Xinar has dozens of collections of animal charms for jewelry making, and creatives shop here all the time for their sterling silver charms, as well as metal beads and findings. But what truly makes animal charms so interesting for working in jewelry making? People use pet charms, wild animal charms, and all sorts of designs to embellish their handcrafted jewelry, and the interest in animal charms hasn’t waned. On the contrary, animal charms are reinvented in every era to align with the changing tastes of those who buy and wear them.
Animal Charms and Animals in Art
Jewelry-making is a craft, and using animal charms for artistic purposes is no different from sketching, drawing, painting, sculpting, and other forms of self-expression art. Moreover, we find a strong link between animal charms and other animal symbolism in our natural fascination with the natural world.
Artists have long found motivation in the natural world. Animals and our local ecosystems can be viewed and connected in novel ways thanks to the various textures, colors, and forms. More creatures than we can count are a part of our daily life. Animals and nature hold special meaning for many people, from the pets who share our homes to the wildlife that inhabits our neighborhoods.
While we share a planet with other species, we live in very different realities. Artists who portray animals, however, build connections to the non-human world that allow those depicted to thrive in ways that defy human expectations. The first drawings of animals in caves likely sprang from a desire to show game.
Not only are these drawings striking for their realism and vitality, but a recent study found that they also more precisely reflect the gait of four-legged creatures than works by artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Picasso said, “We have learned nothing in twelve thousand years” when cave paintings were discovered at Lascaux, France, 1940. Tribal art is found on every continent and often contains a fusion of human and animal characteristics meant to represent the close relationship between humans and their natural surroundings. Animals are depicted in ancient Near Eastern art with a realism rarely seen elsewhere. Animal interactions shaped their world, inspiring various artistic expressions, from painted pottery and clay sculptures to carved stone and precious metal. Their images conjured up ideas of deity, monarchy, and the bountiful Earth.
Animals were depicted in many ways in Ancient Egypt, from amulets and charms that supposedly carried the soul of the Animal they were meant to protect to religious images of specific deities as animals. Animals would also appear in comedic situations engaged in human activities; for example, a lion and an antelope would sit in chairs and play chess, or a goat would play the lyre for a dancing bear.
Real and imaginary animals both were significant subjects for medieval artists and writers. Artists frequently used animal motifs in their creative palette, using a wide range of familiar creatures and mythological beasts to embellish sacred documents or to provide an air of majesty or even humor to otherwise mundane objects. Symbolic connotations attached themselves to these images frequently. For example, the lamb in Christian art represents Christ’s sacrifice for humanity, while the griffin represents a guardian of the afterlife. Pet urns, burial sites, and grave memorials with significant symbolic connotations all feature animals depicted in death from various periods. Animals with symbolic meanings include birds in flight (the “winged soul”), lions (God’s power) (often carved in stone to guard a tomb), butterflies (loyalty and the deceased’s lovability), dolphins (resurrection), fish (faith), and horses (courage or generosity). In the Middle Ages, animal lore had both a practical interest in animals people knew and utilized and a spiritual, even mystical, interest in animals.
The Bestiary emerged in medieval Europe in the twelfth century as a compendium of animal descriptions and interpretations for use as both a natural history and a series of moral and religious lessons. These stunning assemblages sparked countless creative ideas by providing unique animal interpretations and stories about the existence of unusual creatures.
By the 17th century, the phrase “animal painter” had come into use to describe an artist who focused on depicting animals. In many cases, the main subject or the landscape background would be painted in collaboration with artists specializing in other areas. For example, the great Baroque animal painter Frans Snyders frequently worked with Peter Paul Rubens. Particularly well-liked was the hunting scene, which depicted tense, ultimately fatal encounters between man and beast.
Animals were formerly at the core of human life, where they were enslaved and worshiped, given supernatural powers and human characteristics. These creatures vanished throughout the 19th-century urban industrialization process, only to reappear as machines and then as mere raw materials. The unique and equal relationship that animals once shared with humans had been depleted by such use. The creation of the domestic pet only served to highlight further the gap that had opened up between man and nature due to the marginalization of animals. The way they are portrayed in art will change significantly because of this.
