Origins

While gothic often refers to the art style commonly seen in 12th century architecture and art, it actually belongs to the Germanic tribes of Western Europe. The word "gothic" is derived from the Visigoths, a tribe of Germanic people who invaded Spain in the late fifth century. The Visigoths were known for their dark, barbaric lifestyle and their love of jewelry.

Visigoths often wore ornate jewlery made from gold, silver, and gemstones. This goth style spread from the Visigoths to the rest of Europe, and it eventually gave rise to the Gothic jewelry style.

A Gothic style is often characterized by its dark, spooky, and ornate elements and was popularized by artists such as Hieronymus Bosch and Michelangelo.

A popular example of gothic art by Michelangelo is his painting of the Last Judgment, which features a number of dark and sinister elements. The Last Judgement depicts the end of the world when sinners are condemned to Hell and angels battle demons. Michelangelo painted the Last Judgement in 1541, and it is now housed in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City

Characteristics of Goth Jewelry

It is a type of jewelry that is characterized by its dark, mysterious, and often macabre designs. Goth jewlery often features skulls, bones, and other symbols of death.

Skulls

Gothic skulls are one of the most popular motifs in gothic jewlery. These skulls can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, and even wood. They are often adorned with gemstones, making them even more striking. Goth skulls are a popular choice for rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Our gothic skull earrings feature reversed decoupage glass cabochon earrings and elegant antiqued brass findings, these earrings are sure to turn heads. 

Bones

Bones in gothic jewelry often take the form of crosses. These bones crosses are often made from metal and can be quite ornate. They are a popular choice for necklaces and pendants. Bones are vintage goth accessories and originated when the Catholic Church used crosses made from bones as symbols of death and resurrection.

Bats

Bats in gothic jewlery are often seen as a symbol of death. They are often used in rings, earrings, and pendants. Bats in gothic jewlery originated from the Victorian era when they were often used to symbolize mortality. The Victorian era is from 1837 to 1901 and was a time of great social change in England when Queen Victoria ruled. It was also a time from which multiple gothic elements originate. Make sure to check out our Witchy Victorian Bat Earrings.

Ravens

Ravens in gothic jewelry designs often symbolize death and loss. They are a popular choice for rings, bracelets, and earrings. Gothic ravens sometimes even often have gemstones in their eyes, making them even more striking. Ravens were first used in gothic jewlery when the Victorians began to associate them with the dark, gothic aesthetic. Make sure to check out our Gothic Raven and Full Moon Necklace.

Snakes

Snakes are also very popular in goth jewelry designs. They often symbolize sin, temptation, and evil. Snakes were first used in gothic designs in the Victorian era when they were seen as a symbol of the devil.

Snake are often featured in rings with the snake coiled around the finger. The snake ring is a popular choice for gothic jewelry lovers. Snake rings, in particular, have significance. Make sure to check out our piece about the significance of a snake ring. 

Crosses

Crosses are often used in gothic jewelry as a symbol of Christianity. They are often made from metal and can be quite ornate. Crosses in gothic jewelry often have gemstones or other adornments.

Ankhs

The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents life. It is often used in gothic jewelry as a symbol of eternal life. The ankh is often featured in rings, necklaces, and pendants.

Wolves

Wolves are another popular motif in gothic jewelry designs. They often symbolize power, strength, and ferocity. Wolves were first used in gothic designs in the Medieval era when they were often seen as a symbol of the devil. The Medieval era spans from the fifth to the fifteenth century.

Materials used in Gothic Jewlery

It is also often made from dark materials such as black diamonds, onyx, and obsidian.

Black Diamonds

One of the most popular materials for gothic jewelry is black diamonds. These diamonds are often used to create dark and spooky designs. They are a popular choice for rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Onyx

Onyx is a popular material in gothic jewellery designs . It is often used to create black and spooky designs. Onyx is a type of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz. It is a popular choice for rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Obsidian

Obsidian is also commonly used in gothic jewellery designs . It is a type of volcanic glass that is often used to create dark and spooky designs. You can tell obsidian from onyx by its shiny luster.

Silver

Silver in gothic jewelry is often used to create dark and spooky designs. Silver was first used in goth jewelry designs when the Victorians began to use it to create jewelry that contrasted with the dark designs of gothic jewlery.

Gold

Gold is also often used in gothic jewelry designs. It is often used to create light and airy designs and was popularized during the Victorian era by elites.

Types of Gothic Jewelry

Gothic jewelry can include a variety of different types of jewelry, from rings and necklaces to earrings and bracelets.

Rings

Gothic style rings are often made from dark materials such as black diamonds, onyx, and obsidian. They often feature spooky designs such as snakes, bats, and spiders creatively woven between the wearers' fingers. They are commonly worn one at a time, on multiple fingers, or even multiple on a single finger. The finger that you wear the ring on also comes with significance. Check out our piece on what the index finger means for a man.

Necklaces

Gothic style necklaces come in many styles including pendants and chokers. Pendants are perfect for adding a witchy element to any outfit while chokers range in material from lace to leather. You will definitely want to check out our Gothic Steampunk Clock Pendant Necklace, which is a perfect homage to the Victorian era. 

Earrings

Gothic style earrings range from classic vintage gothic earrings with silver and glass to more modern designs with spikes and chains. Make sure to check out our Hand and Moon Earrings which are the perfect blend of gothic and witchy.