You have probably seen strange people wearing black attire and using heavy black and white make-up. These are Goths. Their flaunt jewellery featuring skulls, scarabs, crosses, bats, and other symbols. For some people, these symbols are shocking. But they don’t really mean anything evil. Although there is some sort of ideology behind Gothic imagery, Goths wish no harm to anyone. Their look is just a way to stand out among the crowd.
Inspiration from the Past
The roots of the Gothic style dates back to the distant Middle Ages, probably the most mysterious period in the history of mankind. Some styles have their finest hour for a while and then they fall into the oblivion that lasts forever. Other styles always make a comeback. They return each time repeating their look but, at the same time, bringing vital changes. Gothic style is of this kind. Modern Gothic has features formed back in the Middle ages but some of its elements occurred just a few decades ago, which in the historical context, is just yesterday.
Which elements of its look did Gothic inherit from the past and which ones are inventions of this day and age? The Middle Ages gave a religious background to Gothic art. It can be seen in crosses, icons of saints, and various Christian symbols such as doves, prickly plants, marine motifs, etc. Along with that, Gothic revived the spirit of chivalry with such themes as knights, daggers, swords, dragons, crowns, etc. The modern trends in Gothic lean toward images of the otherworld and vampirism including pentagrams, bats, skulls, coffins, etc.
Types of Gothic Jewellery
When we say Gothic jewellery, we don’t imply a single style. In fact, Gothic is a collection of trends with the same idea but different execution.
Some of the better-known offshoots of the Gothic style are Victorian, Renaissance, Antiquity, and Romantic Goth. Items influenced by these trends are the most elegant and luxurious. They benefit from the pallor of white metals – platinum, white gold and silver – that contrasts large shiny stones in vibrant finishes. Gothic is fond of green, blue, and purple colours that excellently blend with white metals and black clothes. These styles of Gothic don’t necessarily carry ominous symbols but they create the aura of mystery courtesy of intricate vintage-looking patterns, beautiful yet arcane. Such jewellery is deliberately feminine.
The opposite of Romantic styles is Androgynous Goth. It offers unisex jewellery suitable for both men and women. You won’t see many swirls and roses on these ring and pendants. Instead, they utilize spikes, studs, chains, leather, and some of the common symbols of the Goth subcultures.
Fetish Goths enjoy shocking. Therefore, they use fetish objects in their style including chains, handcuffs, bandages, and chokers heavily adorned with lacing and symbols of witchcraft or otherworldly forces. Instead of expensive precious metals and gemstones, such jewellery is made of steel and artificial stones.
The Vampire Goth style is built upon the ideas of vampires and creatures living in the dark. It comes as no surprise that its symbolic component includes bats, cobwebs, coffins, Ankh, and other images associated with the concept of death and life.
What Was Gothic Like in The Middle Ages?
Medieval Gothic is chain pendants complemented with gem-clad pendants, buckles embellished with vibrant gemstones and religious symbols, as well as agraffes (clasps) adorned with love symbols (pierced hearts, roses, etc.) and given to beloved ones. Men used to wear quite large rings carrying precious stones and enamels with religious themes.
Besides jewellery, Gothic designs spread onto crowns, swords, shields, etc. Both jewellery and dresses of that time benefited from velvet, leather, lace, and pearl inserts. Diamonds and white pearls placed on the background of black velvet and lace fabric looked stunning. Needless to say, only affluent and noble individuals could afford jewellery back then.
Who Can Wear Gothic Jewelry?
Gothic jewellery items can be divided into two large groups – those that draw inspiration from historical styles and those that are worn by followers of subcultures. The former group is solemnity, lush ornamentation, femininity, and eye-catching quality. If you’re going to a met gala even, solemn reception, or any event that requires you to put on a nice gown, Gothic jewellery can become a beneficial addition to your look. After all, every well-known fashion brand has its own luxurious collection of Gothic-inspired jewellery. These items are not for everyday wear because they are too large and heavy; they simply steal the show.
Jewellery for Goths isn’t that intricate and sophisticated. Some of its creations you can adopt for daily wear such as chokers, studded earrings, and silver rings with floral patterns. Just keep it simple and Gothic can easily blend with your everyday life.
Some people say that the darkness of Gothic attracts individuals who have psychological problems, complexes, prone to depression and even suicide. They, so to say, don’t fit society’s expectations so they choose the dark side of living. Of course, such a notion of Goths and Gothic is incorrect. On the contrary, it is a choice of bold men and femme fatale. They are not afraid to flaunt their signature style and know what best suits their individuality.
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