.  Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world...
God the Holy Spirit...
Holy Trinity, one God...
Holy Mary... pray for us.
Holy Mother of God...
Holy Virgin of virgins...
Mother of Christ...
Mother of Divine Grace...
Mother most pure...
Mother most chaste...
Mother inviolate...
Mother undefiled...
Mother most amiable...
Mother most admirable...
Mother of good counsel...
Mother of our Creator...
Mother of our Savior...
Virgin most prudent...
Virgin most venerable...
Virgin most renowned...
Virgin most powerful...
Virgin most merciful...
Virgin most faithful...
Mirror of justice...
Seat of wisdom...
Cause of our joy...
Spiritual vessel...
Vessel of honor...
Singular vessel of devotion...
Mystical rose...
Tower of David...
Tower of ivory...
House of gold...
Ark of the covenant...
Gate of heaven...
Morning star...
Health of the sick...
Refuge of sinners...
Comfort of the afflicted...
Help of Christians...
Queen of Angels...
Queen of Patriarchs...
Queen of Prophets...
Queen of Apostles...
Queen of Martyrs...
Queen of Confessors...
Queen of Virgins...
Queen of all Saints...
Queen conceived without original sin...
Queen assumed into heaven...
Queen of the most holy Rosary...
Queen of Peace...

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

V.  Pray for us, holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V.  Let us pray.
R.  Grant, we beg You, O Lord God, that we Your servants may rejoice in continual health of mind and body.  Through the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may we be freed from present sorrow and enjoy eternal gladness.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Consecration to the Holy Family

Dear Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, to you we consecrate our family and all that we have.  We want our home to belong entirely to you.  You made family life holy by your family life at Nazareth.  Your home was a home of prayer, love, patient endurance, and toil.

It is our earnest wish to model our home upon yours at Nazareth.  Remain with us, so that with your help the purity of our morals may be preserved, that we may obey the commandments of God and of the Church, and receive the sacraments frequently.

Willingly we surrender our entire freedom to you, our Queen and our Mother.  We place under your care, our body and its senses, our soul and its faculties, our thoughts and desires, our words and deeds, our joys and sorrows, our life and our death.

Give your aid to our family, to our relatives, and to all who do us good.  Under your guidance may we always follow the Holy Spirit and never hinder His grace in us through sin.

Helps us to tread our way successfully through the dangers of this life and so win passage to our home country in heaven.  As saints there with you, may we sing the praises of each Person of the Blessed Trinity for all eternity.

Keep love and peace in our midst.  Console us in our troubles.  Help us to preserve the innocence of our children.  Enlighten and strengthen our growing sons and daughters.  Assist us all at the hour of death, so that we may be united with each other and with you in heaven.

Amen.

Why Mary?

Why Mary?  Indeed.

Because at one time, Our Lord and Savior was three years old--and if you've ever been the mother of a three-year-old, you know what a challenge that can be.  But it goes far beyond successfully raising a three-year-old to manhood.

For most people who aren't familiar with the Catholic faith, there is a misconception that Catholics worship Mary.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

First we have to ask what is worship?  Dictionary.com defines worship as the "reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred".  In the Catholic Church, we would have to go the dictionary one further and clarify that worship is the honor, reverence, glory, and homage paid to God and Him alone; to worship anyone or anything other than God is to break the law of God.

So, if we aren't worshipping Mary, why do we spend so much time and energy on her?

What about your own mom?  You talk to your mom, sit and eat with her, love her, go out with her...and worship her as God, right?  Of course not.  You spend time with your mother and love her because, well, she's Mom, and she's very deserving of love and respect.  And that's as it should be, as long as you don't bow down to your mom and declare her to be the One Creator of the universe and everything that is good, beautiful, and true.

And it's the same with Mary as well.  We pray to Mary* because we love her as the mother given to us by Christ.  As He hung on the Cross, struggling for breath, every single word served a specific, pointed and perfect purpose; with the dying, every word counts.  Christ proclaimed "'...to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother'" (John 19:27).  Indeed, Christ gave His mother not only to St. John, but to all of humanity, His love for her (and us) was so great.  When we pray to Mary, we do this in complete confidence, because she is our mother as well.

And when you stop to think about it, the power of Mary's intercession is incredible and undeniable.  Jesus was like us in all things, but sin.  Mary consented to the will of God and carried Him in her womb when the discovery of her unmarried pregnancy (regardless of betrothal) could have brought her death by stoning--and she knew this.  But her trust in God was absolute.  She went on to raise Him up from the tiniest baby to a full-grown man, teaching Him in the ways of love, patience, kindness, and everything else that true man would need to learn in order to reveal His Divine nature as True God.  It's a given that children learn by watching the examples they see every day; what an incredible example He must have had before Him in St. Joseph, and His mother, Mary.

It is with joyful confidence that we ask Mary to pray for us, and we know without a doubt that she hears our prayers.  We know that He listens to her and as the perfect Jewish Son is obedient to His mother, thus keeping the fourth Commandment.  At the wedding at Cana, Jesus resisted helping, citing that "My hour has not yet come", until His mother told the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."  (John 2:4,5)  And He did, and they did.

It is my hope and prayer that you, too, will find great love, solace, and comfort - and a powerful intercessor - hidden in the mantle of Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of God.**

* Important note:  When we Catholics say that we pray to Mary (or to any Saint), what we mean is that we are asking her to intercede for us to her Son, Jesus.  We "pray" and "intercede" interchangeably, which, admittedly, can cause a lot of confusion.

** Referring to Mary as the Mother of God has been known to make some go weak in the knees thinking that we worship Mary as the Creator of the Christ.  I offer my most sincere and profound apologies to anyone who has suffered due to this misunderstanding.  "Mother of God" is a title given to Mary that is proven by simple logic:  Mary is the mother of Jesus; Jesus is God; therefore, Mary is the Mother of God.  That's it--no more, and no less.  The Catholic Church has not ever, does not currently, and will never teach that Mary created Christ's Divine nature as True God.  Our Blessed Mother was His mom, who loved Him, raised Him, and was there at the foot of the Cross because He was her baby--and she knew that she needed a Savior, too.