Across ancient civilizations, people believed that certain materials, symbols, and designs carried spiritual, magical, and protective powers. Unlike modern jewelry, which is often worn for fashion or sentimental value, ancient jewelry was deeply connected to protection, status, and divine energy.
From Egyptian pharaohs wearing amulets to secure their place in the afterlife to Chinese emperors adorned in jade for luck and longevity, jewelry was thought to hold the power to shield against evil, enhance strength, and attract prosperity. Many cultures used specific gemstones, metals, and symbols to channel protective energy, while others believed jewelry could serve as a bridge between humans and the gods.
These beliefs were so ingrained in society that warriors went into battle wearing talismans for protection, rulers adorned themselves with celestial symbols to display their divine right to power, and even ordinary people carried charms to ward off illness, misfortune, and negative spirits.
In this article, we’ll explore how different ancient civilizations Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Chinese, Indians, Greeks, Romans, and Indigenous cultures—used jewelry as a powerful tool for protection and authority. Each of these cultures left behind fascinating traditions that still influence the way we wear and perceive jewelry today.
Ancient Egypt: Jewelry as a Link to the Gods
The ancient Egyptians believed that jewelry was more than just decoration—it was a source of protection, a symbol of divine connection, and a sign of power. Every piece carried deep spiritual meaning, often linked to gods, the afterlife, and cosmic forces. Pharaohs, priests, and common people alike wore jewelry to ward off evil, attract prosperity, and ensure safe passage to the next life.
One of the most powerful symbols in Egyptian jewelry was the Eye of Horus (Wedjat). Representing protection, healing, and royal power, this symbol was commonly worn as an amulet to guard against illness and evil forces. Similarly, the scarab beetle symbolized rebirth and transformation and was frequently placed in tombs to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife.
Gold was the most prized material in ancient Egypt, not only because of its beauty but because it was believed to be the flesh of the gods. It was associated with Ra, the sun god, and wearing gold jewelry was thought to bring divine blessings. Lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone, was also highly valued as it symbolized the sky and cosmic wisdom, and often used in the jewelry of pharaohs and high priests.
The ankh, a cross-like symbol with a loop at the top, represented eternal life and divine protection. Many Egyptians wore ankh-shaped pendants to ensure longevity and a favorable afterlife. Broad collars made of gold and inlaid with colorful gemstones were not just a mark of status but were also believed to provide physical and spiritual protection.
Even in death, jewelry played a crucial role. The famous burial mask of King Tutankhamun was adorned with protective symbols, and his tomb was filled with jewelry meant to guard him in the afterlife. Egyptians believed that wearing the right jewelry in life and death could secure their place in the afterworld and keep them safe from harm.
From the sacred power of gold to the protective energy of amulets, Egyptian jewelry was deeply intertwined with spirituality, protection, and divine favor. These beliefs influenced cultures beyond Egypt, as their jewelry-making techniques and symbolic meanings spread throughout the ancient world.
Mesopotamia: Talismanic Jewelry for Luck and Protection
In ancient Mesopotamia, which included civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, jewelry was not only a sign of wealth and status but also a powerful form of spiritual protection. People believed that wearing certain materials, symbols, and charms could ward off evil forces, bring good fortune, and connect them to divine beings.
One of the most common forms of protective jewelry was the cylinder seal, a small engraved stone or metal piece worn as a pendant or ring. These seals were rolled onto clay to create unique signatures, marking ownership and serving as an early form of identification, but they were also believed to have magical properties. Many seals were engraved with images of gods, protective spirits, or inscriptions meant to guard against misfortune and illness.
The Mesopotamians also valued specific gemstones and metals for their mystical properties. Lapis lazuli, imported from faraway lands like Afghanistan, was considered sacred and linked to divine wisdom and communication with the gods. Carnelian, a deep red stone, was thought to provide courage and protection in battle, while gold and silver symbolized purity and divine power.