Wild Animal Charms for Jewelry-Making
The natural world and “the wild” are vital sources of meaning and inspiration in crafting and jewelry-making. Below are some of the most popular animals and wild animal charms you can use in your designs, with their accompanying meanings and symbolism.
Monkeys represent good fortune and prosperity in many different civilizations. The monkey represents good fortune in Chinese culture. Monkeys have a positive connotation in Japanese society. The Hindu monkey god Hanuman is also a symbol of bravery and strength.
As a result, monkeys are widely regarded as auspicious symbols across the board. The appearance of a monkey in your dreams or waking life may be a warning of future success. It’s also possible that the monkey stands for some facet of yourself that brings you good fortune. However, monkeys are generally seen favorably; in certain cultures, they are even considered omens of bad luck. Monkeys are frequently employed as symbols of evil and temptation in Christian art. In addition, several Native American societies view monkeys as symbols of deception and dishonesty.
So, while monkeys are generally seen favorably, there are some outliers. Consider the circumstances and how you feel about monkeys if you ever see one in a dream or in real life. Because of your prior experience with monkeys, it is possible that they now represent problems in your life.
If you’ve never seen a Kangaroo, you might think it’s just an enormous rabbit. The comparison is natural since kangaroos are found exclusively in Australia and a few zoos worldwide. Natural characteristics, Australian folklore, and astrology provide much of the Kangaroo’s symbolism and meaning. Were you born under the sign of Aries? You’re a Kangaroo in Kangaroo’s home territory! Leadership, strength, ambition, charity, humor, autonomy, and boundless energy are all attributes of this sign.
Kangaroos are known for their unique jumping ability. Kangaroo jumps in any direction, whether toward something novel or away from something unpleasant. Kangaroos jump to avoid predators, which is why they have pouches. The Animal emblematizes flexibility, resilience, self-control, and sound decision-making.
Kangaroos have four toes on each rear foot. Foundations, self-control, structure, realism, and decisiveness are all associated with the number four in Numerology. In this context, Kangaroo can mean either taking a risk after much thought and planning or preparing for a significant life change by waiting, watching, and constructing. The current situation will assist you in choosing the best course of action.
Kangaroo feet are excellent for connecting to the Earth. The Animal’s extraordinary poise represents your capacity to keep your bearings and travel through the world without losing equilibrium. Maintaining your equilibrium through roundedness enhances your manifestation potential.
Carelessness and recklessness are common traits among koalas. They could be rash and impetuous, acting before considering things. Furthermore, koalas are notoriously tough to change their ideas or behavior. They may come out as arrogant or naive if they haven’t seen much of the world. The koala spirit animal might not be the ideal fit if you’re looking for a steady and predictable friend. However, their easygoing demeanor and unwavering loyalty can make them lifelong pals.
The koala’s easygoing demeanor has made it a famous emblem for repose. Since koalas are so devoted to their loved ones, they are also a symbol of loyalty. The koala’s wide-eyed curiosity and childlike nature make it a potential emblem of innocence.
The koala has been a symbol of ease and purity since ancient times. The koala is now also a symbol of devotion, family, and friendship in our modern world. Because of the koala’s affinity for the natural world, those who value environmental themes often choose it as a symbol. An excellent character for imparting valuable life lessons is the koala. For this reason, the cute fuzzy creature has been featured in children’s literature for decades.
Regarding spirit animals, the wolf has some of the most profound implications. When unleashed, the wolves might unleash instinct, intelligence, a hunger for freedom, and an understanding of the value of community. On the other hand, this Animal can also represent insecurity and wariness in social situations. Pay attention to your gut instincts when the wolf appears in your life.
The positive interpretations of this word center on the importance of following one’s gut. A pessimistic interpretation of the wolf could be a lack of trust in yourself or others or an awareness that you are vulnerable. This totem animal is also symbolic of acute insight when solving complex problems.
