The meaning of symbols: history, origins and metaphors

The world, as we know, is a vast collection of symbols. The word "symbol" comes from the Latin symbolum, which in turn derives from the Greek symbolon, meaning "sign". Signs, gestures, objects, animals, stones—symbols still provide a key to unlocking the spiritual world for human beings today. We recognize and live with these symbols, yet often we do not understand their meanings or origins.

Nomination guides you on this journey to discover the most beautiful and interesting symbols to choose, wear, and gift to your loved ones. Explore the Nomination jewellery collection and find symbols that connect with your life.

The Infinite Symbol and Its Meaning

We’re surrounded by symbols, almost... infinite, just like infinity itself! But what are the origins of this strange “sideways eight” we see in many objects and tattoos? Its origins are in mathematics, with its first appearance attributed to St. Boniface and his cross. However, the real “inventor” of the infinity symbol seems to be the English mathematician John Wallis in 1655.

A symbol used in mathematics and physics to denote the set of natural numbers, or other limitless elements. Although space around us is infinite, we are all the centre of the universe! To always keep this in mind, you can create your own Nomination Composable Bracelet and add a silver double Link with the infinity symbol, on which you can engrave a phrase or word to gift yourself or others. If you’re looking for something precious, you’ll love the Link with the glittering infinity symbol; or if it's a necklace you seek, the 925 silver infinity necklace with white Cubic Zirconia from the Lovecloud collection will enchant you.

The Butterfly and Its Symbolic Meaning

As Hermann Hesse said, the butterfly is not just any animal, but the quintessence of an animal. Emblematic of both the ephemeral and the eternal, butterflies have become metaphors for metamorphosis through ages and cultures. The Japanese see the butterfly as a symbol of beauty. If you are experiencing a significant period of inner transformation and change in your life, the butterfly symbolises this beautifully. So, fly free like a butterfly and wear jewellery with this meaningful animal symbol, like the stunning necklace from Nomination's new Chrysalis collection, in 925 Silver with a white rhodium coating and details in 916 rose gold, featuring a butterfly pendant encrusted with white, pink, and fuchsia Cubic Zirconia, perfectly paired with matching butterfly-shaped earrings.

The Tree: Its Symbolic Significance

From time immemorial, in paintings and miniatures, the tree has been a universally present symbol. From the biblical image of the Tree of Life with its symbolic meaning, to the Sioux tribes who depict it at the centre of the world's circle, the tree represents a universal and archetypal image, a symbol connecting earth and sky, with roots anchored to origins and branches reaching towards growth and evolution. If this symbol represents you, celebrate the importance of life and love with a silver bracelet, like the Nomination Composable Classic with a Tree of Life pendant Link, ideal for celebrating a new birth. Looking for something precious to gift for a Communion? The perfect choice would be the bracelet with the Tree of Life symbol in steel with white Cubic Zirconia and a PVD Gold Yellow finish.

Key Symbol: What Does It Mean?

Traditionally, key-shaped pendants were given as gifts to mark the transition to adulthood, signifying the entry of young people into the world of adult responsibilities within the family. In cultures of the Far East, keys are considered a harbinger of "good luck". To symbolise this opening to the world, choose the Composable bracelet with the inscription "Life" and a key with white Cubic Zirconia, or the Composable Classic Link with the double key symbol, perfect for gifting and celebrating a precious and unbreakable bond.

The Symbolic Meaning of the Moon

“The moon, like a flower in the high pergola of heaven, with silent delight sits and smiles at the night” – penned by poet William Blake. The moon has always held great allure in poetry and art, with its symbolic meanings associated with the feminine universe, fertility, and also death and rebirth in the night. An allegory that evokes an image of eternal return, a symbol of cyclical processes. A necklace with a moon-shaped pendant is the ideal gift for dreamers, just as creating a Composable GLAM with a centre Link featuring the Moon symbol.

Yin and Yang Symbol: Meaning

The concept of Yin and Yang is ancient, fundamental to Chinese philosophy and thought. It represents the duality in every element of the Universe: two opposite and complementary entities forming a whole. As night cannot exist without day and vice versa, the action of one permeates the other in Time and Space, creating both microcosm and macrocosm.

Attributed to the feminine nature, Yin, and the masculine, Yang, Nomination offers this symbol on various Yin Yang Links (including heart-shaped!), as well as on Composable Glam bracelets, both in steel and steel with PVD finishing.

Meaning of the Egyptian (“Eye of Horus”) and Greek Eye

Regarded by ancient Egyptians as an emblem of royalty and perfection, the “Eye of Horus” (god of the sky and sun), commonly known as the “Egyptian eye,” carries complex meanings. Painted on the prows of ships and during funeral ceremonies as a guide in the known and unknown world. Also a symbol of prosperity and good health, it extends the best wishes to your loved ones, with the Composable Tile in gold and enamel.

You might also have seen the famous “Greek eye” in blue, but what is its meaning? Known also as “Eye of Allah” or “Nazar,” in Muslim culture countries like Turkey, it has been used as a charm against the “evil eye” since ancient times. But why blue? In the Aegean countries, blue eyes were rare and began to be associated with misfortune. If you want to give a symbol that is also a wish for good luck, opt for the Link in gold and natural hard stone, or for the bracelet with the Greek eye embellished with white crystals.

The Dragonfly and Its Symbolic Meaning

Distinctive and elegant, the dragonfly is a symbol of transformation and change, but also of meditation and reflective thought, aimed at going beyond appearances to seek one's identity. In European culture, the dragonfly is considered a symbol of freedom, peace, and the pursuit of truth. Express your personality and essence with the Link with a dragonfly symbol in steel and gold, or if you love Link with pendants, with the dragonfly in steel, 925 silver, and Cubic Zirconia.

The Hand of Fatima: Its Spiritual Meaning

The Hand of Fatima is an esoteric symbol linked to ancient female deities, with symbolism from the cults of the Sumerian and Babylonian civilizations. Still widespread across the Middle East, used in the Muslim religion as a symbol of patience, seriousness, faith, self-control, and temperance. The Hand of Fatima is known in the Jewish religion as the Hand of Miriam, Moses's sister, and in the Christian religion of the East. To express your inner spirituality, choose a Link in steel and stones with a Hand of Fatima pendant, or the bracelet with the Hand of Fatima in steel and with white crystals.

Knot: Its Symbolic Meaning

A symbol of union, promise, love, marriage, but also an allegory of family ties and community connections. For the ancient Egyptians, knots represented eternal life. In Chinese symbolism, the knot is a symbol of good luck and embodies the bond with positive energy to overcome an obstacle. The knot is also the unit of measure for nautical speed, a symbol linked to the sea. For him, creating a Composable with the Link featuring the symbol of the knot, an important symbol of union, is perfect, while for her, the Link with the love knot symbol will be perfect.

The Turtle and Its Meaning

Connected to both the universe and the earth, the turtle is defined as wise and a bearer of truth in many fables. For the Maya, the turtle was connected to the stars and constellations. The shell would represent the celestial vault. Orion's shield is called a turtle in the Yucatec language, and the Moon god is depicted with armour made of turtle shields. It represents tenacity, resilience, strength, and also longevity. If you identify with this particular animal, the turtle symbol is the Link for you, and if you are looking for a precious version of this animal-symbol, you will fall in love with the Link with a turtle-shaped pendant.

This journey through some of the most important symbols in history and cultures of the world has come to an end. Wear from the Nomination jewellery collection the symbol that most represents you, and gift your loved ones with the one that best suits their personality.