Why We Make Symbolic Jewellery: The Meaning Behind Talismans and Runes

Jewellery has always carried meaning. Long before it became purely decorative, people wore small objects as reminders of belief, protection or identity.

At The Middle Green, each piece is designed and handcrafted in a small workshop in Wiltshire, just outside Swindon. The work focuses on symbolic forms, natural textures and jewellery intended to be worn for many years.

Many of the collections draw on runes, talismans and traditional symbols that have been worn across cultures for centuries.

Why Jewellery Has Always Carried Meaning

Jewellery has rarely been only decorative. Across different cultures and time periods, small objects worn on the body have often carried symbolic value. Rings have marked commitment, pendants have represented belief or protection, and simple pieces of metal have been used to signify belonging.

Part of the power of jewellery comes from its permanence. Precious metals endure. They are shaped slowly, worn daily, and often kept for many years. Because of that durability, jewellery becomes a natural place for meaning to live.

A piece might mark a moment in life, represent a personal value, or simply remind someone of something important. Over time it stops being just an object and becomes part of someone’s story.

Symbols in Jewellery

Symbols have long appeared in jewellery because they allow meaning to be expressed quietly. A single mark or shape can hold layers of interpretation while remaining visually simple.

Many cultures developed symbolic forms that appeared repeatedly on tools, jewellery, and everyday objects. These shapes were not always intended as decoration. Often they represented ideas such as protection, direction, growth, or connection to the natural world.

Today the same idea still resonates. People are often drawn to jewellery that carries a subtle sense of significance. Rather than choosing a piece purely for appearance, they choose something that feels aligned with their own story or beliefs.

Why I Work With Runes and Talismans

Symbols appear frequently in my work because they bring intention into the design. Instead of focusing purely on ornamentation, the piece begins with an idea. This approach sits at the centre of the Seidr collection, where each piece carries a single rune chosen for its meaning rather than decoration.

Runes in particular have always interested me. Their shapes are simple and direct, yet each one carries a meaning connected to nature, change, protection or movement. When used in jewellery, the rune becomes a quiet mark rather than a loud motif.

Talismans follow a similar logic. A claw protecting a stone, a compass symbol suggesting direction, or a form inspired by natural structures. These pieces are designed to feel personal rather than decorative.

The aim is not to create jewellery that demands attention, but jewellery that feels meaningful to the person wearing it.

Choosing Jewellery With Meaning

There is no single rule for choosing symbolic jewellery. Some people spend time researching the meaning behind symbols or stones, while others simply feel drawn to a particular form.

Both approaches are valid. Symbols have always been interpreted differently by different people.

The important thing is that the piece resonates with the wearer. Jewellery that carries meaning tends to be worn more often and kept for longer. Over time it gathers small marks, memories and associations.

In that sense the symbolism does not end with the design. It continues through the life of the person wearing it.

Written by Tom McDanielson, goldsmith and founder of The Middle Green, a handcrafted jewellery studio based in Wiltshire near Swindon.