Jewelry
Jewelry meanings and symbolism throughout history
Yin-Yang
The yin-yang is a symbol that represents the two great opposite but complementary forces at work in the cosmos. Yin represents things that are female, cold, dark, passive power, earth, rain, soft, evil, black, small, even (numbers). Yang represents masculinity, light, and warmth, heaven, sunshine, hard, good, white, and large. Together the interplay of... »
Ogee
An ogee is an S-shaped arc often used as a decorative element. The shape of the ogee is believed to have first been used in India. It has also long been used in China and the Islamic world. Eventually, in the 13th century, it became popular in the West. It was originally... »
Gift giving anxiety
Because of the increasing complexity of gift giving within our society, givers and even recipients now become increasingly anxious in gift giving situations. Gift giving anxiety arises when the gift giver wants to make an impression upon the recipient in hopes of furthering or adding meaning the relationship. Often gifts are extensions of our inner-self,... »
Miniature Enameled Portrait Symbolism
Family Memento – Well-off people used to commission small enameled pictures of their loved ones to be used in jewelry, such as broaches. These were popular before cameras were invented and were a way for a woman to keep her family close to her heart. Source: Bruce-Mitford, Miranda. “The Ilustrated Book of Signs and Symbols,”... »
African Bead Symbolism
African beads – Beads are not just a form of decoration in many parts of Africa. Instead, the different colors of the beads and how they are strung represent a way of communication. Young men may wear “love letter” necklaces given to them by their girlfriends. When a girl marries, she is allowed to... »