
Symbolism of pendants: hidden meanings that you wear right to your heart
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Author Beny spol s.r.o.
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The pendants symbolize the stories you carry close to your heart. These small pieces of jewelry express human values and often carry deeper symbolism.
Since ancient times, people have worn amulets and talismans for protection, good luck or as a reminder of important life moments. Today, this tradition has been transformed into the sophisticated art of jewellery making, where pendants have aesthetic value in addition to their symbolism.
Angel
Angel pendants are among the most popular symbolic jewellery. In various cultures and religions, the angel represents protection, guidance and spiritual support.
Luxury gold pendants in the shape of an angel are often crafted with exceptional attention to detail - from the delicate lines of the wings to the subtle features of the face. In exclusive designs, the angel's wings or robes are often set with tiny diamonds, symbolizing the purity and light that angels bring.
A pendant with an angel is an ideal gift for loved ones who are going through important life changes or facing difficult challenges.

Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a universal symbol that appears in mythologies and religions around the world. It represents the connection between heaven and earth, the eternal cycle of life and the interconnection of all living beings.
Pendants with this motif are often crafted as an elaborate ornament, with roots and branches forming a circular or oval shape. In a luxurious design, the crown of the tree can be set with small precious stones, and complemented by a root of precisely shaped gold.
This symbol makes a perfect gift for important family occasions or as an expression of wishes for growth and prosperity.
Heart
The heart-shaped pendant is probably the most widely used motif. This universal symbol of love, devotion and emotion transcends cultural boundaries. Heart pendants offer countless variations - from minimalist lines to ornate designs. Small cubic zirconia befit these symbols .
Sophisticated versions may include hidden mechanisms that allow the heart to be opened and hide a photo or personal message inside, making them an extremely emotional gift.

Letters and initials
Pendants with letters are one of the most personalised pieces of jewellery. They allow you to wear your own initials, the name of a loved one or an important date close to your heart. In a sophisticated design, these pendants stand out for their calligraphic font or interesting typography.
Gemstones can accentuate their shape and add a sparkle that attracts attention. A modern trend is to combine several pendants with letters on one chain, which together form a word or phrase with personal meaning.
Cross
The cross is one of the oldest and most widely used symbols in human history. Although it is most commonly associated with Christianity, its meaning transcends one faith. In the context of jewellery, you will find various forms of crosses - from classical Latin to Orthodox or Celtic variants. Each of them carries its own specific symbolism and aesthetics.
Gold crosses, often decorated with diamonds or other precious stones, represent not only a symbol of faith but also a work of art. Precise workmanship is reflected in details such as embossed surfaces, the combination of matt and shiny surfaces or elaborate edges.
The cross is an ideal gift for important life events such as baptism, first communion or other significant occasions, but it can also be a personal expression of the faith of the wearer.
Geometric shapes
Geometric pendants represent a more modern approach to symbolism. Each shape carries its own specific meaning:
- A circle symbolizes eternity, perfection and unity - it has no beginning or end. A circle pendant can represent continuous love or wholeness.
- The triangle often represents balance and transformation. Depending on the orientation, it can symbolize masculine or feminine energy, or the union of opposites.
- The square and rectangle are signs of stability, reliability and earthiness. These pendants will appeal to lovers of order and precision.
In a luxurious design, geometric pendants stand out for their clean lines and precision craftsmanship. The combination of different colours of gold or the setting of precious stones in precisely defined shapes creates an impressive contrast between the simplicity of form and the richness of the material.
Star
Star pendants fascinate mankind as much as the night sky. The star traditionally symbolizes hope, guidance and the attainment of heights.
The five-pointed star can represent the five elements. The six-pointed Star of David is a symbol of the union of opposites and harmony. The eight-pointed star in some cultures represents eternity.
Star-shaped pendants can be set with precious stones that perfectly mirror the sparkle of real stars. Different stone setting techniques are used, from the classic pavé to sophisticated invisible settings.

