Spiritual Jewelry: Beyond the Tangible
The human need to access a higher dimension resonates in each of us. Jewelry becomes the key to opening doors to invisible worlds, helping us see beyond the mundane
In a report at the end of 2018, WSGN asserted: «Spirituality is the new luxury: while the boundaries between faith, fitness and wellness blur, consumers are seeking serenity and an escape from the troubles of everyday life.» A prediction that has now landed in what could be called another “New Age” movement. More and more people are turning away from unbridled consumerism to focus on something deeper. In a hyper-connected society, marked by a frenetic pace that often causes stress, anxiety and burnout, we have realized that material goods alone cannot make us happy. To achieve a true sense of fulfilment, we are seeking refuge in practices and experiences that nurture our soul, cultivate a sense of achievement, and fill an otherwise unbridgeable void.
This “eyes wide open” attitude has triggered the rediscovery of, and interest in, ancient wisdoms that, in our contemporary times, have regained value, awakening the desire for a holistic all-round approach. Spiritual retreats are now indispensable in luxury destinations such as Bali and Sri Lanka, and meditation accessories and mindfulness apps have become a must for those who wish to take a step further in their personal evolution. Fashion itself, in its ceaseless renewal of style codes, has sought and is seeking to interpret this aspiration through clothes and accessories.
An interesting report by Highsnobiety in 2020, entitled “Welcome to the New Age of Spiritual Luxury”, observed, «Through religious symbolism, astrological readings, tarot cards, crystals and yin and yang signs, brands of every caliber are aiming to satisfy the new generation's growing desire for metaphysical connections. Zodiac motifs adorned the gowns of Maria Grazia Chiuri's first couture collection for Christian Dior's Spring 2017 show. In the same year, Dapper Dan opened his Gucci boutique in Harlem, enriching it with chakra-related symbolism. The following year, Vetements launched a series of T-shirts and mackintoshes inspired by signs of the zodiac. Nowadays, boutiques like Browns Fashion offer sets of crystals, while brands like Alighieri by Rosh Mahtani explore stone reading and sound baths as new experiences to present their collections. Meanwhile, fashion houses like Givenchy, Valentino, Moschino, Rick Owens, Supreme, Noah, Ganni and Brother Vellies continue to weave spiritual symbols into their designs.»
Looking to the present, and with a particular focus on jewelry, the catwalks for next Spring/Summer are pervaded by a more authentic vision of existence, reaffirming, above all, the value of jewelry as an amulet. This trend is also confirmed by market forecasts. According to a report published by Market.us in October 2024, «The global spiritual jewelry market is expected to reach a value of approximately $26.1 billion by 2033, up from $14.3 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% in the period 2024–2033.»
Spiritual jewelry is described as a category of accessories that hold religious or symbolic significance: creations that may include gems, crystals, engravings and motifs deeply rooted in different traditions, from amulets to rosaries and jewelry with metaphysical properties designed to inspire, protect or strengthen the wearer's spiritual connection. An expanding market, fueled by the growing interest in personal evolution, inner healing and connection with the transcendent. Jewelry is thus charged with mystical significance, becoming an emblem of individuality while simultaneously acting as a bridge to the past and ancestral rituals.
Nothing new. The very concept of the amulet jewel is rooted in cultures around the world: an instinctive response to the human need for protection, belonging and contact with the sacred. In tribal societies, talismans were carved from natural materials – stones, bones, shells – and considered as tools for conversing with the forces of nature. In Africa, stone or metal amulets engraved with sacred symbols were handed down from generation to generation as shields against adversity. In the Islamic world, the hand of Fatima (Khamsa) has for centuries been a powerful talisman against the evil eye, while in India, rudraksha – sacred seeds worn by sadhus – are believed to carry spiritual energy.
The concept is deeply rooted even in the West. Just think of Victorian lockets with locks of hair or miniatures of loved ones, symbols of memories and emotional bonding. Nowadays, the desire to give tangible form to an invisible world translates into collections with a magnetic, mysterious and magical style.
The créateur joaillier Elie Top has managed to create an incisive personal language that combines esotericism and seduction in high jewelry pieces which seem to come from other worlds. French designer Elise Dray, with her brand The Drays, explores symbolism with a refined approach, balancing artisan workmanship and symbolic research to create contemporary talismans that harmonize positive energies and artistic instinct. New York-based brand Sorellina has made symbols such as snakes, moons, stars, Tarot cards and zodiac signs the stylistic hallmark of highly contemporary jewelry that celebrates archetypal imagery.
Sarah Ysabel Narici, founder of Dyne, draws on ancient history and hyper-futurism to create capsule jewelry, bridges between eras and cultures. Her collections blend mythological references, technology and experimental design. Kelly Lannen, with the 12th House brand, celebrates jewelry as an everyday ritual, drawing inspiration from art history and the language of astrology. Her pieces are contemporary amulets that strengthen the connection with the inner universe. With Ben, Charlotte Macaulay conceives jewelry as treasure chests of personal meaning, charged with good vibes and linked to a sense of reflection between what has been and what is yet to come.
