Have you ever seen a huge statue of Jesus standing on a mountain with his arms wide open? That’s Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world! People even wear tiny versions of it as jewelry, like a Christ the Redeemer pendant in sterling silver. Let’s learn the cool history behind the statue, who likes to wear this pendant, and when it makes a great gift. 

The History of Christ the Redeemer

The idea for the statue started way back in the 1920s. Brazil had just celebrated 100 years of being free from Portugal in 1922. A Catholic group wanted to build something big to show faith and thank God for the country’s independence.

A lady named Princess Isabel (from Brazil’s old royal family) first suggested a Jesus statue on a mountain in the 1850s, but nothing happened then. In 1921, the Catholic Church in Rio said, “Let’s do it now!” They picked Corcovado Mountain, a tall peak right in the city with amazing views of the ocean and beaches.

Building the Giant Statue

• Designers: A Brazilian engineer named Heitor da Silva Costa made the plans. French sculptor Paul Landowski shaped the head and hands in Paris, France.
• Materials: The outside is covered in soapstone, a soft rock that shines in the sun. Inside, it’s reinforced concrete to make it strong.
• Size: It’s 98 feet tall (about as high as a 9-story building)! The arms stretch 92 feet wide. Add the pedestal, and the whole thing is 130 feet high.
• Construction: Workers built a tiny train to carry materials up the steep mountain. It took 9 years (1922–1931) and thousands of people to finish.
• Opening Day: On October 12, 1931, the statue was unveiled with lights turned on from far away in Italy by a radio signal!

Today, it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Over 2 million people visit every year, riding a train or hiking up to stand under Jesus’ giant arms. 

Who Wears a Christ the Redeemer Pendant in Sterling Silver?

A pendant is a small charm that hangs on a necklace. The Christ the Redeemer version is usually a mini statue shape—Jesus with open arms—made of sterling silver (a shiny metal that’s 92.5% pure silver and lasts a long time without turning green).

Lots of different people love wearing it:

• Catholics and Christians: It reminds them of Jesus as their savior (that’s what “Redeemer” means). They wear it during prayer or church.
• Brazilians: It’s like wearing a piece of home pride, especially if they’re from Rio or love soccer (the statue watches over Maracanã Stadium!).
• Travelers: People who visited Rio bring one back as a souvenir. Tourists buy them at the gift shop right under the statue.
• Fashion fans: The simple, elegant design looks cool with any outfit—jeans, dresses, or even sports jerseys.
• Kids and teens: Some get their first one for a special religious event (more on that below). It’s small, lightweight, and won’t break easily.

Celebrities like soccer star Neymar (who’s Brazilian) and singer Anitta have been spotted with similar religious jewelry. Regular people wear them every day or save them for Sundays.

Perfect Occasions to Give It as a Gift

A sterling silver Christ the Redeemer pendant costs around $20–$100 depending on size and chain, so it’s affordable but feels fancy. Here are the best times to give one:

1. First Communion or Confirmation In Catholic families, kids around 2nd–8th grade have these big church ceremonies. The pendant says, “Jesus is watching over you as you grow in faith.”
2. Baptism or Christening For babies or anyone new to the church. Pair it with a tiny chain they can grow into.
3. Birthdays or Christmas A religious teen or adult who loves Brazil? Wrap it with a Rio postcard!
4. Graduation 8th grade, high school, or college—remind them that Jesus has “open arms” for their future.
5. Travel Souvenir Coming home from Brazil? Give one to family so they feel part of the adventure.
6. Get-Well or Encouragement Gift Someone going through a tough time? The open arms mean “hugs and hope.”
7. Anniversaries or Mother’s/Father’s Day For parents who visited Rio on their honeymoon or love their faith.

Fun Facts to Wow Your Friends

• The statue’s official name in Portuguese is Cristo Redentor.
• It weighs 635 metric tons—that’s like 100 elephants!
• In 2007, people worldwide voted it a New Wonder. The only other statue on the list is the Statue of Liberty.
• Every year on its birthday (October 12), fireworks light up the sky around it.

Wrap-Up

Christ the Redeemer started as a thank-you to God and became a symbol of peace, faith, and Brazilian pride. Wearing a sterling silver pendant keeps that giant love close to your heart. Next time you see someone with one, you’ll know the whole story—and maybe want one for your own special day! Celtic Crystal Designs has many meaningful spiritual pieces to give as gifts or to keep for yourself.