Flower
Flower motifs in pendants symbolize beauty, tenderness and feminine energy. Each type of flower has its own specific meaning. The rose is a symbol of love and passion, the lotus represents purity and spiritual awakening, while the lily can symbolize innocence and renewal.
In the jewellery industry, flower pendants are crafted with stunning attention to botanical detail. The craftsmanship of goldsmiths can capture the delicate lines of the petals and create the illusion of lightness and natural movement.
The combination of different gold colours allows for the creation of realistic hues, while strategically placed gemstones accentuate the flower's texture.
Butterfly
Butterfly pendants symbolise transformation, rebirth and freedom. The life cycle of the butterfly - from caterpillar to chrysalis to adult - is a universal metaphor for personal growth and transformation.
The pendants stand out for their dynamic craftsmanship that captures the lightness and ethereality of this creature. The wings are often set with gemstones in a gradient, creating the illusion of movement and play of light.
Some exclusive designs use mechanisms that allow the butterfly's wings to move gently, adding to the jewel's vibrancy and realism.

Religious symbols
In addition to the Christian cross, popular motifs include the Madonna of the Virgin Mary, pendants with Jesus Christ, or other motifs with spiritual significance.
Pendants with religious symbols are often crafted with respect for their cultural origins and spiritual significance. At the same time, they make use of modern jewellery-making techniques, so they also have a high artistic value.
Fish
Fish symbolism has a rich history across cultures. In Christianity, it represents Christ and his followers. In Chinese tradition, it is a symbol of abundance and good fortune. Universally, the fish represents fertility, transformation and adaptability.
Luxury fish-shaped pendants can be crafted in a variety of ways, from the abstract lines of Ichthys (an early Christian depiction of the fish) to naturalistic representations of specific species of fish. The surface of these pendants often uses special techniques to evoke scales and a textured appearance, while the eye of the fish is often accented with a gemstone.
Dolphin
As one of the most intelligent sea creatures, the dolphin symbolizes playfulness, intelligence and freedom. In many cultures, it is considered the protector of sailors and a messenger between the human world and the depths of the ocean. Dolphin pendants depict its distinctive silhouette in dynamic motion. The surface of the body can be worked with fine details that evoke the smoothness of the dolphin's skin, while the eye is usually highlighted with a tiny gemstone.
Sun
The sun as a pendant represents life, energy, vitality and enlightenment. Its rays symbolize light penetrating all aspects of existence. In luxury jewellery, the sun is often treated as a symmetrical ornament with a combination of straight and wavy rays.

Animals
Pendants inspired by the animal kingdom carry symbolism associated with the qualities we attribute to the creatures. For example, the horse symbolizes freedom and liberty, the elephant is a symbol of wisdom, strength and good memory, and the owl traditionally represents wisdom and intuition.
Luxury pendants with animal motifs are distinguished by their naturalistic processing, which captures the characteristic features and essence of the animal. The eyes are often accented with tiny gemstones that add a sparkle of life to the jewellery.
Sign of the Zodiac
Zodiac sign pendants are a sophisticated way to express your personality and birth under a particular star constellation. Each of the twelve signs carries its own specific symbolism and distinctive features:
- Aries (21.3.-20.4.) - pioneering and courage
- Taurus (21.4.-21.5.) - strength and endurance
- Gemini (22.5.-21.6.) - communication and duality
- Cancer (22.6.-22.7.) - intuition and protection
- Leo (23.7.-22.8.) - self-confidence and generosity
- Virgo (23.8.-22.9.) - precision and practicality
- Libra (23.9.-23.10.) - harmony and justice
- Scorpio (24.10.-22.11.) - intensity and transformation
- Sagittarius (23.11.-21.12.) - freedom and optimism
- Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) - ambition and discipline
- Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) - innovation and independence
- Pisces (20.2.-20.3.) - empathy and spirituality
Pendants can be handled in a variety of ways - from classic visual representations to more abstract renditions. Masterful goldsmithing techniques allow the complex symbolism of each sign to be captured and transformed into a unique piece of jewellery that is also a personal talisman.
Let BENY boutiques help you choose
The symbolism of pendants is a fascinating world where history, culture and personal stories intertwine. At the exclusive BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague, our experienced experts will help you choose a pendant that will resonate perfectly with your personality or the story of the person it is intended for.
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