No, by jewelry and the darkside, we are not referring to Darth Vader's
dark side of the force. However, the idea of jewelry inspired by
Anakin Skywalker, the Sith and his Emperor sure is tantalizing. Here,
if you think more about the likes of Morticia Addams of the Addams
family, then you're on the right track. Gothic jewelry is the type of
jewelry that the likes of her would wear: mysterious, brooding, yet
elegant. Viewed this way, jewelry and the darkside certainly can go
hand in hand.
Gothic jewelry, or darkside jewelry, as opposed to 'light,' evokes
images of the macabre and the preternatural: vampires, the dead and
undead, spirits, black magic and the black arts. As such, artisans
craft items that would appeal to a person's dark or gothic side. There
is an abundance of e-commerce websites and specialty stores whose
emphasis is on jewelry and the darkside. In these places, a person
will be able to find gothic jewelry such as pentacle pendants, gothic
cross necklaces, spider-and-web piercings, and more.
Also known as pagan jewelry, gothic body ornaments are made from many
types of materials, but they are typically available in gold, sterling
silver and pewter. They may come plain or be encrusted with jewels.
Many pieces of gothic jewelry have their roots in esoteric sources,
such as signs and symbols used in ancient Egyptian lore or those
employed in Celtic rituals. Other pieces of gothic jewelry are
timeless icons representing the eerie: coffin-shaped rings, heavily
ornate cross brooches, earrings shaped like the heads of howling
wolves.
Slave bracelets, also known as handflowers or maille bracelets, are
also popular examples of gothic jewelry. These look like chain mail,
or pieces of woven metal. They are different from conventional
bracelets in that they are worn not just on the wrist, but on
practically the whole hand, and their intricate patterns are sure to
attract attention. Bib and choker necklaces are also popular gothic
accessories. Catalogues of gothic jewelry oftentimes include so-called
'poison' rings or bracelets. These items have a small compartment
where the wearer can presumably keep very small or fine materials,
such as powder. Maille, chandelier or dangling earrings are also
available to complete one's overall look of mystery.
Gothic jewelry is easy to wear and can be used to dress up or dress
down. They are easily available and the variety offered is endless.
Because they depict arcane symbols and figures, gothic jewelry imparts
a sense of mystery and secrecy. Popular among both the young and not-
so-young, gothic jewelry may be dark, but not dreary; ornate, but not
tawdry. In fact, it is just the opposite: jewelry and the darkside - a
hauntingly beautiful combination.