symbolism jewelry

Scintillating globes of natural amber become a unity bracelet in the hands of Juan Garcia. He knots the translucent beads by hand on crimson cords. Two larger beads in the center symbolize our unity during this difficult time," he says. "Each of the beads represents all human beings — individual, authentic and independent but, at the same time, united in solidarity and cooperation."

When used in jewelry, amber beads can include a stunning arrangement of tones and hues. Natural amber ranges from yellow to deep orange. It may sometimes even have a green cast to it, as well as opaque swirls within. Because amber is the preserved resin of prehistoric trees that grew millions of years ago, it sometimes has tiny inclusions of plants and insects, making it highly prized.

By Dewa Arimbawa, glowing globes of tiger's eye bring warmth and beauty to this design. The Balinese artisan crafts a unity bracelet with sterling silver beads. Both repeat the letter S, symbolizing solidarity.

Also known as the Andean cross, the chakana is an ancient symbol often seen in Peru's ancient art. It represents the Southern Cross. One of the pre-Hispanic astral symbols that presided over the Andean universe, the chakana symbolizes order in family and community life. It is taken from a constellation of stars forming a square, and represents the universe connected to the centre of the world. It also symbolizes a stairway toward the most high. "For me, the chakana also represents spirituality," Maria Astuhuaman confides. "It serves as a medium of connection between us and the divine." The artisan presents a sterling silver chacana in a 10 mm-wide red faux leather bracelet.

Blue topaz centers a chakra motif in sterling silver. This beautiful unity necklace from Alok Jain celebrates our sameness. "The Ashok chakra, or 'wheel of duty' has 24 spokes that represent the 24 religious paths of humanity and all lead a nation on path of progress," he explains. Six sprigs of rice flank the wheel. "Rice is part of India's a cultural identity and also symbolizes global unity, as almost half of the population on this earth eats rice."

Blue topaz centers a chakra motif in sterling silver. This beautiful unity bracelet from Alok Jain celebrates our sameness in diversity. "The Ashok chakra, or 'wheel of duty' has 24 spokes that represent the 24 religious paths of humanity, and all lead a nation on path of progress," he explains. Six sprigs of rice flank the wheel. "Rice is part of India's a cultural identity and also symbolizes global unity, as almost half of the population on this earth eats rice."

Blue topaz centers a chakra motif in sterling silver, bathed in 22k gold. This beautiful unity bracelet from Alok Jain celebrates our sameness in diversity. "The Ashok chakra, or 'wheel of duty' has 24 spokes that represent the 24 religious paths of humanity, and all lead a nation on path of progress," he explains. Six sprigs of rice flank the wheel. "Rice is part of India's a cultural identity and also symbolizes global unity, as almost half of the population on this earth eats rice."

"Onyx represents the strength with which we face any situation, and the malachite represents the planet earth. That is why I chose that stone to represent unity," Lesbia Back says of this design. "Its color also symbolizes hope, which is a feeling of faith in God. A hope that all that happens in our lives has a purpose that will bring us good in the future. At the same time, hope motivates us to move forward and commit ourselves to helping others, uniting ourselves to get ahead together." This elegant unity bracelet is crafted by hand.