Eligius, a goldsmith at Paris, was commissioned by King Clotaire to make a throne. With the gold and precious stones given him he made two. Struck by his rare appointment to court, and demanded an oath of fidelity sworn upon holy relics; but Eligius prayed with tears to be excused, for fear of failing in reverence to the relics of the Saints. On entering the court he fortified himself against its seductions by many austerities and continual prayers. He had a marvelous zeal for the redemption of captives, and for their deliverance would sell his jewels, his food, his clothes, and his very shoes, once by his prayers breaking their chains and opening their prisons. His great delight was in making rich shrines for relics. His striking virtue caused him, a layman and goldsmith, to by made Bishop of Noyon, and his sanctity in his holy office was remarkable. He possessed the gifts of miracles and prophecy, and died in 665. His feast day is December 1st.

We are proud to be associated with this elite group of bench jewelers in America and abroad. We encourage all bench jewelers to maintain the highest ethics and standards set forth by the members of the Society of St. Eligio.