Most of us only think about how our jewellery fits our outfit or occasion and we rarely look beyond that. While some pieces have deeply personal symbolism for an individual (gift from a lover, family heirloom), every jewellery piece has its own objective meaning. While symbolism and jewellery culture vary from place to place, you can use this little guide when choosing your next piece.
Infinity symbol
This symbol looks like a horizontal number 8. While it originates from Tibet and India, it’s very popular in western culture. The infinity symbol represents the unity between males and females, perfection and balance. It also symbolizes the circular passage of time and reincarnation. The word itself—infinity—comes from Latin and it directly translates to “something without boundaries” which is a great symbol for undying love and friendship. If you want to get infinity jewellery to someone, it’s a great way to show your infinite affection, so it’s ideal for partners, family and friends.
Heart
The heart shape has been a symbol of love since ancient times. You can see a heart symbol scribbled in high school notebooks, carved into trees in college campuses, created out of flowers at weddings and made into plush pillows to ease discomfort during old age—this symbol follows us our entire lives. It’s a universal symbol of love, compassion and devotion. If you give someone your heart, you’re giving them your life force and your soul, so make sure to reserve jewellery with this symbol for romantic interests or dear friends and family members.
Stars
Stars have always fascinated humans. They fill us with wonder and awe and looking at a starry night can cause one to experience inner peace and insecurity at the same time. Because they are so powerful, distant and utterly beautiful, stars symbolize excellence. If you want to show off your uniqueness or wish to motivate someone to aim high, getting them star jewellery is the right path to take.
Gemstones
What your jewellery is made of also has great significance. Gems have had a strong mythical and legendary status throughout human history. While some are with us since the dawn of time, other gemstones have only been discovered. Regardless of their “age”, these stones have great beauty and meaning. For instance, red ruby symbolizes life, passion and courage. Sapphire in its blue variety is connected with purity, honesty and trust. Aquamarine symbolizes health, fidelity and youth. Rose quartz is also very popular, especially today, and you can check it out here and learn about its symbolism. If you practice crystal meditation, rose quartz jewellery will definitely be a good companion for you.
Gold
Ever since we first found out about this precious metal, gold has been a great object of fascination for humans. Its color and radiance closely resemble the sun, so ancient civilization used it to worship our closest star. So, naturally, gold soon became closely related to any sort of divinity and divine power. It also symbolizes wealth and luxury due to its rarity and high price. Royalty always used to be adorned with gold jewellery, but many temples and houses of worship also use this metal. Wearing gold will signify power and awaken respect.
Silver
Silver is usually seen as a symbol of the moon and feminine energy. This white metal has various symbolic meanings: purity, awareness, focus, femininity, strength, vision and persistence, just to name a few. Due to its bright appearance, it can be seen as a symbol of clear vision. Even though connected to feminine power, silver is also a symbol of subtle strength. This metal can be abused, weathered and even heated and it can withstand everything. Still, it’s moldable and easy on the eyes. If you want to be moulded into something better but keep your integrity, choose silver jewellery!
While there’s enough material on jewellery symbolism to write several PhD theses, this little guide will definitely help you during your jewellery shopping. Next time you’re looking for a nice accessory for yourself or someone else, keep these symbols in mind!