Skip to content
FREE SHIPPING on All Orders in the UK. loyalty JOIN our Loyalty Rewards Program and EARN 5000 COINS
free-delivery FREE SHIPPING  on All Orders in the UK.
loyalty JOIN   our Loyalty Rewards Program and   EARN 5000 COINS

Jewellery

Embrace Your Darkside: Exploring history and symbolism of Gothic jewellery
Embrace Your Darkside: Exploring history and symbolism of Gothic jewellery

Embrace Your Darkside: Exploring history and symbolism of Gothic jewellery

22 Jan 2024

Ting tong, turn your Goth ON.

Gothic jewelry is like a dark and mysterious story whispered through bold designs and powerful symbols. It's more than just something you wear; it's a way to show that you're part of the Gothic world, where light and dark co-exist together.

Beauty can be found in things that are falling apart, and being different is the most important thing.

Characteristics of Gothic Jewellery:

Gothic characteristics

Materials: 

Silver is the most popular choice because it shines like moonlight and looks very old yet interesting. Pewter and bone can also be used to make jewelry look rough and natural, but other metals aren't as popular among peers.

Designs:

Skulls, bats, crosses, spiders, pentagrams, and other things that make you think of death, magic, and being different are all over the place in Gothic jewelry. You can also find designs that look like buildings from the Gothic era, and references to books and poems about Goths, and even things that the person who made the jewelry came up with themselves.

Tales and stories:

Every piece of Gothic jewelry has its own story to tell. It can be big and bold, or it can be small and eye-catching, but it's always different from what you see every day. 

Self-Expression:

Beyond aesthetics, gothic jewelry is a way to show who you are and how you connect to the Gothic world. It's like a blank canvas where you can express your inner self, celebrate things that might seem scary to other people, and find beauty in the darkness.

History of Gothic Jewelry

Gothic jewellery history

Every era had its style, its personality, and its own gothic darkness to embrace. 

Victorian Era:

This majestic era was adorned with mourning jewelry with skulls and memento mori inscriptions.

Late 20th Century:

Late in the century, but certainly not in boldness. Punk's rebellious spirit gave birth to spiked collars and skull rings, later adopted by Goths.

Modern Gothic:

With the ever-evolving history, this era also started evolving and diversifying, incorporating historical, literary, and personal symbols.

Exploring Mystical Symbolism of Gothic Jewelry

Every pendant, ring, and cuff unravels a nuanced language of symbolism, speaking volumes about the wearer's connection to the dark currents of the Gothic aesthetic, and to delve deeper into this world, we must first understand the Gothic essence itself.

Five Pillars of Gothic Identity

Duality: It is all about embracing light and dark, beauty and decay, sacred and profane altogether.

Romanticism: It stands for reverence for the emotional, the dramatic, and the fantastical.

Morbidity: As the name suggests, morbidity means exploring themes of death, mortality, and the supernatural.

Rebellion: This pillar is purely a rejection of mainstream norms and societal expectations.

Individuality: Expressing our very own, personal, and vulnerable selves and unique identities through art, fashion, and personal style.

Hallmarks of Gothic Design

Gothic Architecture: Pointed arches, gargoyles, stained glass, and a sense of imposing grandeur are real signs and testaments of goth culture influence on architecture.

Literary Influences: I mean isn’t this the place where it all starts? Poets, authors, and literature. Poe's macabre verses, Shelley's romanticism, and gothic novels' chilling narratives encapsulate all about the gothic world.

Dark Romanticism: If you have started seeing beauty in the shadows, have a strange fascination with the uncanny, and a thirst for exploration of the human psyche's depths, welcome to the world of dark romantics my friend.

Unraveling Mystical Gothic Icons

Gothic symbols

The Serpent's Symbolic Presence: From rebirth and wisdom to temptation and darkness, the serpent slithers through history and adorns many gothic pieces.

Ankh and Its Cultural Significance: The Egyptian key of life is often worn as a talisman for protection and eternal existence. Spooky yet close to the higher power.

Skull Motifs: A material reminder of impermanence, a world beyond mortality, and also a symbol of strength and rebirth in the face of death.

Take a look into our wide range of skull rings and explore the symbolism of skull rings if you'd like here.

Weaving Spider Symbolism: The spider, both creator and predator, represents intricate artistry, protection, and the hidden webs of fate.

Baphomet and the Occult in Jewelry: The controversial goat-headed figure challenges religious dogma and embodies rebellion against societal norms.

Pentacle Unveiled: Often misinterpreted as Satanic, the pentacle is a sacred symbol of protection, balance, and the five elements.

Mortality and Afterlife: Skulls, coffins, and crossbones confront impermanence but celebrate rebirth and the cycle of life and death.

Magic and the Occult: Not all gothic symbols mean just dreadful darkness or death. 

Ankh crosses, pentagrams, and even Baphomet imagery delve into the world of arcane symbols, representing protection, wisdom, or a challenge to religious constraints.

Romantic Gothic Symbols in Jewelry

Romantic gothic jewellery

Crossed swords: Stand for Chivalry, courage, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

Roses: Signs of Beauty and romance, often tinged with thorns that symbolize pain and sacrifice.

Moons and stars: Refers to the mystical connections, longing for the unknown, and the cycle of life and death.

Gargoyles and mythical creatures: Known as the Guardians of the Shadows, represent the monstrous lurking within the human psyche.

Gloomy Gothic Symbols in Jewelry:

Coffins, graves, and tombstones: Signifies confronting mortality and embracing the macabre.

Chains and padlocks: Are the Symbols of bondage, representing emotional burdens or societal confinement.

Raven feathers and crows: Act as the Omens of death, messengers of the underworld, and symbols of transformation.

Cryingwillows and Dead Trees: Reflects melancholic beauty, the passage of time, and the cycle of life and death.

Animalistic Symbols in Gothic Jewelry

Animalistic gothic

Bats: Crowned eternally as the creatures of the night, symbolize mystery, transformation, and the ability to navigate the darkness.

Cats: These independent, ruthless (occasionally loving) spirits, associate with magic, intuition, and the liminal space between worlds.

Wolves: The torch bearers of loyalty, ferocity, and the untamed aspects of the human spirit.

Dragons: Mystical, Majestic, and Mythical guardians of treasure, representing power, and transformation.

So always remember, the beauty of Gothic jewelry lies in its interpretation. Each piece can tell a unique story, reflecting the wearer's connection to the dark.

Let's look at some of our cool gothic ring designs.

 

 

Choices in Gothic Jewelry

Choices in gothic jewellery

“What exactly would a true Goth choose?” we would be straight-up lying if we said that this thought had never crossed our mind.

So lets put an end to this question while we try to understand the dark world:

Pendants: You can always go for the classic and most common ones which are: Skulls, bat wings, ankh crosses, pentacles, or personal amulets with deep meaning.

Rings: Now why shouldn’t the fingers have some fun? Bold silver bands with gothic inscriptions, animalistic designs, or gemstone accents can decorate your hands like no other accessory could ever.

Take a look into our wide range of Gothic rings here.

Earrings: Dangling chains, spiderweb motifs, or batwing silhouettes, you can choose more than one, because options are always fun.

Bracelets: Spiked cuffs, charm bracelets with macabre trinkets, or leather bands adorned with metal icons, did we just paint the perfect GOTH GIRL image or what?

If you were a true blue goth or just became one after reading this piece, unlike society we don’t judge or discriminate. We have a wide collection for you and your gothic taste right here, so don’t chicken out now and check it out!

Delve into the depths of Gothic jewelry, explore its captivating designs, and discover the powerful symbols that whisper beneath the surface. 

Prev Post
Next Post
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items