Symbolic Jewelry: 5 Simple Diamond Pendants with Profound Meaning

There's an old saying "Art for Art's sake', meaning that art exists for its own beauty and existence. Jewelry, as a piece of art, has over the past few decades, primarily been worn for its beauty; with birthstone and bridal being the exceptions. However, a shift has taken hold in the jewelry world, where the baubles we select are both beautiful and celebrates life, meaning, and purpose. We call this symbolic jewelry, and it includes pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets.

First, let's examine the history of symbols. Throughout history symbols have been used to represent ideas, concepts, and meaning. The earliest known symbols were found in cave paintings from prehistoric times. Over the years, symbols have evolved and become more complex, and today they continue to play an important role in communication and expression.

It's little surprise that symbolism has emerged in the world of jewelry. Symbolic jewelry can exist as both an adornment that carries hidden meanings and messages as well as an item of beauty and adoration. Symbolic jewelry can represent a person's beliefs, values, emotions, or acknowledge their path in life. Symbolic jewelry can be worn to celebrate obstacles that have been overcome, profound moments, and a reminder of our values and beliefs.

Today we often see the repurposing iconic imagery for new personal significance. A prime example of symbolic jewelry with repurposed meaning is the Windrose Compass. A Windrose Compass is a navigational tool used for exploration in maritime and land-based navigation. Once, a compass pendant would have been worn to symbolize a love of sailing or hiking, today, it represents something far more profound meaning, life's journey.

Many shoppers have found deep personal connections with several of the symbolic designs in our collection. Here are a few of our most symbolic pendants; including what they are and what they represent.

Symbol: Windrose Compass

Meaning: Life's journey; West is our past, east is our future, south is our present, and north is our potential. Likewise, the Windrose Compass can also be a symbol for staying grounded amidst life's upheavals.

Symbol: Starfish

Meaning: The legend of the starfish varies across different cultures and regions. However, a common theme in many versions of the legend is that a starfish represents hope and resilience. One popular story tells of a child who is throwing stranded starfish back into the ocean, despite the overwhelming number of them that have become beached. When a man asks why are you bothering to throw them back, since the child can't possibly save them all, the child thinks for a moment and responds, "I made a difference for that one." This story highlights the importance of making a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem.

Symbol: Circle

Meaning: The circle is a powerful symbol that represents wholeness and unity. Its continuous and unbroken shape also signifies the cyclical nature of life and the eternal flow of energy.

Symbol: Pyramid

Meaning: The pyramid is a symbol that represents strength, stability, and endurance. Its geometric shape has been used throughout history in architecture, art, and design.

Symbol: Moon

Meaning: The phrase "I love you to the moon and back" originated from the children's book "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney. The book, published in 1994, features a conversation between a father and son hare, in which they express their love for each other in increasingly grandiose ways, culminating in the son's declaration that he loves his father "to the moon and back." The phrase has since become a popular expression of affection used by people of all ages.