If the wolf’s presence makes you feel unsafe, think about how your baser instincts and emotions could endanger you or those around you. Your power animal may appear in this form to forewarn you about the predatory tendencies of someone close to you.
If the wolf is your totem animal or spirit guide, you likely thirst for independence and are motivated by your gut. It’s possible that having a wolf appear as a spirit animal in your life is a sign that you should unleash your inner passion and embrace life to the fullest.
When wolves come as spirit guides, it may be a sign that you must examine what helps you be your actual, unique self and express it freely. The wolf totem serves as a gentle reminder to keep your fire burning and to rely on your innate wisdom to guide you to the right path.
Wild tigers can be found in Asia and Siberia. As a result, the myths and stories surrounding them also tend to originate in those areas. Tigers generally represent power, cunning, grandeur, autonomy, and immortality.
White tigers are a rare genetic variation of the Bengal tiger, but they also carry symbolic significance. Despite our long history of exploiting white tigers and forcing them into incestuous breeding, a white tiger born healthy from the start is nevertheless held in high regard in many cultures.
In contrast to the lion’s more nebulous status as the “king of beasts” in many Western civilizations, the tiger is generally regarded as such in Eastern cultures and among Siberians. This is because lions were never a part of Eastern culture in a way that would inspire early respect for them. Because of their widespread distribution across Asia, tigers have been the subject of extensive mythology and symbolism. According to the lunar calendar, the tiger is one of the twelve zodiac animals that symbolize fierceness and power. The other signs of the zodiac look up to him in reverence. Different parts of Asia also have myths and legends about tigers.
The gorilla teaches us the importance of living in the now. However, that doesn’t imply you can’t have any downtime. Instead, pay close attention to details. On your travels, keep your eyes peeled. By observing what’s around you, you can better understand your place in the world.
Being gentle is another lesson we may learn from the gorilla. They have superhuman strength but never resort to violence. Gorillas are gentle and affectionate beings who get along well with others. They are a gentle reminder that justice and affection have their place alongside authority and strength. The appearance of gorillas in fiction dates back hundreds of years. There’s a gorilla in The Odyssey, and Homer wrote about them. They’ve also had a significant cultural legacy in pop culture. Probably the most well-known gorilla is King Kong. Unfortunately, the once-friendly giant gorilla has developed a violent streak.
Recently, gorillas have come to represent the green movement. They are frequently featured in commercials and advertisements that aim to educate the public on the importance of reforestation and the perils of deforestation.
The gorilla is a powerful symbol that can represent many different meanings. Gentle giants, gorillas are still fiercely loyal to their group. They will do all it takes to safeguard their loved ones. Because of their unwavering devotion, they make great spirit animals for travelers needing both aid and company.
The bat symbolizes many things, including cooperation, longevity, agility, equilibrium, luck, progress, and even the supernatural. More than 1,400 species of bats have been identified, and they can be found in every habitat on Earth except the driest and coldest places. That’s why you’ll find bats included in the mythology and folklore of various countries. In addition, people who deeply connect to these fascinating flying mammals often look to the bat spirit animal as a significant spiritual guide.
Some bats are solitary, but most prefer to share enormous colonies with hundreds of thousands of other bats. In addition, researchers believe that bats share information about good roosting spots among themselves. As a result, bats signify group dynamics.
The bat symbolizes community because it understands the importance of belonging to a group with similar values. If the bat spirit animal speaks to you or a bat suddenly appears, it may be a sign that you need to draw on the group’s strength more. The bat symbolizes the need to seek out like-minded people for professional or personal reasons.
The bat represents a long and fruitful life, with its finest years ahead. Bats are the only species that improve with age. The bat is a symbol of wisdom and maturity and is a constant reminder that you can’t put a price on experience.
Consider the bat’s longevity the next time you think about something in your life—a relationship, your health, a project—that you want to last. The vitality of bats ensures that they will stand the test of time.
