Jewellery Symbolism Guide: Meaning Behind Popular Motifs
Last updated: August 2025
Jewellery has always been more than decoration. For centuries, it has been worn as a quiet language, telling stories of love, hope, loyalty, remembrance, and protection. Many designs carry symbolism that connects us to history and meaning, sometimes in ways we might not expect. Knowing the origins behind these motifs can help you choose a piece that resonates personally whether you're adding to a collection or finding a single, meaningful treasure.
At a Glance
Here’s a quick guide to the most recognised motifs and the messages they carry:
- ❤️ Heart – Love, devotion
- 🐍 Snake – Eternity, renewal
- 🌙 Crescent moon – New beginnings
- ⭐ Star – Hope, guidance
- ⚓ Anchor – Steadfastness, hope
- 🔑 Key – Trust, unlocking the heart
- 🤝 Hands – Friendship, loyalty
- 🌸 Flowers – Remembrance, renewal
- 🕊 Swallow – Safe return, enduring love
- ✝ Cross – Faith, protection
- 👁 Evil eye – Protection from harm
- 📿 Locket – Memory and sentiment
- 👑 Crown – Victory, loyalty
- 🔗 Knot – Unity, everlasting love
- 💎 Acrostic – Secret messages
Table of Contents
- Hearts
- Snakes
- Crescent Moons
- Stars
- Anchors
- Keys and Padlocks
- Hands
- Flowers and Forget-Me-Nots
- Birds and Swallows
- Crosses
- Eyes and the Evil Eye
- Lockets
- Crowns
- Knots
- Acrostic Jewellery
- FAQs
- You Might Also Like
- Final Thoughts
- About Ps Its Vintage
Hearts
The heart is one of the most enduring symbols in jewellery, universally linked with love and affection. In the Victorian era, jewellers often crafted double hearts to represent two lives bound together, sometimes topped with a crown to show loyal love. From delicate gold pendants to ornate lockets, heart designs have remained a favourite for centuries. When choosing a heart motif, look for symmetry, a secure hinge if it is a locket, and neat gemstone settings for a finish that will stand the test of time.
Snakes
The snake has long been a symbol of eternity, wisdom, and renewal. Its popularity in European jewellery soared in 1839 when Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring with an emerald head, representing everlasting love. Snake rings appear in coiled bangles, gem-eyed rings, and the ouroboros – a serpent eating its own tail. Look for crisp detail in the scales, original gemstones, and a smooth, comfortable fit if the design wraps around the finger or wrist.
Crescent Moons
The crescent moon speaks of change, femininity, and new beginnings. In late Victorian and Edwardian times, seed pearl crescents were especially popular, symbolising purity alongside the moon’s cyclical nature. These designs often appear as brooches or pendants, sometimes paired with stars for added celestial charm. When buying, check that stones are evenly graduated and securely set, and that fittings are sturdy if worn often.
Stars
Stars have long represented hope, guidance, and protection. In the late 19th century, the star setting – a gemstone held within an engraved starburst – became a popular way to embellish rings, lockets, and brooches. A good example will have sharp, defined rays and a well-centred stone. These small details can make the design sparkle both visually and symbolically.
Anchors
The anchor stands for steadfastness and hope, qualities that made it a common gift for sailors or their loved ones awaiting safe return. In some designs, anchors appear alongside hearts and crosses to symbolise faith, hope, and charity. Whether simple or ornate, the most enduring examples are well-proportioned with clearly defined lines and solid construction.
Keys and Padlocks
Keys are tokens of trust and access to the heart. In Victorian jewellery, heart-shaped padlocks often doubled as clasps for bracelets and necklaces, turning the fastening into part of the design. When choosing one, check that the clasp mechanism works smoothly, any safety chain is intact, and the hinge is strong enough for regular wear.
Hands
Hands in jewellery speak of friendship, loyalty, and unity. The Claddagh ring is perhaps the most famous example, showing two hands holding a heart topped with a crown – love, loyalty, and friendship in one. You may also find clasped hands on brooches and pendants. Well-defined fingers and balanced proportions are signs of careful craftsmanship.