Amulets shaped like deities and mythical creatures were commonly worn to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. The goddess Ishtar, associated with love, war, and fertility, was frequently depicted in jewelry, offering protection and strength to those who wore her image. Another popular protective symbol was the Lamassu, a mythical winged bull with a human face, which was believed to keep away negative energy.
One of the most enduring protective symbols from Mesopotamia is the Evil Eye motif. The concept of the Evil Eye, a malevolent gaze that could bring harm, originated in this region and spread throughout the ancient world. People wore eye-shaped pendants and engraved rings to deflect negative energy and prevent misfortune. This tradition remains alive today in many cultures, with Evil Eye jewelry still widely used for protection.
Jewelry wasn’t just for the living—Mesopotamian burial sites have revealed that people were buried with amulets and protective jewelry to guard them in the afterlife. Much like the Egyptians, the Mesopotamians believed that protective jewelry continued to work beyond death, ensuring safe passage into the spiritual realm.
From cylinder seals to protective gemstones and divine amulets, Mesopotamian jewelry played a crucial role in securing luck, divine favor, and safety from unseen forces. Their belief in the power of jewelry influenced later civilizations, leaving a lasting legacy in protective adornments still used today.
Ancient China: Jade as a Symbol of Immortality and Protection
In ancient China, jewelry was deeply connected to spirituality, longevity, and protection. While gold and other precious metals were valued, jade was considered the most sacred and powerful material. Unlike in the West, where gemstones like diamonds were associated with wealth and power, in China, jade was believed to hold the essence of life itself.
Jade, often referred to as the “stone of heaven”, was worn by emperors, scholars, warriors, and common people for protection, good fortune, and spiritual alignment. The Chinese believed that jade had the ability to purify negative energy, protect the soul, and promote health and longevity. It was often carved into amulets, bangles, rings, and pendants, each with different meanings.
One of the most well-known forms of jade jewelry was the jade bangle, traditionally worn on the left wrist to keep the heart safe and promote inner balance. Many believed that if the jade bangle cracked or broke, it had absorbed negative energy or misfortune meant for its wearer.
Ancient Chinese jewelry also featured powerful protective symbols derived from Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs. Dragons represented strength, wisdom, and protection; dragon-shaped pendants and carvings were believed to guard against evil and bring prosperity. The mythical phoenix symbolized rebirth and harmony and was often worn by empresses and noblewomen for divine protection. The tiger was a powerful guardian in Chinese folklore and tiger-shaped amulets were worn by children and soldiers for protection from harm and bad spirits. Another protective symbol was Pi Xiu (Pixiu), a winged lion-like creature believed to attract wealth and ward off negative energy and bad luck.
The Chinese belief in protection through jewelry extended beyond life itself. High-ranking individuals, especially emperors and nobility, were buried in elaborate jade suits, stitched together with gold or silk threads. These suits were meant to preserve the body and protect the soul on its journey to the afterlife, ensuring immortality.
Similar to Mesopotamian and Indian astrology, Chinese astrology played a major role in jewelry design. People wore charms depicting their zodiac animals, believing they could bring luck, harmony, and protection. Each zodiac sign was thought to carry different strengths, and wearing one's animal sign (or a compatible one) was said to enhance fortune and ward off misfortune.
Even today, jade jewelry remains a cherished heirloom in Chinese culture, often passed down through generations as a symbol of protection and good fortune. Wearing jade, dragon pendants, or zodiac charms is still believed to invite prosperity and shield against negative energy, proving that the ancient traditions of protective jewelry are still alive in modern China.
Ancient India: Sacred Gemstones and Astrology in Jewelry
In ancient India, jewelry was deeply intertwined with spirituality, astrology, and divine protection. More than just an ornament, it was believed to have mystical properties, capable of influencing one's destiny, protecting against misfortune, and enhancing spiritual energy. Hindu culture, in particular, saw jewelry as a bridge between the physical and metaphysical worlds, with certain metals, gemstones, and designs carrying deep symbolic meaning.
