In a time when personalization continues to become more popular than ever in jewelry, it’s no wonder that late 18th and early 19th century symbolic and sentimental jewelry — wearable expressions of luck, protection and affection — is a favorite not only among antique aficionados but also contemporary collectors. These personal adornments are steeped in significance and symbolism and take us as far back as ancient civilization. These pieces touch our hearts and speak to our own hopes and desires. To wear them is to convey a part of ourselves and renew a part of history. There is something magical about wearing these pieces, both authentic and re-interpreted, that connect us to the past and speak to our present and future. They are a welcome contrast to the modern way of communicating through text messages, emojis and social media. To look down at a ring encircling our finger that represents romance or to wear a pendant close to our heart with a meaningful motif is powerful and magical. How the symbolism translates into a tangible object has varied. This type of jewelry continues to endure and will always provide a sense of permanence and longevity, offering different meanings depending on each wearers’ circumstances and life.
Here we take a look at different popular motifs and types of jewelry, along with their significance then and now.
All antique jewelry photos courtesy of The Modern Guide To Jewellery (Beth Bernstein, ACC Artbooks 2022)
By Beth Bernstein