Jewellery has always been more than decoration. From ancient civilisations to modern gifting traditions, we are drawn to pieces that carry meaning — symbols that reflect love, protection, faith, memory, or transformation.
The wedding ring is a perfect example: an unbroken circle representing eternity. Across history, people have worn jewellery to express identity, allegiance, remembrance, and hope — sometimes openly, sometimes hidden inside lockets or engraved discreetly for the wearer alone.
Today, symbolic jewellery remains deeply personal. A charm bought on holiday, a birthstone worn every day, or a pendant gifted at a turning point in life can hold significance far beyond its materials.
Below is a curated guide to some of the most enduring jewellery symbols and what they traditionally represent.
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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Anchor
The anchor has long symbolised hope, stability, and safety. Traditionally associated with the sea, it represents staying grounded during uncertain or turbulent times — a reminder of strength and steadiness.
Acorn
From the smallest acorn grows the mightiest oak. This symbol represents growth, patience, potential, and the belief that great things begin modestly and unfold in their own time.
Angel / Angel Wing
Angels are seen as messengers and protectors, offering guidance and comfort. In jewellery, angel wings are more commonly used, symbolising protection, remembrance, and the presence of a guiding force during difficult times.
Ankh
An ancient Egyptian symbol meaning “life” or “breath of life”, the ankh is associated with eternal life, vitality, and spiritual protection. It is sometimes referred to as the “key of life”.
Arrow
The arrow represents direction, purpose, and moving forward. While an arrow pulled back on a bow suggests tension or preparation, its release symbolises momentum, achievement, and triumph after challenge.
B
Bee
Bees symbolise community, diligence, abundance, and harmony with nature. Their popularity has grown in recent years as symbols of sustainability, hard work, and the interconnectedness of life.
Bell
Bells traditionally symbolise celebration, beginnings and endings, joy and love. They are often associated with weddings and ceremonies, and can also represent protection or guidance.
Birth Month Flowers
Much like birthstones, specific flowers are associated with each month of the year. These flowers carry their own meanings and make thoughtful, personal jewellery motifs.
Birthstones
Birthstones are gemstones traditionally linked to each month of the year. Wearing your birthstone is believed to bring good fortune and personal significance, making birthstone jewellery a timeless and meaningful gift.
Butterfly
The butterfly symbolises transformation, rebirth and spiritual growth. Its journey from caterpillar to butterfly mirrors personal change and renewal.
C
Chinese Zodiac Animals
The Chinese zodiac features twelve animals, each associated with a lunar year. Wearing jewellery featuring your zodiac animal — or a compatible one — is believed to bring luck, protection and balance.
Claddagh
Originating in Ireland, the Claddagh symbol features a heart (love), hands (friendship) and a crown (loyalty). It represents enduring bonds and is often worn by those with Irish heritage or connection.
Claw
Claws symbolise strength, ferocity and protection. Historically, animal claws were worn to embody the qualities of the creature itself, such as courage, power or resilience.
Circle
The circle symbolises eternity, wholeness and the cycle of life. With no beginning or end, it represents completeness and continuity and is one of the oldest symbols used in jewellery.
Cross
A Christian symbol representing faith, love, sacrifice and hope. The cross is worn both as a declaration of belief and as a symbol of protection and spiritual comfort.
Crescent Moon
The crescent moon represents cycles, femininity and the ebb and flow of life. It is associated with intuition, growth and renewal.
Crown
Crowns symbolise power, authority and sovereignty. They also represent achievement, self-worth and inner strength.
D
Dove
Doves symbolise peace, love and hope. In Christian tradition, the dove also represents the Holy Spirit, while in mythology it symbolises renewal and devotion.
Dragon
Dragons symbolise strength, wisdom and protection. In many Eastern cultures, they are associated with good fortune, prosperity and power.
Dragonfly
Dragonflies symbolise transformation, adaptability and spiritual insight. Having existed for millions of years, they are also associated with ancient wisdom and resilience.
E
Eagle
The eagle represents courage, vision and strength. Known as the king of the skies, it symbolises leadership, freedom and the ability to rise above challenges.
Evil Eye
The Evil Eye is a protective symbol originating in the Middle East. Traditionally believed to shield the wearer from negative intentions or envy, it is often depicted in deep blue tones.
Eye of Horus
An ancient Egyptian symbol representing protection, healing and well-being. It was worn as a powerful talisman for safety and balance.
Eye of Providence
Also known as the all-seeing eye, this symbol represents divine guidance, protection and higher awareness.