Flowers and Forget-Me-Nots
Floral motifs have always been popular for their beauty and symbolism. They can mean affection, renewal, or remembrance. The forget-me-not flower, often crafted in turquoise or enamel, expresses faithful memory. In antique pieces, look for intact enamel, securely set stones, and petal edges that remain crisp and undamaged.
Birds and Swallows
Swallows are symbols of safe return and enduring love, making them especially meaningful gifts for travellers. In the 19th century, they appeared on brooches, pendants, and lockets, sometimes in matching pairs. Fine feather detailing and secure settings for any enamel work can help these designs last for generations.
Crosses
The cross is one of the most recognisable symbols in jewellery, representing faith and protection. Designs range from plain gold to ornate gem-set versions, including Celtic and Maltese styles. A well-made cross will have straight arms, securely set stones, and a bail that fits the intended chain without strain.
Eyes and the Evil Eye
The evil eye is worn for protection against harm or ill will, with origins in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. In Georgian and Regency jewellery, the “lover’s eye” miniature – a painted eye of a loved one – was a sentimental keepsake. When buying, check for quality in the painting or enamel and that any glass cover is secure and free from scratches.
Lockets
Lockets carry memories close, often holding photographs, hair, or other keepsakes. In the Victorian period, they were sometimes decorated with engraved initials, star-set gemstones, or engine-turned patterns. A good locket will have a hinge and clasp that work smoothly and may retain its original frames or glass inside. If you're unsure what to look for, you can learn how to identify age and authenticity in this hallmarking guide.
Crowns
Crowns stand for victory, sovereignty, and achievement. In sentimental jewellery, they often appeared above hearts or initials to signify loyal love. Whether plain or gem-set, a crown motif should have defined points and secure settings to preserve its detail over time.
Knots
Knot motifs symbolise unity, loyalty, and eternal love. The lover’s knot, popular in the Victorian period, is often seen in rings and brooches. Look for smooth joins and strong soldering, especially in fine wirework, to ensure durability.
Acrostic Jewellery
Acrostic jewellery uses gemstones to spell out words through the first letter of each stone’s name – for example, Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond to spell “REGARD”. This style was most popular in the Georgian and Victorian eras. When buying, check that the stones are original and arranged in the correct sequence to preserve the intended message.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a crescent moon pendant mean?
It symbolises change, femininity, and new beginnings, often set with pearls in Victorian designs.
Are snake rings Victorian or modern?
They date back to ancient times but became especially popular in the Victorian era after Queen Victoria’s engagement ring.
What is acrostic jewellery?
A design where gemstones spell out a word using the first letter of each stone’s name, such as REGARD.
What does an anchor charm symbolise?
Steadfastness and hope. It was often worn by sailors or given as a token of safe return.
How can you tell if a locket is antique?
Look for hallmarks, hinge style, and details like engine turning or star-set gems typical of Victorian designs.
What does the evil eye mean in jewellery?
It is worn as a charm to protect against harm, negativity, or ill will.
If you found this helpful, you might also enjoy this guide to hallmarking.
You Might Also Like
If you’re drawn to meaningful jewellery, you might also enjoy these guides:
- How to Read Hallmarks in Vintage and Secondhand Jewellery – Learn how to decode assay office marks, date letters, and metal purity symbols.
- How to Tell if Vintage Jewellery Is Real – Spot genuine pieces using simple checks and insider tips.
- Why Secondhand Jewellery Is a More Sustainable Choice – Explore the beauty of rewearing the past while supporting conscious shopping.
Final Thoughts
Jewellery motifs carry stories that span centuries, making them more than just design choices. Choosing one that resonates with you adds depth and meaning to your collection. Whether it’s the romance of a heart, the mystery of a snake, or the hope carried by an anchor, the right motif can become part of your own story.
Browse the collection to discover heart pendants, crescent moons, snake rings, or other symbolic designs each with its own history and charm.
About Ps Its Vintage
Ps Its Vintage is independently run and specialises in preloved, vintage and antique jewellery. Every piece is chosen for its character, quality and symbolism, with a focus on hallmarks, makers and meaningful design. Whether you’re searching for a sentimental gift or building a collection, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.
