Our endless fascination with fine jewelry is the reason why it can be found just about everywhere, including works of literature.
Jewelry and literature might seem like an unexpected pairing, but the two have more in common than you might think. For instance, they’re both forms of self-expression that reflect the rich tapestry of our human experience.
Let’s get to know some of the famous jewelry pieces depicted in novels, and discover how these gems became more than mere adornments in fiction.
The Symbolic Role of Jewelry in Famous Novels
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, the One Ring is a central plot element in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, where the protagonist Frodo embarks on an epic quest to have the ring destroyed at Mount Doom. The One Ring gives the wearer the ability to become invisible, while also corrupting the noble souls of those who wear it. The One Ring is a cautionary tale of how too much of a good thing can also be bad for us.
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Inspired by Johannes Vermeer’s painting of the same name, this coming-of-age story centers on Griet, a maid in the Vermeer household. Over time, Griet becomes an assistant to the esteemed painter, and later on, poses for him while wearing a pair of pearl drop earrings that belonged to Vermeer’s wife. When the wife finds out, she removes Griet out of the household.
Chevalier’s novel is an exploration of the societal constraints imposed on women during 17th-century Dutch society. The story also tells us that wealth and power cannot guarantee happiness nor peace.
The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire in love with a woman named Daisy Buchanan. Before her wedding to Tom, Daisy receives an expensive pearl necklace from her groom. The jewelry was meant to be a symbol of his love for her, but it can also be a symbol of the way he uses his wealth to control other people. The fragile pearls also represent the vulnerability of Daisy’s position, which makes the necklace a tangible representation of her entrapment within the marriage.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s famous detective Hercule Poirot investigates a stolen pearl necklace in this short story set in the Grand Metropolitan Hotel. The theft of the necklace challenges the sense of safety and order in a luxurious setting like the Grand Metropolitan. The recovery of the necklace symbolizes the restoration of balance and justice.
In both literature and in real life, fine jewelry gives us a peek into the human experience. Just as fiction whisks us away to different places and times, a piece of jewelry has its own set of stories and memories with their intricate designs.
If you’re shopping for jewelry, let Zadok Jewelers help you. We can help you choose from our wide variety of female modern ring designs, and we can also have your jewelry custom-made according to your preferences.
