Translating Symbolism in Jewellery: The Serpent & The Flowers

Throughout history, jewellery has been far more than just a decorative accessory. It is an intimate expression of self – a quiet yet powerful communicator of identity, status, culture and belief. Each piece tells a story, holding personal meaning while reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of its creation.

Our newest collection, The Serpent & The Flowers explores the connection between jewellery and the unseen – portals to a godly dimension, viewed through the lens of symbolism. 

A response to early spiritualists and visionary female artists such as Hildegard von Binge, Suzanne Duchamp, Leonora Carrington and Hilma af Klint who explored the mysteries of existence through vibrant colour fields and profound symbolism, our collection too, speaks to the timeless human desire to commune with the unseen. 

As expressed by our Creative Director, Davina: “I am drawn to the relationship between symbolism in abstract art and the talismanic power of jewellery. Both hold intention, carry energy and serve as vessels for something beyond the material. This collection channels that symbolic power – transforming form into meaning, metal into story and adornment into connection. Our designs draw from these themes, rooted in the earth, the stars and the artist’s soul. Here, serpents and flowers bloom in the garden of the mind, where the conscious and unconscious merge. These pieces reflect the eternal search of those who look to the cosmos, the depths and within themselves for meaning.” 

Discover the symbolism behind the key motifs within The Serpent & The Flowers… 

Snakes

One of the primary references in our latest collection is the serpent. Often associated with transformation, passion and rebirth – the snake symbolises the cyclical nature of life and the shedding of old skin to make way for new beginnings. Also representing wisdom, esoteric knowledge and intuition, its meaning is inspired by a snake’s ability to navigate the world – slithering through the path of deep understanding that comes from embracing both light and shadow.

Within Chinese culture and mythology, the snake represents the yin and yang duality, acting as a bridge between the sun (yang/masculine energy) and the moon (yin/feminine energy). A symbol of harmony, yin and yang represents opposing forces such as known and unknown, masculine and feminine, rational and instinctual, viewing them as interrelated and necessary.  

Flowers

Across cultures and centuries, flowers have been a timeless symbol of emotion – whispering love, honouring memory and celebrating beauty in their fleeting, delicate form. One of our artistic muses, Hilma af Klint, viewed flowers as spiritual beings and a window into the human condition, expressing concepts such as the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Exploring the deep parallels between the natural and spiritual realms through her botanical drawings, Hilma perceived nature as a mirror of the soul, revealing truths about our own mortality. Within her art, roses stood for masculinity while lilies represented femininity. 

Different flower types and colours carry specific meanings and within our latest collection we feature camellias and wild roses. Traditionally, camellias and roses represent love and devotion. More specifically, camellias symbolise perfection and excellence due to their symmetrical flower growth. Within Japanese culture, camellias are revered and deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual life, representing  loyalty, humility and perseverance. In art and literature, roses signify secrecy. The Latin phrase “sub rosa” actually translates to “under the rose”, indicating that something is meant to be kept hush-hush. 

Swans

Admired for their dignified and tranquil appearance, swans are frequently seen in Greek mythology and perceived as ethereal. Referred to as the “birds of the Muses”, it also plays a key role in the story of Leda and the Swan, where Zeus, the king of gods, disguises himself as a beautiful swan – associating it with transformation. Linked with beauty and grace, swans reflect the attributes of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. They also share a strong connection with Apollo, son of Zeus and god of music (amongst other things) as they’re often depicted singing to his lyre. 

Interpreted as a symbol of growth, the childhood story of The Ugly Duckling who grows into a beautiful swan emphasises themes of acceptance, awakening and overcoming adversity. 

A monogamous creature, swans tend to mate for life and are often seen in pairs, hence why they are symbolic of love and devotion.

Spirals 

Spirals represent one of humanity's most ancient and enduring geometric forms. Archaeological evidence traces their presence in artwork dating back to the Neolithic era – a time preceding the development of written language. More than a mere artistic motif, spirals are one of the most common patterns found in nature, manifesting in a diversity of contexts, from animal shells to weather patterns and even galaxies. A powerful symbol of the cyclical nature of life (life, death and rebirth), evolution and the interconnectedness of all things, it was often present in Klint’s abstract art, offering a bidirectional view of evolution from the physical to spiritual and vice versa.

Hand 

The hand is a popular symbol that holds many meanings across different cultures and historical eras. Whether applied in art or jewellery designs, the hand can be interpreted in various ways depending on the gesture and position. From strength and power, to protection and blessings, friendship and connection – it’s open to interpretation. 

Without a doubt, the most recognised hand motif in jewellery design is the Hamsa hand. Represented by the right hand with an open palm and five fingers, it’s an ancient symbol of protection, strength and good fortune. 

Whether it’s a statement piece or subtle addition, the language of jewellery speaks volumes – both seen and unseen. Our most visionary collection to date, The Serpent & The Flowers is launching on April 10. Sign up for updates and VIP access here.