A lot of our jewelry is built around symbols, and people often ask us what they mean. Sometimes it is a customer buying a gift who wants to know what to write in the card. Sometimes it is someone who has worn a Saint Christopher medal for years and is curious about the story. My sister and I love how these symbols carry meaning across families, faiths and cultures. Here is a short guide to the ones you will find in our shop.
One honest note before we start: these are traditions and beliefs, and what a symbol means to you is personal. We do not claim our jewelry has special powers. We just think it is lovely to wear something that carries a story.
Evil eye
The evil eye is one of the oldest symbols in the world. The belief behind it is that a harmful, envious look, "the evil eye," can bring bad luck, and that an eye-shaped amulet can turn that look away. The blue glass eye, often called a nazar, is especially associated with Turkey and Greece, but versions appear across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Latin America and beyond.
Today the evil eye is often worn as a sign of protection and a reminder to keep good people close. It is a popular gift for a new baby, a new home or a new job. Our Elin Evil Eye Necklace is inspired by the traditional round blue eye, and the Liora Evil Eye Necklace has an almond shape. For a ring, the Celine Evil Eye Ring is 14k solid gold.
Hamsa
The hamsa is an open hand, usually with the fingers pointing down or up, and sometimes with an eye in the palm. The word comes from the Arabic for five. It is also called the Hand of Fatima in Muslim tradition and the Hand of Miriam in Jewish tradition, and it appears in many cultures across North Africa and the Middle East.
The hamsa is believed to bring blessings and protection, and many people wear it for luck, strength or peace of mind. Our Asha Hamsa Hand Necklace combines both symbols, with a blue evil eye at the center of the hand. You can see these pieces together in our Evil Eye & Hamsa collection.
Saint Christopher
Saint Christopher is known as the patron saint of travelers. According to tradition, he carried a child across a dangerous river, and the child turned out to be Christ. That is why he is usually pictured with a child on his shoulder and a staff in his hand.
A Saint Christopher medal is often given to someone heading out into the world: a graduate, a new driver, someone moving far away, or anyone who travels for work. Many people carry one as a quiet prayer for a safe journey. Our Vela St. Christopher Necklace and Viva Saint Christopher Coin Medallion Necklace are two favorites, and the Zoya Mary Saint Christopher Necklace pairs him with Mary. See all of them in our Saint Christopher collection.
Mary and the Miraculous Medal
Many of our Mary pieces use the design of the Miraculous Medal, which dates back to 1830 in Paris, when Saint Catherine Labouré described a vision of Mary. The front shows Mary with her arms open and rays of light coming from her hands, surrounded by a short prayer. It became one of the most widely worn Catholic medals in the world.
A Mary medal is often given for a Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation, and many people wear one every day as a sign of faith and comfort. Our Annika Mary Necklace, Amelie Miraculous Mary Hoop Earrings and Bea Mary & Cross Necklace are a few of the ways we carry it.
The cross
The cross is the central symbol of Christianity, a reminder of faith, sacrifice and hope. It is one of the most personal pieces of jewelry a person can wear, and often one of the first pieces of fine jewelry a child receives. The Halo Double Cross Necklace layers two crosses on one chain, and the Eden Cross Earrings are an easy everyday option. Our Mary & Cross collection has more.
Horn
The horn, sometimes called the cornicello or cornetto in Italian tradition, is a twisted horn shape that many people wear for good luck and to ward off bad luck. In southern Italy, it is often given to babies and passed down in families. Our Ro Horn Necklace and Fara Double Horn Tusk Necklace are modern takes on the shape.
Wishbone
Many families have the tradition of two people pulling a wishbone, and whoever gets the bigger piece gets their wish. As a charm, the wishbone has come to stand for luck and wishes yet to come. The Lykke Lucky Wishbone Necklace is one of our best sellers and a sweet gift for a new chapter. See more in our Lucky Charms collection.
Moon, stars and sun
Celestial symbols show up in almost every culture. The crescent moon is often linked with change, intuition and new beginnings, while stars and the sun are often worn for hope, guidance and light. Mostly, we think they are just beautiful. Try the Maja Mini Moon Necklace, the Sunniva Sun Ray & Starburst Necklace, or browse our Celestial collection.
Choosing a symbol as a gift
If you are not sure which symbol to choose, think about what you want to say to the person. A Saint Christopher for a journey, a Mary or cross for faith, an evil eye or hamsa for someone you want to look out for, a wishbone or horn for luck. Our Protection Gifts and Luck & Celestial Gifts collections are a good place to start. And if you have a question about a symbol we did not cover, send us a message. We love talking about this.
