Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other types of jewelry are some of the most beautiful pieces a fashionable person can wear, but they’re much more than that, too. Throughout history, jewels have played various roles, not just decoration but societal, religious, and spiritual ones, too. Even if we’re not necessarily aware of their influence, these same principles apply today as well.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion with a new gemstone or you‘re reaching for your tried-and-true favorite jewelry, consider whether one of these from adinasjewels.com is impacting your choice of brooch, diamond or link necklace.
Jewelry as Protection
You’ve undoubtedly heard of amulets and talismans throughout history but you might not realize that these are as powerful a protector now as they were in ancient times. You may not catch the exact same motifs in every instance (though some symbols like the Nazar are still seen in popular pieces) but the intention remains. Nazar amulets (and various other forms of the bright blue eye imagery and eyes in other ancient styles) are meant to ward off the evil eye in cultures ranging from ancient Syria (the alabaster idols of Tell Brak) to Italian folklore (the cornicello). Similarly, many modern Pagans turn to crystal necklaces and other gemstone styles to ward off negative energies, with black obsidian, tourmaline, clear or smokey quartz, amethyst, and other jewels being worn or displayed for this purpose.
Jewelry as Devotion
Similar to jewelry used for spiritual protection, practitioners of many different religions reach for their jewels as a symbol of their devotion to that path or a particular deity. In much of the Western world, for instance, it’s common to see someone wearing a cross pendant or crucifix or symbols of popular religions beyond Christianity such as the Islamic crescent moon and star, Buddhist dharma chakra, Hindu om, or Jewish Star of David, amongst others. Other jewels may be worn in reference to a particular deity or religious figures like the strophalos associated with the goddess Hecate or even images of the Virgin Mary. Even certain crystals or gemstones may have a devotional correspondence!
Jewelry as Adornment
Of course, not all charms or earrings come with religious intent. In some cases, jewelry can be worn for the simplest of all reasons—it looks pretty! Throughout the history of fashion, jewelry has been worn in a wide variety of styles, with the significance of jewelry falling most succinctly on style alone with the twenty-first century. Now, more than ever, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more reflect their wearer’s moods and personality. Modern jewelry wearers even go as far as purchasing mood rings!
Jewelry as a Status Symbol
In addition to the many other symbolic meanings behind a certain bracelet or ring, these pieces have an undeniable history in their connection with social standing. For example, sumptuary laws meant to restrict extravagance to only the elite or ruling classes might maintain that certain jewels or styles could not be worn by those of lower socioeconomic stature. Even today, elements of this connection remain with pieces from brands like Tiffany & Co. that have an undeniable connection to social status and the opulence that comes with it.
Of course, there are still other reasons for purchasing or wearing certain jewels or styles, including familial connections and more. However, jewelry’s role in religion and spirituality, social standing, and simply stylish fashion has lasted throughout the centuries and undeniably impacts the pieces you’ll find in jewelry stores or your own wardrobe today. From warding off the evil eye to showing off your personality, your choice of bracelet or gemstone can say a lot about you as its wearer—and even more about the history of such a piece. Trends may vary and preferences certainly change but, overall, there’s no denying that some elements of jewelry remain the same.