Have you ever wondered what the meanings of jewelry symbols, motifs, and signs are? Jewelry has been worn by humans for thousands of years to represent their faith or culture. The wearing of symbolic jewelry has been prevalent throughout history, for various reasons. Wearing meaningful jewelry can be a symbol of one's culture or faith, or it can be an amulet that will bring a person good luck and protection.
In rituals of expression, symbols play a vital role and we utilize thousands of them every day. In symbolic form, power, love, strength, and spirituality bind us together and form a common language. Symbols found in jewelry can be interpreted in a variety of ways, which is evident in this survey of their visual diversity.
You've come to the right place if you're looking for a special piece of symbol jewelry to add to your jewelry collection or to give as a gift. You can also use the symbolism of jewelry from other cultures to better understand your own pieces.
Jade Jewelry: Its Importance
Chinese culture attributes great importance to jade, known as the Stone of Heaven. Due to its hardness and beauty, jade represents a balance between yin and yang. Because the stone is regarded as the most valuable stone in China, it is often more valuable than gold and silver.
Jade jewelry has historically been associated with a magical quality that proves protective against evil spirits, bad luck, and disease. Jade bangles are still given to babies today in Chinese culture to prevent bad luck. Since jade was so important in Chinese history, jade jewelry is also a connection to the past. Families often pass along jade stones to one another.
The significance of the Star of David
In spite of the fact that it wasn't originally an exclusively Jewish symbol, the Star of David--also known as Solomon's Seal or David's Shield--has become associated with Judaism. Middle Eastern and northern African countries also use the symbol for good luck. The star-like shape did not come into prominence as a symbol of Judaism until Jews began wearing them during Nazi occupation. A Star of David was often placed on the outside of synagogues by the 17th century as a means of identifying them as houses of worship.
There are two triangles forming a six-pointed star in the symbol. Pendants adorned with the symbol are common. When worn in jewelry, the Star of David symbolizes the unity of the Jewish people.
The meaning of the symbol Ankh
One of the most familiar Egyptian hieroglyphs is the ankh, also known as breath of life or key of the Nile. The ankh signified life and in particular, eternity. There have been cases in which the symbol was adorned with other hieroglyphs, scarabs, and wings (related to goddess Isis or god Horus). Ankhs were sometimes depicted as held in loops by Egyptian deities. In ancient Egypt, ankhs were worn as talismans to promote long life.
It is often found on rings, necklaces (simple pendants or large collars), earrings and bracelets including Egyptian-inspired upper arm bracelets. The wedjat eye, pyramids, snakes, and ovals like a cartouche are also popular Egyptian symbols that are sometimes used in conjunction with an ankh.
Cross as a symbol
Along with Christian symbolism, the cross may also represent the four elements of earth, fire, air, and water, or the four cardinal directions, or cardinal points.
Atonement and salvation are symbolized by the cross. It took two centuries for the crucifixion symbol to become widely worn since the act was gruesome. Crosses were believed to provide protection against bad luck or demonic forces. Christianity is the religion most associated with the cross. Thus, crucifix necklaces are worn as a symbol of faith by many Christain. They are, however, also popular among fashionistas.
Claddagh symbol: significance
Claddagh rings were created in Galway, Ireland in the 17th century, where the village of Claddagh can be found. Two hands hold a heart topped by a crown in a Claddagh, a Celtic symbol. Hearts represent love, hands represent friendship, and crowns represent loyalty.
Claddaghs have been used not just for friendship, but also for displaying family togetherness and an indication of relationship, especially if they are affixed to a ring. A heart that faces the person's body when worn on the right hand indicates that the person is in a relationship. When worn on the left hand ring finger and facing away from the wearer, it denotes a more serious relationship. On the ring finger of the left hand, a heart faces toward the wearer indicating a marriage.
Symbols of Jewelry in General
A great deal of jewelry contains symbols, and many of them date back to the Victorian era, when symbolism became a fascination. Many plant elements were incorporated into jewelry designs during this period. Jewelry pieces today carry the significance of symbols from Victorian eras. Here are a few symbols found in jewelry and what they mean:
- Anchors: Anchors symbolize hope.
- Bats: They symbolize happiness, longevity, and good luck.
- Butterfly: The butterfly embodies beauty, elegance, and joy.
- Evil Eye: A symbol used by both men and women to protect themselves from harm caused by envy and malice. Jewelry with evil eyes has been around since ancient times.
- Arrows: Love is believed to be symbolized by arrows. Having the strength and courage to move forward is also a lesson that arrows teach. Protection is sometimes represented by an arrow.
- Horseshoe: As with horseshoes in your décor, a horseshoe adorning jewelry is a symbol of good luck.
- Keys: Keys are symbols of authority or power. Many people associate the symbol with love, as it is often used to represent a key to the heart. Locks represent protection of the heart, as well as love.
- Dragon: In Chinese jewelry designs, the dragon is a prominent symbol. Power and strength are symbolized by the dragon. It is believed that the dragon will protect and bring prosperity.
- Scarab: The scarab is an ancient Egyptian symbol of regeneration and renewal.
- Doves: Doves on jewelry can signify the Holy Ghost, conveying a religious message. Doves can also represent love, faithfulness, or peace.
- Figure 8: If viewed from the side, a figure 8 symbol often represents eternity.
- Coiled snake: Victorian jewelry represents eternity with coiled snakes. As with the ouroboros, which also represents eternity, it depicts a snake with its tail in its mouth in a circular, circular shape.
Final Verdict
See what you have in your jewelry collection. Are there any common symbols or designs from various cultures that you recognize? And if you are looking for the jewelry with symbols and signs to purchase, you are in the right place to do so. We, at Sogani Jewels London, offer Everyday Fine Jewelry For Less. Whether it's bespoke jewelry or something from our ready collections that takes your fancy, you can find them all here.
