The Meaning of Celestial Jewelry
For centuries, the moon, sun and nighttime stars were widely thought to be connected to gods and goddesses of different religions. In its calming beauty and associations with the night, the feminine moon countered the masculine energy of the sun, which was also the Roman and Greek god of war. The Romans and Greeks believed that the stars and moon were symbols of immortality and sometimes gave celestial jewelry as promises of eternal devotion to their love interests. To this day, moon jewelry is still often associated with romance.
While the moon and stars are symbols of romance and femininity, they became heavily symbolic of feminine empowerment during the Victorian era. As more women entered the workforce and became more prominent figures in society, moon jewelry was worn to depict their independence and strength. These accessories were thought to exude a feminine aura, and pieces such as the "honeymoon brooch" were worn to symbolize sweetness and divine feminine energy. It was during this period that the phrase, "I'll love you to the moon and back," became popular.
The moon was often the subject of vintage jewelry, and still remains a favorite today where it is sometimes depicted alongside star motifs. Stars hold great significance to early civilizations, as they were used for navigation and light in the dead of night. It was also believed that the stars could lead a person to his or her destiny, so these motifs were very popular in jewelry and clothing worn to give that person luck on their journey.
Stars are also an instrumental element of the zodiac, which plays an important role in both historical and modern mythology. For example, the zodiac was used in Babylonian culture to determine how the gods would interact in a person's life, starting at birth, and would often predict their characteristics and strengths as they grew. The zodiac signs are still incredibly popular today both in culture and in jewelry, and many people use their zodiac signs to determine what jewelry will suit them best.
Astrological Jewelry
Astrological signs mean different things to different people. For some, they are simply fun to read about and discuss with friends. For others, they hold real meaning and insight into one's life. Astrological jewelry, however, can be meaningful to anyone regardless of their knowledge or interest in their zodiac sign. Like birthstone jewelry, it symbolizes what makes you unique and is often associated with your sign's personality traits. The common zodiac gemstones are:
Wearing your zodiac gemstone can help you connect to the inherent strengths of your sign and guide you along your journey as you face different struggles. It also gives you an alternative to birthstone jewelry that you may already have in your collection.
Popular Gemstones in Celestial Jewelry
While zodiac gemstones are often used in celestial jewelry, they are not the only ones. Here are five other popular gemstones that are sometimes associated with the colors of the sky, and thus, featured in similar styles of jewelry:
- Moonstone: As the name suggests, this gemstone is the color of a glowing moon and is very popular in celestial jewelry of all kinds. It can be featured as a centerpiece or used as an accent in lunar-inspired motifs.
- Onyx: In visual opposition to moonstone, black onyx boasts a deep shade that's as dark as a midnight sky. It's the perfect gemstone for accenting a moon or star motif and is popular in edgy and dramatic designs.
- Aquamarine: With a pale blue color reminiscent of the sky, aquamarine can look like the color of the moon in a certain light, making it a popular choice in celestial jewelry, especially for daytime wear.
- Opal: A primarily white stone that changes colors to reflect light, opal features a glittering appearance that is almost holographic, with ethereal colors that are the perfect complement for a moon or star piece of jewelry. Opal also pairs well with celestial styles in layered looks.
- Sapphire: A romantic and bold choice for celestial jewelry, sapphire's rich and velvety color works well with moon and star motifs, and is a highly prized gemstone to give as a gift.
Finding the Perfect Gift
If you have a friend or family member in your life that is as beautiful and inspiring as the moon and stars, let them know with a beautiful gift of celestial jewelry. For someone special who enchants your heart, celestial styles are a wonderful way to say, "I love you to the moon and back."
Here are some tips for picking out the perfect piece of celestial jewelry:
- Ask friends: Friends and family of your recipient are a great source of information when trying to identify their jewelry style and personal preferences. Ask them what sort of pieces your recipient may prefer, or what type of jewelry they shop for most often.
- Observe their current jewelry rotation: Whenever possible, take note of the kinds of jewelry your recipient most regularly wears. Do they wear small and delicate pieces or bold and artistic jewelry? Do you notice they wear earrings more than necklaces or vice versa? What sort of gemstones do they favor? By answering these simple questions, you'll be able to pick a piece they are sure to love.
- Ask for their size (and preferences): If you are purchasing a ring or pair of earrings, size and style are very important to get right. Different piercings require different earring options, and rings must be sized correctly to be worn on certain fingers. Ask for these measurements directly or recruit the help of a mutual friend before purchasing.
- Ask your jeweler: If you're stumped, ask your jeweler for recommendations. They can help you find timeless, quality pieces that will suit your loved one's style.
Gemstone Jewelry Care and Handling
When well cared for, celestial jewelry can last a very long time. For styles set in gold or sterling silver, careful cleaning is essential to prevent corrosion and a dull appearance. To clean your jewelry, simply wipe with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on any gemstone jewelry. Store your jewelry safely in a box when not in use to prevent color from fading from the sunlight. After every use, be sure to remove oils, perfumes, sunscreen, make-up and other residues from your jewelry.
We offer incredible celestial selections that will take you from day to night in style. To shop celestial gemstone and high-fashion pieces featuring sun, moon, and star motifs, click here for our full collection.
