Symbols are commonly used in jewelry because they’re not just beautiful but also highly meaningful. Here’s a look at 8 popular symbols used in jewelry.
- Hamsa Hand
The Hamsa Hand is a popular symbol of protection used in jewelry and is worn by many around the world. It features a hand, pointing up or down, often with an eye at its center. The symbol holds value to many cultures and religions and is believed to have originated in the Middle East centuries ago.
In Jewish culture, it’s called the Hand of Miriam’, believed to represent the Hand of God. In the Islamic religion, it’s known as the Hand of Fatima’, after Prophet Mohammed’s daughter. Christians call it the Hand of Mother Mary’, named after the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
Differences in the way the Hamsa Hand is portrayed can change its meaning slightly. If it’s depicted with closed fingers, it’s believed to attract good fortune, while fingers spread apart means it can ward off evil. Wearing the Hand upside down doesn’t alter its symbolism in any way.
- Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is commonly regarded as a symbol of growth, strength, stability, knowledge, and insight. It’s typically shown as a large tree contained inside a circle with branches that reach toward the sky and a network of roots spreading underground.
The Celts view this tree as a symbol of the connection between earth and heaven. The symbol has meaning in the East as well, as Buddhists believe it to be the Bodhi tree, under which Buddha achieved enlightenment.
For Christians, the tree represents the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden that symbolizes everlasting life. As a jewelry symbol, the Tree of Life is popular due to its significance in many cultures around the world.
- Mandala Symbol
A spiritual symbol used for meditation in Buddhism and Hinduism, the Mandala is now also used in different cultures for jewelry designs. Considered a work of art due to its intricate geometric patterns, it carries religious significance and deeper meaning.
The Mandala is considered a cosmic map that represents the universe. In some cultures, it’s believed that the symbol can allow people to connect with various deities. For Buddhists, the symbol is associated with the journey towards enlightenment, with each of its layers representing a quality that needs to be improved or mastered.
- The Eye of Providence
The Eye of Providence, also known as the All-seeing Eye’, is a popular jewelry symbol that originated in Egyptian mythology. It’s typically drawn as an eye with several light rays shooting from it in all directions, placed inside a triangle.
First created as a symbol of God’s all-seeing eye, it represents protection, fortune, and good luck. It also signifies spiritual guidance for those who believe in the Supreme Being or God. For Christians, the eye is believed to represent the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- The Ankh
The ankh, one of the oldest known Egyptian symbols, features a cross with a loop replacing the top arm. The interpretation of this symbol varies in different cultures, but it’s generally regarded as the key of life’.
The ancient Egyptians wore the ankh as an amulet to protect themselves from harm and evil. In the Western world, its’ regarded as a symbol of life and many people choose to wear it as a protective talisman or good luck charm. It can be worn by anyone, regardless of religious beliefs or culture, and is considered a fashionable jewelry symbol.
- Celtic Motherhood Knot
The Celtic motherhood knot, also known as the Celtic Mothers Knot’, is drawn as a stylized image of a mother and child embracing each other, representing their unbreakable bond. It has various meanings, but the main idea behind this symbol is maternal love, unity, close bonds, and relationships. The typical knot has only two hearts but it’s sometimes depicted with more or several dots placed outside or inside it, representing each additional child.
It’s said that the Motherhood knot is derived from the Trinity Knot which can be traced back to 3000 B.C. While its exact origin is unknown, it remains an important symbol of Celtic culture and heritage as well as the love between a mother and her child.
- The Arrow
The arrow is a versatile and meaningful symbol that’s popularly used in jewelry, art, and fashion. It has various interpretations but is commonly regarded as a symbol of concentration, protection, sustenance, moving forward, and reaching one’s goals. Its meaning changes depending on the way it’s depicted and the direction of the arrow.
For instance, an arrow pointing downwards signifies peace, crossed arrows represent close ties and friendship, and a looped arrow can mean getting to one’s destination in a different way than was originally imagined. Arrows are also regarded as symbols of strength and confidence.
- The Lightning Bolt
The lightning bolt is one of the most popular symbols of power and strength, attributed to the famous gods: Thor, the Norse god of lightning and thunder, and Zeus, the Greek god of thunder and the sky. In various cultures around the world, a bolt of lightning represents punishment by the gods.
A symbol of sudden illumination, the lightning bolt also represents the destruction of ignorance. Associated with salvation in Navajo mythology, this symbol serves as a reminder of the power of nature and supernatural power, which makes it a daring jewelry design.
Conclusion
While there are endless symbols used in jewelry, the above list features some of the most well-known, and sometimes controversial, jewelry symbols. They have meaning in several cultures and religions, and most cannot be laid claim to by a single culture or region. This makes them universal symbols.
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