06 Apr Ancient Greek Jewelry Motifs
Jewelry played a complex and multifaceted role in ancient Greek culture, serving as both a form of personal adornment and a means of expressing spiritual beliefs and social status. Greek jewelry also served practical purposes. For example, many pieces of jewelry were worn as a form of currency, allowing individuals to easily transport and exchange their wealth. Jewelry was also often given as gifts, particularly to mark special occasions such as weddings or births.
Many pieces of ancient Greek jewelry were thought to be imbued with religious or spiritual significance. Certain gemstones were said to have magical properties, and Greek jewelry makers often incorporated these stones into their jewelry as a way to harness their powers. For example:
Amethyst was a highly prized gemstone among the ancient Greeks, and they believed it had the power to protect against drunkenness and promote sobriety. It was also associated with the god Dionysus, who was the god of wine, and was believed to enhance one’s spiritual awareness.
Emeralds were believed to have the power to bring fertility and rebirth, and they were often used in ancient Greek jewelry as a symbol of growth and renewal. They were also associated with the goddess Venus, who was the goddess of love and beauty.
Garnets were believed to have the power to promote good health and well-being, and they were often used in ancient Greek jewelry to ward off illness and disease. They were also associated with the god Apollo, who was the god of healing and medicine.
Sapphires were believed to have the power to protect against evil and bring good fortune, and they were often used in ancient Greek jewelry to ward off negative energies and promote positivity. They were also associated with the god Zeus, who was the king of the gods.
Topaz was believed to have the power to enhance mental clarity and promote intelligence, and it was often used in ancient Greek jewelry as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. It was also associated with the goddess Athena, who was the goddess of wisdom and learning.
Turquoise was believed to have the power to bring good luck and protection, and it was often used in ancient Greek jewelry to ward off harm and negative energies. It was also associated with the goddess Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love and beauty.
The ancient Greeks believed that the metals they used to make jewelry also possessed divine properties from the gods. For example:
Gold was highly prized by the ancient Greeks and was associated with the sun. It was believed to have purifying and healing powers, and it was often used in jewelry to promote good health and well-being.
Silver was associated with the moon and was believed to have protective powers. It was often used in jewelry to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm.
Bronze – Bronze was a common metal used in ancient Greece for making jewelry and other decorative objects. It was believed to have a grounding effect and to promote stability and balance.
Iron was used in ancient Greek jewelry, particularly for rings and bracelets. It was believed to have protective powers and was often used to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm.
Electrum was a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver that was used in ancient Greece for making jewelry. It was believed to have a powerful, magical quality and was often used in religious and ceremonial objects.
Copper was also used in ancient Greek jewelry, particularly for decorative elements such as beads and pendants. It was believed to have a grounding effect and to promote creativity and passion.
Gods & Symbols in Ancient Greek Jewelry
The Greeks also used jewelry as a way to honor their gods and goddesses, with many pieces featuring images of these deities or the symbols associated with them. One particularly important piece of ancient Greek jewelry was the amulet. Amulets were believed to offer protection against evil spirits and other dangers, and they were often worn around the neck or wrist. Some of the gods (and their associated symbols) honored in ancient Greek jewelry include:
Athena – Athena was the goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare, and she was often depicted wearing a helmet and carrying a spear or shield. Jewelry featuring images of Athena often included these elements, as well as the owl, which was a symbol of wisdom.
Apollo – Apollo was the god of music, prophecy, and healing, and he was often depicted holding a lyre or bow and arrow. Jewelry featuring images of Apollo often included these items, as well as the sun, which was a symbol of his power.
Aphrodite – Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, and she was often depicted with roses, myrtle, and other flowers. Jewelry featuring images of Aphrodite often included these elements, as well as the dove, which was a symbol of her gentle nature.
Zeus – Zeus was the king of the gods, and he was often depicted holding a thunderbolt. Jewelry featuring images of Zeus often included this symbol, as well as the eagle, which was a symbol of his power and strength.
Medusa – Medusa was a Gorgon with snakes for hair, and she was often depicted as a terrifying figure. However, some Greek jewelry featured images of Medusa as a protective talisman, as it was believed that her image would ward off evil spirits.
Other powerful symbols found in ancient Greek jewelry included the word Abraxas (Ἀβραξάς), which was believed to have magical properties and was associated with the god Serapis; the Herakles knot, a decorative device that the Greeks thought could cure wounds and had the power to avert evil; and Serpents, which were also associated with healing and protection. Some amulets, armbands, and earrings featured coiled serpents, while others depicted them in a more abstract or stylized form.
We Buy Greek Inspired Jewelry
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, our San Diego jewelry buyers are always interested in buying vintage and antique fine jewelry that incorporates ancient Greek motifs and symbols. If you have any Greek inspired jewelry that you would like to sell, please contact us today for a free market appraisal and immediate cash offer. Call 858-251-3006. or send us a message by using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
There are many famous jewelry designers and luxury jewelry brands of the 19th and 20th century who have incorporated ancient Greek motifs in their jewelry. For example, René Lalique, Buccellati, Cartier, and Fouquet. A few of the most famous pieces of fine jewelry inspired by Greek motifs are:
The Greek Key Bracelet by Bulgari – This iconic bracelet was created by the Italian luxury jewelry brand Bulgari in the 1970s. It features a repeating pattern of interlocking Greek keys, which are a common motif in ancient Greek art and architecture. The bracelet is made from 18-karat gold, and the links are flexible, allowing it to curve comfortably around the wrist. The Greek Key Bracelet has become a signature piece for Bulgari and is still popular today.
The Apollo Necklace by Ilias Lalaounis – This stunning necklace was created by the Greek jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis in the 1980s. It features a large, gold medallion that depicts the Greek god Apollo, surrounded by a halo of diamonds. The medallion is suspended from a chain that is decorated with gold beads and small, diamond-studded flowers. The necklace is a beautiful example of Lalaounis’s intricate, classical-inspired designs.
The Medusa Necklace by Versace – This bold necklace was created by the Italian fashion house Versace in the 1990s. It features a large, gold pendant in the shape of the head of Medusa, a powerful figure from ancient Greek mythology. The pendant is decorated with colorful gemstones and is suspended from a thick chain that is also adorned with gemstones. The Medusa Necklace is a striking example of Versace’s opulent, maximalist style.
The Grecian Urn Pendant by Castellani – This antique pendant was created by the Castellani family in the mid-19th century. It features a small, gold urn that is decorated with scenes from ancient Greek mythology, including figures like Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. The urn is suspended from a chain that is also decorated with classical motifs, such as Greek keys and laurel wreaths. The Grecian Urn Pendant is a beautiful example of the Castellani family’s meticulous attention to detail and their love of ancient Greek art.
You can contact C. Blackburn Jewelers of La Jolla not only to sell jewelry with ancient Greek symbols, gods, and motifs, you can also visit us to shop for antique jewelry in San Diego. If none of the antique jewelry we currently have for sale incorporates Greek themes, we will be happy to search our network of estate jewelers to locate any special item that you are looking for.
