What Does Jewelry Mean to Us?

Jewelry silently communicates powerful messages without the need for spoken words.

Jewelry as a form of personal adornment is believed to be one of humanity's earliest art forms—possibly predating even the advent of clothing. For millennia, humans have devised countless ways to decorate their bodies. From shells and bones to gemstones and precious metals, jewelry has embodied meaning across every continent. 

The earliest peoples used materials they sourced in the course of their daily lives—plant and animal matter. Carved shells and bones became beads. Plant fibers and animal hair became cords. As the desire for adornment grew, stones such as amber joined the rich tradition of jewelry-making. Over time, the discovery of precious metals and gemstones heightened the craft of jewelry-making, expanding its scope to encompass an even broader spectrum of meaning.

We select our jewelry with intention, mindful of the meaning we wish to convey. Whether expressing our identity, faith, relationships or aesthetic preferences, we choose to articulate it through our choice of jewelry.

From the golden depictions of ancient Greek gods to contemporary expressions like evangelical Christian promise rings and WWJD bracelets, jewelry has consistently symbolized faith across the ages. Hoping to please their deities, ancient Romans carved cameos depicting scenes from their prolific mythologies. Throughout the ages, jewelry has featured angels, animals and various symbols, all embodying a profound connection to the divine. Native Americans craft jewelry in which every detail of a piece, from color to material, is chosen by the artist to convey meaning—most often of a spiritual nature. People of all faiths choose to display their beliefs through their adornments, from the Christian cross to a Star of David, from a Buddha to an Om symbol, the religious proudly and wordlessly proclaim their beliefs. 

In some cultures, there is thought to be virtue inherent in the jewelry itself. For thousands of years, various gemstones, metals and more have been treated as talismans or good-luck charms. Even today, the infinity sign, ankh and dream catchers are believed to bring blessings to the wearer.

When exchanged between individuals, jewelry becomes a profound symbol, conveying a meaningful message from the giver to the recipient. Whether for a special occasion or simply as a heartfelt gesture, presenting a gift of jewelry to someone special communicates our sentiments and the significance of their relationship to us. Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and birthdays are just a few of the myriad occasions when jewelry is given.

Engagement rings and wedding bands universally symbolize a profound commitment in matters of the heart. In many cultures worldwide, including India, wedding jewelry holds immense significance. Each gorgeous token carries profound meaning and purpose, contributing to the richness of the ceremony.

Whether you wear jewelry to convey a message or simply because of its beauty, may you find joy in this captivating form of artistic expression.