Love Symbolism in Jewelry

Gothic jewelry is an artform rich in layered meaning and nuance. Bold and intricate motifs serve as a window into the wearer’s soul, offering a glimpse of their personality, beliefs, and battles.

Love symbolism is often found in biker and Gothic jewelry, and can be encapsulated using a variety of symbols. After all, love is complex and often peppered with an array of other emotions, drives, and fears. Every love symbol in Gothic jewelry comes with its own intricacies, making it possible to choose a piece that truly captures a feeling.

Classic Love Symbols in Gothic Jewelry

Hearts

Perhaps the most universal love symbol of them all. In Gothic and biker jewelry, hearts are often presented alongside other symbols like daggers, wings, skulls or anchors, which can give them a deeper layer of meaning. For example, a heart combined with daggers can represent the extreme lengths love can drive one to, and a willingness to do anything to protect the heart.

Roses

Another iconic symbol of love and romance across the globe. But while the rose is synonymous with love, it can also represent the life cycle and fragility of life, mystery, bravery, loyalty and pride. What’s more, thorns can add a new layer of meaning to the rose symbol, symbolizing the nature of love as being unable to exist without pain.In this sense, roses can represent the wounds, battles and contradictions love can evoke.

Ancient Love Symbols in Gothic Jewelry

Cupid

Synonymous with playful romance, mischief and attraction, Cupid symbols originate from the Roman god of love himself. The ultimate matchmaker adorned with his signature bow and arrow, Cupid is often represented in biker and Gothic jewelry to symbolize not only love, but also lightheartedness and whimsy.

Ankh

The Ankh is a popular symbol used in jewelry designs (not just Gothic jewelry). This versatile and subtle ancient Egyptian symbol represents eternal life, wisdom and protection. It also signifies a union of opposites (e.g. male and female, heaven and earth). Therefore, the Ankh can be a beautiful metaphor for partnership, commitment and everlasting love.

Spiritual Love Symbols in Gothic Jewelry

Lotus

The majestic lotus flower holds spiritual meaning in many cultures. Lotuses are typically associated with purity, spirituality, faith, and beauty rising from the mud.1 In Gothic jewelry, the lotus can represent pure love that prevails through good and bad. This makes it the perfect gift to symbolize an unwavering, strong romance that transcends life’s hurdles.

Horseshoe

While the horseshoe may not be traditionally associated with love and romance, this iconic symbol of fortune can be used to represent being lucky in love. In Gothic jewelry, the horseshoe may be combined with another symbol to add an additional layer of meaning. For example, a horseshoe joined up with another symbol may be used to represent wholeness and infinity.

Animal Love Symbols in Gothic Jewelry

Koi Carp

Koi carp are a popular motif used in biker wedding rings, and for good reason. This native Japanese fish will swim upstream to find its mate, battling through strong currents and tough obstacles. Their grit and determination make them the perfect symbol of a love (or even a friendship) worth fighting for. When times are tough, koi fish jewelry can serve as a reminder of the strength of your love and commitment to one another.

Lion

The lion is strong, courageous, and fiercely protective of its own.2 As a result, lions can be a great symbol of not only romantic love, but also the fierce unity of a strong family unit. In Gothic jewelry, lions are often depicted roaring, teeth-bared and ready to defend.

Combining Love Symbols in Gothic Jewelry

Oftentimes, multiple symbols are combined within Gothic jewelry. This can allow a piece to convey more complex emotions and layered symbolism. And with each symbol holding a multitude of meanings, what a piece represents is open to interpretation from the wearer, too.

For example, some great combinations include:

• Rose + skull. May represent love and rebirth.
• Heart + wings. May represent love and freedom.
• Horseshoe + heart. May represent protection or luck in love.

Love Symbolism Through Gothic Jewelry Styles

Love symbolism in Gothic jewelry goes beyond motifs. Certain styles of jewelry can also be used to symbolize love in biker and Gothic jewelry. Claddagh and couple rings are two popular styles of ring used to represent love, friendship, and connection.

Claddagh Rings

Claddagh rings originate from a traditional Irish legend. In the story, a fisherman named Richard Joyce was sold into slavery. During his time as a jeweler’s slave, Richard crafted a ring to give to his love when he got back to Ireland. On his return, he did just that, and continued to craft what would become his signature style, fondly named after his home village. Claddagh rings consist of two hands holding a heart and crown, and have become an iconic style symbolic of love, friendship, fidelity, and Irish heritage.3

Claddagh rings can be used to indicate your current relationship status, too:

• Right hand with heart facing out = single and looking for love.
• Right hand with heart facing in = in a relationship.
• Left hand with heart facing out = engaged.
• Left hand with heart facing in = married.

Couple Rings

Couple rings feature matching or complementary designs. Much like a wedding ring, they can symbolize partnership and commitment. While many couples wear matching rings, biker couple rings often feature one or more Gothic love symbols to tell a couple’s love story. Couple rings make a great gift to show commitment to a partnership.

Biker and Gothic jewelry are incredibly symbolic and often deeply intertwined with meaning. Each piece is crafted with care and thought, making them a wonderful form of self-expression. Explore our striking range of lovingly crafted Gothic jewelry to find a piece that speaks to you.