Six Spooky Symbols to Celebrate All Hallow's Eve

Author Corinne DiZoglio
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Date Feb 15, 2021

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Jewelry is often an outlet for meaningful motifs and symbols. As we near Halloween, we're taking a closer look at some popular, spooky symbols in jewelry. Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite halloween inspired vintage and estate pieces currently in our collection!

The Devil and the Horseshoe

  1. 1. ANTIQUE DIAMOND HORSESHOE PIN
    ESPN1760 || $2,725 || SHOP NOW

  2. 2. 14K YELLOW GOLD FRESHWATER PEARL RUSER STYLE LITTLE DEVIL PIN
    ESPN1859 || $1,095 || SHOP NOW

Horseshoes have long been associated with symbols of good luck and protection. There are many beliefs as to where this idea came from. One story tells the tale of the devil and the blacksmith, Saint Dunstan. One day while Saint Dunstan was dutifully working at his forge, the devil appeared to him disguised as a beautiful women. The devil tried to seduce Dunstan, but while he was prancing around the room, his skirts lifted to reveal his cloven hooves. Dunstan continued to work, shoeing a lame horse to make him sound. Seeing that the devil was also limping, Dunstan offered to make him a shoe too. The devil envisioned a satin slipper, but instead, Dunstan nailed a red hot horseshoe very tightly onto his split hoof. The devil screamed in agony, begging Dunstan to take it off. The blacksmith said he would, but only if the devil promised to never enter a home where there was a horseshoe hanging. In honor of this tale, we have both a horseshoe pin and a devil pin. The horseshoe is an antique diamond pin set with 35 old mine cut diamonds. It is rhodium plated 18k yellow gold with a platinum topped mounting. The devil pin is a 14k yellow gold Ruser design. The little devil stands on a freshwater pearl and has two rubies for eyes.

The Serpent

  1. 1. 18K YELLOW GOLD SNAKE RING
    ESRG6172 || $750 || SHOP NOW

  2. 2. 18K YELLOW GOLD SNAKE HEAD BYPASS BRACELET
    ESBR3379 || $610 || SHOP NOW

The serpent is one of the oldest mythological symbols. Nearly every culture and civilization has beliefs surrounding the creature. It has a reputation of dual expression, representing both good and evil. While here in America we tend to view snakes as evil creatures, something to be feared, many cultures see them as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Due to their ability to shed their skin, they became a symbol of regeneration, transformation, and immortality. The ouroboros, an ancient symbol depicting a serpent eating it’s own tail, represents eternity and continual renewal of life. For their engagement in 1839, Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake ring with an emerald-set head, the very first engagement ring and a symbol of their eternal love. Snakes have also long been associated with healing. This most likely stems, not only from their regeneration skills, but also their venom, which has the power to both poison and heal. In Greek mythology, Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, carried a staff with a serpent wrapped around it. Today this has become the symbol of modern medicine. Our fear and reverence of these creatures is thought to come from our evolutionary history; for millions of years, snakes were the only significant predators of primates. It’s no wonder they have fascinated humans for centuries. To celebrate our slithering friend, we an 18k yellow gold wrap around snake ring set with four ruby eyes (size 5) as well as an 18k yellow gold two-headed snake bypass chain bracelet.

Hands

  1. 1. 18K YELLOW GOLD RUBY AND DIAMOND HAND BRACELET
    ESBR2904 || $1,375 || SHOP NOW

  2. 2. 14K YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND HAND PENDANT
    ESCH1545 || $1,295 || SHOP NOW

Hands are used to convey emotion in cultures all around the world. It makes sense that we would translate one of our most emotive body parts into jewelry as an additional form of expression. From ancient Rome to Victorian England, motifs like shaking hands in friendship, holding hands in affection, or reaching out in love to ask for a hand in marriage have all been captured in jewelry. They hold messages of loyalty, strength, romance and fidelity. Often times hands are portrayed in jewelry wearing their own miniature jewels like engagement rings and bracelets set with vivid colored gemstones. Hands also tend to conjure images of the occult, whether it’s a palm reader using a hand to tell the future or a pop culture reference like Thing from the Addams family. Hand jewelry is the perfect accessory for the Halloween season and beyond. We have two fantastic examples of hand jewelry. The first is a 14k yellow gold bypass bracelet. The hands are each holding a marquise shape ruby and are wearing a bracelet set with 10 full cut diamonds. Next is a 14k yellow gold pendant. This hand is holding an Old European cut diamond and wearing a diamond bracelet set with 6 full cut diamonds.

Crescent Moon

  1. 1. 14K YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND CRESCENT PIN
    SOLD!

  2. 2.14K YELLOW GOLD AND PLATINUM PEARL PENDANT
    SOLD!

The moon has long captivated humans. In general it is seen as a symbol of immortality, however each phase of the moon carries its own special meaning. The crescent moon symbolizes new beginnings and rebirth. It became a popular symbol in jewelry throughout the 1800’s. Many used the crescent moon as a symbol of a new relationship, hoping it would “wax” into marriage. Victorian brides were often given a crescent moon and flower brooch on their honeymoon. These “honeymoon brooches” were said to represent “the magic of the moon and the sweet nectar of the flower.” Crescent moons also celebrate the feminine moon goddess, and are associated with female empowerment. We have two beautiful examples of crescent moon jewelry. The first is a 14k yellow gold diamond crescent pin. The pin is prong set with 11 full cut diamonds. Next is a pearl pendant set with 21 graduated seed pearls. It is 14k yellow gold with platinum tips (18”). Both pieces are an excellent way to celebrate your inner moon goddess!

The Cross

  1. 1. 18K YELLOW GOLD SAPPHIRE AND RUBY CROSS
    SOLD!

  2. 2. ANTIQUE PLATINUM DIAMOND CROSS PENDANT
    SOLD!

The cross is primarily used as a religious icon, and is the main symbol of Christianity. Crosses are often worn as an indication of ones commitment to the Christian faith. In addition, some Christians believe that the wearing of a cross offers the wearer protection from evil. In pop culture, we often see crosses used as a defense against monsters such as vampires and demons. Here we have two very different cross pendants. The first is an 18k yellow gold cross. It's set with 6 sugarloaf cabochon sapphires and 63 square cut and 4 cabochon rubies. If you're looking for a more traditional option, check out this antique platinum cross set with two old mine cut diamonds and 14 rose cut diamonds.

Which of these pieces would you like to wear this Halloween? Browse our full vintage & estate online collection or visit us in stores to see more spooky vintage and estate symbol jewelry!

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