All these designers demonstrate true “faith” in what inspired them: merely touching on the subject superficially, solely to appeal to an expanding slice of the market, would fall short of what our society is seeking at this particular time. Authenticity has been, and still is, the key to jewelry that, before invoking higher forces, stands out for its sincere adherence to what it proposes.
This “eyes wide open” attitude has triggered the rediscovery of, and interest in, ancient wisdoms that, in our contemporary times, have regained value, awakening the desire for a holistic all-round approach. Spiritual retreats are now indispensable in luxury destinations such as Bali and Sri Lanka, and meditation accessories and mindfulness apps have become a must for those who wish to take a step further in their personal evolution. Fashion itself, in its ceaseless renewal of style codes, has sought and is seeking to interpret this aspiration through clothes and accessories.
An interesting report by Highsnobiety in 2020, entitled “Welcome to the New Age of Spiritual Luxury”, observed, «Through religious symbolism, astrological readings, tarot cards, crystals and yin and yang signs, brands of every caliber are aiming to satisfy the new generation's growing desire for metaphysical connections. Zodiac motifs adorned the gowns of Maria Grazia Chiuri's first couture collection for Christian Dior's Spring 2017 show. In the same year, Dapper Dan opened his Gucci boutique in Harlem, enriching it with chakra-related symbolism. The following year, Vetements launched a series of T-shirts and mackintoshes inspired by signs of the zodiac. Nowadays, boutiques like Browns Fashion offer sets of crystals, while brands like Alighieri by Rosh Mahtani explore stone reading and sound baths as new experiences to present their collections. Meanwhile, fashion houses like Givenchy, Valentino, Moschino, Rick Owens, Supreme, Noah, Ganni and Brother Vellies continue to weave spiritual symbols into their designs.»
Looking to the present, and with a particular focus on jewelry, the catwalks for next Spring/Summer are pervaded by a more authentic vision of existence, reaffirming, above all, the value of jewelry as an amulet. This trend is also confirmed by market forecasts. According to a report published by Market.us in October 2024, «The global spiritual jewelry market is expected to reach a value of approximately $26.1 billion by 2033, up from $14.3 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% in the period 2024–2033.»
Spiritual jewelry is described as a category of accessories that hold religious or symbolic significance: creations that may include gems, crystals, engravings and motifs deeply rooted in different traditions, from amulets to rosaries and jewelry with metaphysical properties designed to inspire, protect or strengthen the wearer's spiritual connection. An expanding market, fueled by the growing interest in personal evolution, inner healing and connection with the transcendent. Jewelry is thus charged with mystical significance, becoming an emblem of individuality while simultaneously acting as a bridge to the past and ancestral rituals.
Nothing new. The very concept of the amulet jewel is rooted in cultures around the world: an instinctive response to the human need for protection, belonging and contact with the sacred. In tribal societies, talismans were carved from natural materials – stones, bones, shells – and considered as tools for conversing with the forces of nature. In Africa, stone or metal amulets engraved with sacred symbols were handed down from generation to generation as shields against adversity. In the Islamic world, the hand of Fatima (Khamsa) has for centuries been a powerful talisman against the evil eye, while in India, rudraksha – sacred seeds worn by sadhus – are believed to carry spiritual energy.
The concept is deeply rooted even in the West. Just think of Victorian lockets with locks of hair or miniatures of loved ones, symbols of memories and emotional bonding. Nowadays, the desire to give tangible form to an invisible world translates into collections with a magnetic, mysterious and magical style.
The créateur joaillier Elie Top has managed to create an incisive personal language that combines esotericism and seduction in high jewelry pieces which seem to come from other worlds. French designer Elise Dray, with her brand The Drays, explores symbolism with a refined approach, balancing artisan workmanship and symbolic research to create contemporary talismans that harmonize positive energies and artistic instinct. New York-based brand Sorellina has made symbols such as snakes, moons, stars, Tarot cards and zodiac signs the stylistic hallmark of highly contemporary jewelry that celebrates archetypal imagery.
Sarah Ysabel Narici, founder of Dyne, draws on ancient history and hyper-futurism to create capsule jewelry, bridges between eras and cultures. Her collections blend mythological references, technology and experimental design. Kelly Lannen, with the 12th House brand, celebrates jewelry as an everyday ritual, drawing inspiration from art history and the language of astrology. Her pieces are contemporary amulets that strengthen the connection with the inner universe. With Ben, Charlotte Macaulay conceives jewelry as treasure chests of personal meaning, charged with good vibes and linked to a sense of reflection between what has been and what is yet to come.
All these designers demonstrate true “faith” in what inspired them: merely touching on the subject superficially, solely to appeal to an expanding slice of the market, would fall short of what our society is seeking at this particular time. Authenticity has been, and still is, the key to jewelry that, before invoking higher forces, stands out for its sincere adherence to what it proposes.