One of the most significant forms of protective jewelry in India was Navaratna jewelry—a combination of nine gemstones, each representing a celestial body in Vedic astrology. According to Hindu beliefs, planets (or Navagrahas) influence human fate, and wearing Navaratna jewelry was thought to balance these cosmic forces and provide divine protection.
The nine gemstones in Navaratna jewelry were believed to balance planetary influences and provide divine protection. Ruby, associated with the Sun, symbolized confidence, leadership, and protection from negativity. Pearl, representing the Moon, was thought to enhance emotional stability and intuition. Red Coral, linked to Mars, was worn for courage and physical strength, while Emerald, connected to Mercury, was believed to improve communication and intelligence. Yellow Sapphire, corresponding to Jupiter, attracted wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Diamond, governed by Venus, was considered a symbol of love, luxury, and artistic creativity. Blue Sapphire, associated with Saturn, encouraged discipline, karmic balance, and career success. Hessonite Garnet, linked to Rahu, the North Lunar Node, was worn to ward off bad luck and negativity, while Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, representing Ketu, the South Lunar Node, provided spiritual clarity and psychic protection.
Only royalty and high priests originally wore full Navaratna pieces, but over time, rings, pendants, and bracelets featuring these stones became popular protective talismans for everyday wear.
Another important protective element in Indian jewelry is the Rudraksha bead, a seed from the Rudraksha tree, which is believed to be blessed by Lord Shiva. Used in prayer malas (similar to rosary beads), Rudraksha jewelry is worn for spiritual protection, stress relief, and mental clarity. Different Rudraksha beads have varying numbers of “faces” (mukhis), each linked to specific benefits. The Five-mukhi Rudraksha is the most common type, symbolizing peace and protection, and is widely worn for spiritual balance. The One-mukhi Rudraksha is rare and highly revered, believed to grant enlightenment and liberation to those who wear it. The Eleven-mukhi Rudraksha is associated with Lord Hanuman and is thought to offer strength, fearlessness, and resilience.
In Indian tradition, gold and silver jewelry are not just symbols of wealth but also considered sacred metals with protective energies. Gold is linked to Surya (the Sun) and is believed to attract divine blessings, dispel negativity, and boost confidence. It is commonly used in mangalsutras (wedding necklaces) to protect marital harmony. Silver is associated with the Moon and Venus, known for its cooling, calming properties and its ability to ward off the evil eye and negative energies. Anklets, toe rings, and bangles made of silver are traditionally worn to enhance spiritual well-being.
Hindus also use jewelry engraved with yantras (sacred geometric patterns) and Om symbols for divine protection. Shree Yantra pendants are believed to attract prosperity and clear negative blockages. Om pendants and rings serve as a spiritual shield, strengthening the wearer’s connection to the universe.
Indian culture, like Mesopotamian traditions, has long believed in drishti (the evil eye)—a curse caused by jealous or negative glances. To protect against the evil eye, people wear black beads or Nazar Battu charms. In Hindu families, newborn babies often have black threads or small silver anklets tied around their wrists or ankles to shield them from harmful influences.
Ancient Indian beliefs in astrology, gemstones, metals, and sacred symbols have shaped jewelry traditions that continue today. Even in modern times, people still wear Navaratna rings, Rudraksha malas, gold wedding ornaments, and evil eye charms for protection, success, and spiritual balance. The deep connection between jewelry and divine energy ensures that these traditions remain a cherished part of Indian culture.
Ancient Greece and Rome: Jewelry as Protection in War and Life
In ancient Greece and Rome, jewelry was not just a display of wealth but a crucial symbol of protection, power, and divine favor. Warriors, rulers, and ordinary citizens wore amulets and engraved rings to shield themselves from harm, seek victory in battle, and attract the blessings of the gods.
