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A Guide to Common Symbols in Jewelry

Elevate your jewelry to new heights by embracing the power of symbols. Throughout history, symbolic jewelry has captivated our imaginations and left an indelible mark on our collective history.

More than just decorative accents, symbolic jewelry is used to protect the wearer, invite good fortune, and safeguard cherished beliefs. Most importantly, this type of jewelry allows us to keep the important things closer to our hearts.

In this blog, let’s explore some of the most prevalent symbols found in jewelry, and discover the history behind them.

Heart

The heart is a timeless symbol of love, affection, and devotion. The first use of the human heart as a symbol of romantic love dates back to a 13th-century French manuscript titled Roman de la poire.

Today, the heart symbol remains an iconic motif in jewelry design. It is often used in pendants, rings, and bracelets to symbolize love and romance. Heart-shaped jewelry, like this heart diamond ring, is gifted on special occasions like Valentine’s Day as a tangible reminder of love’s enduring power.

Infinity

The infinity concept was introduced by mathematician John Wallis in 1655 to symbolize a value as infinite. In jewelry design, the infinity symbol serves as a beautiful reminder of love’s infinite nature and unwavering commitment.

The delicate and elegant curves of the infinity symbol evoke a sense of timelessness and devotion, as shown in this infinity pavé diamond pendant.

Cross

The earliest cross can be traced back to multiple ancient civilizations. Later on, it became a symbol of Christianity to represent the wood that Jesus was crucified on.

The cross is now recognized as a universal symbol of faith, worn to express one’s religious beliefs and devotion to one’s faith. Cross pendants are the most popular type of religious jewelry sold by jewelers in Houston TX, such as Zadok Jewelers, and are often crafted with intricate details and precious metals.

Evil eye

The evil eye is a curse that can be cast through a malevolent gaze, while an evil eye amulet is worn to protect the wearer from this curse. The concept of the evil eye can be traced back to ancient civilizations, particularly in Middle Eastern cultures.

The evil eye amulet in its original form was made of blue glass beads with an eyeball at the center. This amulet has evolved over time, and is now worn as a piece of jewelry as seen on this pavé diamond and blue sapphire bracelet.

Hamsa

The hamsa, also known as the Hand of God, holds a symbolic significance across different cultures. It represents protection from the evil eye and is believed to bring good luck, love, and health.

Hamsa jewelry has become increasingly popular in contemporary jewelry designs, and are worn as pendants for necklaces and charms for bracelets. This intricately designed hamsa diamond pendant is great for those who want to embrace ancient symbolism while adding a touch of elegance and fashion to their everyday ensemble.

Star

Stars represent the celestial wonders that illuminate the night sky. They are associated with deities, used for navigation, and revered as celestial symbols of divinity and cosmic order.

The star symbol continues to remain a popular design in jewelry. It serves as a reminder to follow one’s dreams, embrace one’s inner light, and navigate life’s journeys with a sense of purpose and inspiration. This pair of alternating star drop earrings will certainly add a touch of celestial elegance to any ensemble.

Butterfly

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation and rebirth. Its journey from caterpillar to cocoon to the emergence of a beautiful butterfly represents personal growth, change, and the resilience of the human spirit.

This symbolism has made the butterfly a beloved motif in contemporary jewelry. This pair of diamond butterfly hoop earrings serves as a reminder to embrace life’s transformative moments and to celebrate the beauty that emerges from within.

Clover

According to Celtic traditions, discovering a rare four-leaf clover was a sign of good fortunes ahead. Each leaf in the clover represents faith, hope, love, and luck.

Clover-shaped bracelets and charms are great for those who want to add a touch of whimsy to their outfit and invite good fortune into their lives.

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