Travelers, nomads, scholars, navigators, scientists, and the just plain curious have always looked up to our star-filled heavens and wondered about the power and attraction of the universe. Whether the mysteries of astrology and cosmology, or recurring miracles like Halley’s Comet, or solar and lunar eclipses, these spark in us a sense of wonder. Science can explain some of them, but we also love the mystery and how jewelry through the ages has always drawn on celestial bodies and astrological symbols. We may not understand how heavenly bodies affect our lives, but we adore them as talismans and symbols.
Heavenly Design Inspiration
Jewelry designers today are enthusiastically embracing all things celestial. The stars, moon and sun, the planets, constellations, the mysterious moons of Saturn, and trails of light from comets all inspire a graphic, abstract, and distinctly modernist approach to today’s astrological jewelry.
The Swarovski Gemstones and Swarovski Zirconia assortments are treasure troves for creating astrological jewelry with the symbolism of the heavens. Think of the stars and reach for the Swarovski Zirconia Pentagon Star Cut, while the Swarovski Zirconia Triangle Cut can also be fashioned into the tips of stars, or even combined to form star shapes. The Swarovski Zirconia Octagon Sun Cut exudes all the power of the sun and Swarovski Genuine Topaz in Violac, and Swarovski Zirconia in Fancy Purple reflect the deep, mysterious purple of the night sky.
Symbolic Astrological Jewelry
Symbolism has always been at the forefront of jewelry design. Back in 1932, Gabrielle Chanel chose the comet, or shooting star, a symbol of good luck as her design motif when she created a diamond jewelry collection. Victorian women wore the crescent moon as a symbol of female empowerment and to illustrate the ebb and flow of life. Brides of the period wore ‘honeymoon brooches’, a crescent moon cradling a blossom to represent lunar mystery and the sweet nectar of the flower. Star-shaped jewelry worn as hair ornaments were said to symbolize guidance, leading the wearer in the right direction. The inclusion of moonstone was to protect the wearer.
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Astrology and Swarovski Gemstones
The 12 astrological signs of the zodiac are enduring motifs for jewelry design and today come in endless formats, both traditionally figurative and graphic interpretations, and in a variety of materials. Birthstone jewelry, heavy in symbol and meaning, is also enjoying a revival and appears in intriguing new designs.
Water Element Gemstones
The Water signs of the zodiac (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) can be beautifully interpreted by blue stones such as the trend colors, Swarovski Genuine Bright Blue Sapphire or Swarovski Kashmir Blue Topaz.
Earth Element Gemstones
The Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are well suited to pure, simple silver jewelry featuring Swarovski Genuine Rainforest Topaz and Swarovski Genuine Peridot.
Air Element Gemstones
To design pieces for the Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) zodiac signs, choose sparkling Swarovski Genuine Sapphire and Swarovski Genuine Topaz White.
Fire Element Gemstones
Try Swarovski Poppy Passion Topaz and the Swarovski Genuine Golden Citrine set in warm rose gold and gold jewelry for the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius).
Celestial-themed jewelry is now hugely popular. It is a revival that perhaps captures our desire to find new dimensions, and new meaning in an increasingly complex world. And while modern jewelry borrows from the heavens, it also reflects our fascination with science, and the unexplainable far beyond.
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Images as seen in Swarovski Gem Visions Talismans & Symbols and Autumn / Winter 2019/20. Illustrations by Frédéric Mané.
