Chimeras, dragons and unicorns…oh my! Fantastical stories about the magical powers of these mythical beasts always entertain, making them a favorite motif in jewelry design through the centuries. These legendary creatures have captured the imagination of everyone including jewelers who have created opulent, jeweled versions of these animals, each with its own special meaning and all with a message of protection and luck.
The Ancient Chimera
The chimera was originally introduced in Greek mythology, with one of the earliest descriptions of the creature coming from Homer’s “lliad”. It is a hybrid animal with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a serpent. The chimera is often portrayed as female, despite the lion’s head with a mane of fur, you’ll see ears, which signals the creature as feminine. The chimera features in Greek mythology as a fearsome beast that was killed by Prince Bellerophon when he dropped the lead tip of his spear into its mouth as he flew by on Pegasus. The chimera, which breathes fire, let out a blast of heat that melted the metal, causing the creature to suffocate. Today, the term chimera describes any creature that is a hybrid of different animals. The curling form of the chimera lends itself particularly well to rings and bracelets. You’ll sometimes find chimera jewelry with a head carved from hardstone and a body with enamel, embellished with diamonds, but this mythical hybrid is a favorite of jewelry designers and may be constructed any way that a jeweler can imagine it.
Dragons From the East and West
Dragons have different symbology depending upon whether they are inspired by Eastern cultures in Asia or Western cultures in Europe. In Asia, the dragon was revered, while in Europe it was often feared. In Eastern culture the dragon is said to bring wisdom, power, abundance and good fortune. These dragons are associated with rulers and authority, often having five claws symbolizing imperial authority and divine presence. Western dragons are usually fierce, representing the dark side, but once tamed, they are also benevolent companions helping to defeat evil. These dragons are also notable as guardians of treasure and protectors of family honor. Intricately designed dragon jewelry was often created with gold that has been worked to show the dragon’s scales and a formidable, or friendly, face. Dragon themed jewelry was especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s when Eastern influences were important in fashion and these mystical beings were the perfect complement to some of those styles. Since these creatures are associated with good luck, knowledge and even rebirth, dragon jewelry is often worn as a protective talisman.
The Gentle Unicorn
A unicorn is a mythical animal that has the body, head and mane of a horse with a spiraled horn in the center of its forehead. They are often white, but may also be vibrant rainbow colors. The unicorn has been found in cultures around the world and as far back as the Babylonians and Greeks. Similar creatures are part of Chinese lore as well. Living deep in the heart of the forest, unicorns represent male energy, as well as that which is rare and elusive because they are super-fast and almost impossible to catch. Unicorns are also known to fly over rainbows. This magical creature is symbolic of freedom, purity, innocence and healing, a power that comes from its horn. During the Middle Ages, unicorns were a symbol of Christ. It is said that only those who are “pure of heart” can approach a unicorn, otherwise it will run away if it senses that someone is unkind. Importantly, the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland and is also part of Scotland’s crest of arms originally rendered by William I in the 12th century, unicorns were also featured on Scottish coins. When Scotland and England united in 1707, the unicorn was joined by Britain’s lion, the unicorn rules with harmony while the lion rules by valor. Much like its mythical counterpart, it’s rare to find unicorn jewelry.
Whether you love these mythical creatures for who they are, or if you desire the protection and good fortune of a talisman, these bejeweled beasts will be there for you anytime you choose to wear them for a little bit, or maybe a lot, of luck.
Top of Page: Dragon earring, photo courtesy CottonBroStudio and Pexels.
Authored by Amber Michelle