Nature imagery is everywhere in jewelry. You’ll see people with beautiful insects adorning their ears and lapels through pretty studs and enameled brooches. We wear pendants of our favorite animals and flowers, often with natural stones accentuating their beauty and significance. There is something for everyone, but why is nature jewelry so popular with so many consumers?
Why Is Nature Jewelry Consistently Popular?
There are many reasons people turn to nature-themed jewelry, whether through earrings, pendants, or brooches. Often, it’s about little more than an attraction to a theme. We love to find beauty in the natural world when we can, and people devote their free time to capturing it in art, photography, and poetry. As jewelry making is an art form of its own, it makes sense that creators would turn to nature themes to express themselves and appeal to a wider audience. There has to be a psychological effect there, too. If the item is objectively beautiful because of the combination of the natural design and the way it’s crafted, that beauty transfers onto the wearer. It makes them feel more confident about themselves.
On a deeper, spiritual level, wearers may find themselves drawn to specific types of animals because of their meaning. For some, this will be through a self-appointed spirit animal. These are the creatures we feel drawn to the most because of their character. Certain animals have specific attributes placed upon them through culture, while others will be appealing through personal interactions. For example, some find themselves drawn to the wisdom and grace of owls, while others prefer the strength and power of eagles or the intelligence of the raven. Or, it could be that you love foxes because you have them living in your garden or love horses because you rode them as a child. It really could be anything. Then, there’s the factor of zodiac animals.
Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese Zodiac is arguably the most well-known because of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Many people are aware of the animal associated with their birth year and if that relates to the current year in the cycle. For example, at the time of writing, we’re in the year of the dragon. People born in corresponding years may be drawn more to dragon jewelry. The full list, in order, is Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Native American Zodiac
There are other zodiacs based on cultural traditions that work more in line with a period within the year. For example, if you’re a Leo or Virgo, you’ll have a set animal for that timeframe. This approach is great for those in North America looking for a native animal as a birth animal rather than a tiger, monkey, or dragon. Starting with Capricorn, the list is as follows. Goose, Otter, Wolf, Hawk, Beaver, Eld, Woodpecker, Salmon, Bear, Raven, Snake, and Owl.
Celtic Zodiac
Alternatively, there’s the Celtic approach. This will be popular with anyone with Irish, Welsh, Cornish, Scottish, Manx, or Breton roots. The precise dates are slightly different but generally the same. It goes Stag, Cat, Snake, Fox, Bull, Seahorse, Wren, Horse, Salmon, Swan, Butterfly, Wolf, and Hawk.
Combining Natural Themes With Natural Stones
The most skilled jewelers can create a wide range of animal forms from precious metals in all kinds of styles. Some are cast to provide fine details in the fur and feathers, while others are more elegant and minimalist. There is something to suit all tastes. This becomes even more apparent when those beautiful natural forms are combined with the perfect stone. Natural gemstones are another way to bring a small piece of the natural world into jewelry and fashion. The right stone not only looks beautiful with its polished forms and geological bands but can also have deeper spiritual meaning. So, when creators combine them with a complimentary animal, they can become powerful symbols for wearers. Let’s look at some examples.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a wonderful stone because of its vast powers and its visual appeal. Few stones provide the same deep purple, and it looks stunning set into earrings and pendants. One trait associated with amethyst is wisdom, which relates to its position at the third eye chakra. Paired with a wise or cunning creature like the fox or raven, it could give wearers a massive confidence boost.
Larimar
Some stones have much more of a soothing effect, making them better candidates for those dealing with stress and anxiety issues. The calming influence of larimar, on both a visual and spiritual level, can be very powerful. Wearers looking for larimar nature themed jewelry can find a range of marine creatures that emphasize the ocean-blue tone and tranquility.
Tiger’s eye
Tiger’s eye is aptly named for several reasons. For a start, the radiant amber-like tone and the band of color look like they could be the eyes of this bold predator. Then there’s the fact that tiger’s eye is a great stone for those looking for a little more courage to go about their day. Set within cat-themed jewelry or in those bold eagles, it can make a big impression.
Rose Quartz
Then, there’s the healing power of rose quartz and its ties to the heart. This soft pink is one of the more romantic stones to gift to people to show love and devotion. Or, wearers can give it to themselves in an act of self-care. Paired with a symbol of loyalty like a dog, the piece becomes even more symbolic.
Nature Jewelry Never Goes Out Of Fashion
Put simply, every wearer has their own personal reason for loving nature jewelry. Some will appreciate purely for the aesthetics and the chance to bring a little natural beauty to their look. Others will seek out specific animals, birds, and insects that speak to them on a spiritual level. The wonderful thing about jewelry is the way it makes us feel when wearing it, and there isn’t much that’s more empowering than natural jewelry.
