8 Meaningful Symbols for Wedding Jewelry

Symbols are an excellent way to add more meaning to jewelry, giving them meaningful symbolism in addition to their aesthetic properties. If you’re looking for meaningful wedding jewelry, consider the following symbols.

1. Heart

Possibly the most recognizable symbol of love, the anatomically inaccurate heart symbol has been used for centuries to express affection and love. In addition to this, it also represents morality, creativity, and intellect. The heart symbol is one of the most popular symbols for jewelry and makes for perfect stud earrings or pendants. There are several variations to the heart design, each with its own meaning, such as the open heart or the broken heart design. When paired with other symbols, such as wings or the infinity symbol, the heart’s meaning is enhanced.

2. Infinity

Speaking of the infinity symbol, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention it here. Another highly meaningful symbol, the infinity icon features a sideways figure eight shape that represents everlasting love, infinity, and eternity. These meanings have made the infinity symbol highly meaningful, and a popular gift between friends, family, and significant others.

3. Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is an Irish ring design, featuring two hands holding onto a heart, with a crown perched atop. While there are variations to the design, the general elements remain the same – the heart represents love, the hands represent friendship, and the crown stands for loyalty. Today the Claddagh ring is popular around the world, and not just in Ireland. It is one of the most sought-after designs for promise, engagement, or wedding rings.

4. Rose

The flower that’s most associated with love, the rose has been considered a symbol of love since ancient times. This symbolism comes from Greek mythology, where the rose was a symbol of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This is especially true of the red rose, which represents everlasting, deep love. As a result, jewelry designers often incorporate aspects of the rose (sans the thorns!) to represent their beauty and symbolism. Some ideas for rose inspired jewelry include earrings made out of treated real rose petals or rose leaves, as well as stylish engagement or wedding rings with rose-inspired settings.

5. Shells

Much like roses, shells are also symbols of love that draw their meaning from being a symbol of Aphrodite. According to the myth, Aphrodite was born from a shell and is often depicted standing on one. Shells are popular as symbols of love for Native Americans and Hindus too. The former believe that shells have a protective nature and contain pearls, which is akin to a relationship of love, while the latter believe that conch shells are used to call love. Shell jewelry can incorporate actual shells or simply be inspired by the shape and elements of shells.

6. Tree of Life

A universal symbol found in many cultures around the world, the tree of life features an image of a tree with spreading branches and roots that connect and create a circle. A symbol of love, life, eternity, interconnectedness, stability, and growth, the tree of life is the perfect symbol for couples about to start a new chapter. Whether worn as jewelry in earrings, pendants, or a bracelet, or in décor around the home, the tree of life is one symbol that holds universal meaning regardless of culture or religion.

7. Triquetra

The triquetra, also known as the trinity knot, is an ancient Celtic knot featuring a three-cornered design. It’s drawn in one continuous line, which creates three interconnected arcs. The symbol represents many concepts, especially triads, such as present, past, and future, or birth, life, and death. It also symbolizes interconnectedness, continuity, commitment, and unity, which over time has associated the symbol with love. For Christians, the triquetra can also represent the Holy Trinity.

As the symbol has no beginning and end, it holds similar symbolism as that of the circle, which gives wedding rings much of their meaning. Triquetras are ideal in pendants, earrings, and even rings. They are especially meaningful for those with Celtic heritage.

8. Circle

And finally, we can’t talk about symbols of love without mentioning the circle – one of the most basic shapes that holds a wealth of symbolism. The circle has no beginning or end, making it the ideal representation of infinity, equality, life, completeness, and an unbroken commitment.

The symbolism of wedding rings dates back to ancient Egyptian times when couples would exchange rings made of reed, leather, or ivory. The more valuable the material, the more love was being expressed. Accordingly, these rings symbolized undying commitment and love between the couple, as the circle of the ring represented eternity, while the central hole represented the future. Even today, this meaning is still relevant, and the tradition of exchanging rings is as strong as ever.

Conclusion

Choosing jewelry inspired by love symbol adds meaning to your jewelry and adds more complexity to their beauty. Hopefully, the list above provides a great starting point in selecting your own meaningful jewelry.