The Zodiac Jewels To Suit Your Star Sign
For centuries, cultures around the world have turned to the magic and mysticism of the constellations. CHARLIE BOYD speaks to the jewelry designers interpreting the zodiac in their own unique way, from shaman-blessed pendants to diamond-set medallions
Sagittarius
The traditional motif of Sagittarius is a centaur, a creature said to interpret the future from the stars. Brooke Gregson’s 14-karat-gold pendants are embellished with the scintillating Sagittarius constellation, rather than the centaur itself. “The beauty of a constellation is that, from a distance, it’s not seen as a literal image, so there can also be a sense of mystery to this type of zodiac jewel,” explains Gregson.
Capricorn
“Symbols help us to explain what is beyond the cognitive knowledge we have, and reveal important intuitive material,” says Andrea Arare, the divine feminine priestess and shamanic healer who blesses each of Star Animal Sundays’ jewels before they wing their way to their new owners. “Similarly, astrology helps us to make sense of the energies that are already impacting us and utilize that influence to our advantage.” Capricorn energy is hailed as intense, which aligns with the brand’s ‘Horse’ pendant, said to represent a driven, passionate force.
Aquarius
“The stars remain through time – something consistent, something reliable, something long-lasting – I think we find meaning and comfort in that,” says Baylee Zwart, founder of Azlee. “I do believe that the best place to look for life’s answers is nature,” adds the designer, who as a keen surfer is hugely influenced by the ocean. Aquarius is a water sign, depicted alongside the other 11 symbols upon Azlee’s 18-karat gold-and-diamond medallion pendant.
Pisces
When Beth Bugdaycay, founder of New York brand Foundrae, was navigating the signs of the zodiac within her collections, it was important to her that each piece had a unique design, with differing backgrounds and borders, as she envisioned them being worn together in a precious bundle. “I hope to illuminate the roles of not just our sun sign, but also the moon and ascendant signs, so that we can recognize how complex and multi-faceted each of us is,” she explains.
Aries
“Usually, the animal we resonate with carries a meaning related to some needed guidance or confirmation of our lives,” says Arare. “The blessing on each Star Animal Sundays piece brings protection for the person wearing it and activates the power that is innate to the animal represented in each piece of jewelry,” she explains. Aries is a fire sign, known for fiery impulses – and this driven determination is represented by a strong and powerful ram.
Taurus
“Being from Los Angeles, I come from a community that believes in astrology like a science,” says Anita Ko, whose zodiac jewels are crafted from 18-karat gold and diamonds. “Most astrology believers feel very connected to their zodiac sign and it acts as a kind of personal emblem,” she explains. While the traditional Taurus animal is a bull, Taurean hedonism is said to appreciate great beauty, so this is the ideal sign for natural magpies.
Gemini
Recognized as an air sign, Geminis may look to the skies for divine inspiration. “I grew up with a mother who was a big believer in astrology, spirituality and the power of crystals, so it was definitely in my blood,” says Gregson. “Years later, when I came across an old, beaten-up coin that looked just like the surface of the moon, I began a quest to create an astrology collection that incorporated my love of texture, the stars and symbolism,” she adds.
Cancer
“The zodiac signs were an important part of Ancient Greek culture, which is an era we reference heavily,” says Zwart. “I wanted to merge these Ancient Greek symbols with our modern-day zodiac signs, so our coins feature both. I am fascinated by how these symbols and interpretations have stood the test of time, and are still so relevant in our culture today.” Cancer is a water sign, and often illustrated by a crab – the hard-shelled crustacean symbolizes resilience and potent intuition.
Leo
“For me, the fact that our birth charts help us to gain insight into our own characters is a basic axiom; I think it’s important to know what our natural tendencies are and then we can make choices with more clarity,” says Bugdaycay. Foundrae’s zodiac bracelets feature elongated chain links and a central gold pebble that subtly bears each star sign. The ‘Leo’ bracelet is crafted from 18-karat gold – a precious token to express a Leo’s innate confidence and charisma.
Virgo
The Virgo sign represents free-spirited adventure – the perfect candidate to carry a protective talisman. “Rather than just an ornate abstract bauble that means nothing and has no significance – or depth of connection in a spiritual, mental or emotional sense – a talisman represents truth,” says the founder of Star Animal Sundays.
Libra
“I think people love to represent themselves and honor who they are with our Zodiac collection,” says Anita Ko. Known as the ultimate incarnation of balance, level-headedness and peaceful compromise, Libra symbolism is brought to life with miniature scales upon Ko’s 18-karat-gold necklace, set with scintillating diamonds. The perfect piece to be layered within a symbolic set of precious pendants.
Scorpio
“Just as sailors were able to use the stars to navigate their way in life, there is something special about wearing your constellation that identifies your characteristics and allows a point of self-reference,” says Gregson. “Throughout the ages, the stars have given a sense of clarity and identity to people,” she adds. Scorpios are said to exude a magnetic allure, which can only be enhanced with a subtle sprinkling of diamonds.