Protective Jewelry Symbols and What They Mean
Jewelry designer Rosanne Karmes never leaves home without putting on her red beaded bracelet with a diamond hamsa charm. It’s a superstitious ritual that stems from childhood, when her mother wove a strand of red thread through all her clothes for protective purposes and luck. Decades later she’s still wearing red, but it’s much more stylish and precious.
Karmes, the designer behind the successful Sydney Evan jewelry brand, elevated the red thread superstition with her symbolic and protective diamond jewelry. “I really believe in the power of talismanic jewels,” says the LA-based designer. “If nothing else, they make you feel good.” And when it comes to feeling good, the more jewels, the better. She likes to stack her diamond hamsa charms (the ancient Middle Eastern palm amulet is meant for protection and good fortune) with other lucky icons like diamond horseshoes and evil eyes.
Whether you are superstitious or not, everyone could use some comfort and protection during these tumultuous times. Why tempt fate when you can wear talismanic diamond charms and symbolic amulets believed to ward off evil spirits?
It’s not merely a sign of the times: Talismanic jewelry has been worn for protection for centuries. From figurative amulets to rough diamonds and evil eye charms, these pieces are imbued with mystical protective powers and remain popular in almost every culture.
Mythological figures and ancient symbols are the foundation of Bee Goddess, the jewelry brand founded by Ece Şirin. After her own personal journey of enlightenment, Şirin founded her brand in 2008 to help others discover their “inner divinity and joy” through archetypal signs that were used for protection in ancient civilizations around the world.
Bee Goddess creates protective diamond jewelry with intention, pieces that are designed to deliver good karma and hope.
“We speak different languages, but symbols are universal,” explains Şirin. Each piece is imbued with history, authenticity and emotion, and handcrafted in Istanbul. With stores around the world, including in London, Berlin, Istanbul, and Bodrum, she has garnered a high-profile list of clients, including Madonna, Emilia Clark and Rita Ora. Clearly, these celebrities understand the power of jewels to protect and inspire – and, of course, look chic.
The Evil Eye
“The eye is a symbol of spiritual light and wisdom, and it empowers us with vision, insight and intuition,” says Şirin. A universal sign of protection, it’s also one of the most popular Bee Goddess motifs, and it decorates an array of jewels, from diamond rings and bracelets to earrings.
The Hamsa
The palm-shaped amulet is recognized as the hand of protection, and its five fingers symbolize unity and harmony.
The Scarab
A symbol of rebirth and renewal in Ancient Egypt, the scarab remains a universal representation of good fortune, hope and protection.
The Horseshoe
A sign of good luck and protection, the horseshoe is often hung on doors and in homes – and worn as a charm.
The Lady Bug
The joyful red and black spotted bugs are tied to love, prosperity and good luck, and in many cultures, they also serve as protection.
Wings
Not just symbols of flight, freedom, and creativity, wings also signify protection in the Bible and Torah.
The Sword
Symbolically, the sword separates good from evil. “The sword of light represents the cutting of the inner fear and obstacles in front of us,” says Şirin, who wears a gold and diamond sword necklace as part of her jewelry look every day.
The Tiger
Courage, strength and wisdom are associated with the tiger, and the big cat is also symbolic of protective mothers.
Source: Natural Diamond Council. Image: Hallmark Diamonds Protective Jewelry (Sapphire Hamsa Necklace, Horseshoe Necklace, Wing Necklace)