First World War soldiers faced terrible dangers. One way to manage this was through lucky jewellery and amulets – a small but important form of comfort.
Politicians have always used material culture to brand themselves, In the late 19th century, axe shaped jewellery became a key part of the image of British prime minister William Gladstone.
Paris was liberated from Nazi occupation 80 years ago this year. Surprising and beautiful jewellery made to celebrate this continues to send a message of jubilation.
S is for Snake In the jewellery alphabet, S may be for Skull but it could also stand for Snake. Snakes are not the most
Understanding symbolism in jewellery is a key skill. The moon can represent the Virgin Mary, goddesses Diana and Artemis or be a fashionable jewel for the body or hair. In the 1960s, jewellery was inspired by the Space Race.
Skulls are often found in jewellery, but what do they mean? In Renaissance and early modern art, they symbolised death and eternal judgment. By the nineteenth century, they had become fashionable party pieces.
To understand jewellery, we have to appreciate its symbolism. Delicate butterflies, colourful and fragile, fly onto brooches, pins, necklaces and bracelets. The butterfly in jewellery is a symbol of love, death and the resurrection.
Jewellery is a visual art – it’s made to be looked at and it sometimes carries a message. The language of jewellery is full of symbolism, images which were once widely understood but now often forgotten.