Apologetics 101: Can Someone Wear a Rosary as Jewelry?

First of all, let us look at written law on the subject. The Bible does not mention any rules on rosaries. The Code of Canon Law, however, states:

"Sacred objects, set aside for divine worship by dedication or blessing, are to be treated with reverence. They are not to be made over to secular or inappropriate use, even though they may belong to private persons" (CIC 1171).

The important term being "reverence," which is defined as "a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration." The definition of jewelry is an "any ornaments for personal adornment or attractiveness." By these definitions, I do not believe that one can wear something for both personal adornment and reverence. For example, the picture above shows a lady wearing a rosary. It is clear by her attire that she is not treating the Rosary with reverence. This is similar to the images released of Madonna (singer) wearing a Rosary.

I believe there is room to wear a Rosary around your neck without violating the spirit of 1171. Nuns and monks often wear Rosaries around their belts, so there is precedent to have a Rosary adorned to one's person. If a person wears it to aid in their prayer regiment, as a tool for proselytization, or for any other spiritual reason which aids in their faith, and that person does nothing to deter from that reason (like wearing racy clothes), then I believe that reverence can exist, without any entanglements of adornment.