Eye of Ra
Closely related to the Eye of Horus, the Eye of Ra symbolises power, protection and the fierce energy of the sun.
F
Faith, Hope & Charity
These three theological virtues are represented by a cross (faith), an anchor (hope) and a heart (charity). Together they symbolise belief, optimism and love.
Feather
Feathers symbolise freedom, spirituality and connection with the heavens. Many believe feathers are signs of loved ones watching over us.
Fleur-de-lis
A stylised lily associated with purity, light and renewal. It has Christian symbolism linked to the Virgin Mary and is also the national emblem of France.
Flowers
Flowers are rich in symbolism, with different blooms — and even different colours — carrying unique meanings such as love, gratitude, remembrance or joy.
Four-Leaf Clover
A symbol of good luck, with each leaf representing faith, hope, love and luck. Its rarity in nature adds to its symbolic value.
G
Griffin
A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, the griffin symbolises strength, courage, leadership and guardianship.
H
Harp
The harp is the national symbol of Ireland and represents music, heritage, and the bridge between heaven and earth.
Horn of Plenty (Cornucopia)
A symbol of abundance, nourishment and prosperity, representing endless supply and generosity.
Hamsa Hand
A protective symbol believed to ward off negative energy and the Evil Eye. It is associated with peace, blessing and strength.
Heart
The universal symbol of love, affection and devotion. Heart jewellery is often gifted to express emotional connection and care.
Horseshoe
A long-standing symbol of good luck and protection. Worn with the open end facing upwards, it is said to collect good fortune.
I
Infinity
The infinity sign represents eternity, limitlessness and enduring bonds. It is often used to symbolise everlasting love or connection.
Initial
Initial jewellery allows the wearer to carry the letter of a loved one — or their own — close at all times, making it deeply personal.
K
Key
Keys symbolise opportunity, freedom and new beginnings. Historically associated with responsibility and trust, they mark transitions and milestones.
L
Lotus
The lotus flower represents purity, enlightenment and rebirth. Rising from muddy waters into perfect bloom, it symbolises spiritual growth.
Ladybird (Ladybug)
A symbol of good luck and prosperity. Traditionally associated with bountiful harvests and protection.
K
Kiss
Often represented by the letter “X”, the kiss symbol expresses affection and love. Paired with a circle, it can represent hugs and kisses.
Knot
Knots symbolise unity, eternity and unbreakable bonds. Celtic knots, in particular, are associated with lasting love and commitment.
L
Lizard
Lizards symbolise regeneration, renewal and protection, reflecting their ability to shed skin and adapt to their surroundings.
Locket
Lockets are designed to hold something precious — a photograph, lock of hair or keepsake — symbolising memory, love and remembrance.
O
Owl
Owls represent wisdom, knowledge and insight. In folklore, they are associated with spiritual awareness and transition.
Olive Branch
A long-standing symbol of peace, reconciliation and abundance, originating in ancient Greek culture.
Om
A sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing creation, unity and the essence of existence.
Ouroboros
The ancient symbol of a snake eating its own tail, representing eternity, renewal and the cycle of life and death.
P
Peace Sign
An internationally recognised symbol of peace, unity and harmony.
Rainbow
Traditionally a symbol of hope and connection between heaven and earth. In modern times, it also represents diversity, inclusion and environmental awareness.
Rose
Roses symbolise love, passion and beauty. Different colours carry different meanings, from romance to gratitude and friendship.
S
Square & Compass
A symbol associated with Freemasonry, representing morality, balance and self-discipline.
Star
Stars symbolise guidance, protection and aspiration. They are often associated with achievement and illumination.
Star of David
A symbol of Jewish identity and faith, representing unity and protection.
Skull
Historically worn as a protective symbol, skulls also represent mortality, strength and transformation.
Snail
The snail symbolises patience, mindfulness and protection, reflecting its slow pace and sheltering shell.
Spider
Spiders represent creativity, intuition and the weaving of fate. They symbolise patience and artistic force.
St Christopher
The patron saint of travellers, St Christopher is worn for protection during journeys.
Sun
The sun symbolises life, vitality, strength and renewal. Many cultures viewed it as a divine source of energy.
Sword
A symbol of courage, protection and power. Swords also represent justice and strength of character.
T
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life symbolises connection — to family, ancestors, nature and the wider world. It represents growth, balance and continuity.
Trilogy
Often seen in engagement rings, three stones represent the past, present and future.
W
Wishbone
An unbroken wishbone symbolises good luck and hope for the future.
Z
Zodiac Signs
The twelve zodiac signs represent different personality traits and life paths, based on astrological tradition.
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