When you put on a piece of jewelry, you probably focus on how it looks with your outfit or what it says about your style. Perhaps some jewelry pieces have sentimental value to you, such as a ring passed down from your grandmother. While jewelry has always been a way to adorn the body, it also has significant meaning and symbolism. The meaning of jewelry varies based on the piece, materials used and even the country.
Jewelry provides people with a physical symbol to represent meaning, ideas, values and rituals. Those symbols can change the way the owner feels while wearing the jewelry. A symbol of protection might make the wearer feel strong and safe, for example. The symbols in jewelry also work to convey your feelings toward another person. When you gift someone a piece of jewelry that represents loyalty, you are showing the recipient that you will be loyal in your relationship or friendship. This symbolism often makes jewelry more meaningful and important to the owner.