Greek and Roman civilizations were deeply influenced by mythology and divine intervention, leading to the widespread use of protective symbols in jewelry. One of the most famous protective symbols was the Gorgon Medusa pendant. Medusa’s head was believed to ward off evil and intimidate enemies, and soldiers often engraved her image onto their armor, shields, and rings for protection in battle. The evil eye amulet was another widely used protective symbol. The concept of the evil eye was feared in ancient Greece, leading to the creation of blue eye-shaped pendants and engraved stones designed to deflect negative energy and curses. These amulets were worn to ensure safety from harmful intentions and misfortune.
The laurel wreath crown, though mainly associated with victory and honor, also symbolized divine protection and favor from the gods. It was particularly linked to Apollo, the god of prophecy and healing, and was worn by athletes, warriors, and emperors to signify both physical and spiritual strength. The owl, sacred to the goddess Athena, frequently appeared in Greek jewelry as a symbol of wisdom and protection. It was believed that wearing an owl charm could provide guidance and intelligence, reinforcing Athena’s role as the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare.
Both the Greeks and Romans valued specific gemstones for their protective and magical properties. Many of these stones were thought to be gifts from the gods and were believed to enhance strength, courage, and divine connection. Amethyst was considered a stone of clarity and protection. It was believed to guard against drunkenness, poison, and deception. Roman generals often wore amethyst rings in battle. Carnelian was worn by warriors for bravery and physical strength. This deep red gemstone was believed to shield the wearer from fear and misfortune. Hematite, known as the “bloodstone,” was commonly used by Roman soldiers to protect against injury and promote healing. Emeralds – considered sacred to Venus, the goddess of love, were worn to protect relationships and attract harmony.
Greek and Roman jewelry frequently featured engraved inscriptions and deities, believed to hold magical power. One of the most popular forms was the intaglio ring, a gemstone-carved signet ring that not only served as a personal seal but also carried protective qualities. The gods Hermes (Greek) and Mercury (Roman) were seen as protectors of travelers. Many merchants and traders wore rings engraved with their images to ensure safe journeys and successful trade. Soldiers often wore rings depicting Mars (Ares), the god of war, believing that his presence would grant them strength, courage, and victory in battle. Snakes were symbols of eternal life and protection. In Rome, they were associated with healing and rebirth, as seen in the Rod of Asclepius, the symbol of medicine.
Like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, the Greeks and Romans also placed protective jewelry in tombs and burial sites. Jewelry inscribed with blessings or sacred symbols was buried with the dead to guide and protect them in the afterlife. Funeral rings, featuring motifs like wreaths, doves, and celestial imagery, were believed to provide peace and divine protection in the next world.
The belief in jewelry as a source of power and protection continued long after ancient Greece and Rome. Many of their symbols—such as the evil eye, Medusa pendants, and engraved rings—are still used in modern jewelry designs today. Their influence can be seen in everything from birthstone jewelry to warrior-inspired rings and astrological talismans.
For the Greeks and Romans, jewelry was not just an adornment but a safeguard against fate, enemies, and unseen forces—a tradition that remains deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world.
Native American and Indigenous Jewelry: Connection to Nature and Spirituality
For Native American and Indigenous cultures, jewelry was far more than a decorative art—it was deeply connected to spiritual beliefs, nature, protection, and identity. Each piece carried sacred meaning, often linked to ancestral spirits, animal totems, and natural elements. Jewelry was used for healing, protection, and ceremonial purposes, making it a vital part of Indigenous traditions.
Among many Native American tribes, turquoise was regarded as a powerful protector and bringer of good fortune. This blue-green gemstone was believed to shield warriors in battle, bring rain and agricultural prosperityand enhance spiritual strength and wisdom. Turquoise was often inlaid in silver jewelry, worn as amulets, or carved into talismans. The Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes, in particular, created intricate turquoise jewelry, believing it helped maintain balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. Many Indigenous people still wear turquoise necklaces, rings, and earrings for protection and spiritual alignment.
For many Indigenous tribes, animals were seen as spiritual guides, each carrying unique qualities of strength, wisdom, or protection. Jewelry featuring animal symbols was worn to invoke the spirit of these creatures and their protective energy. Bear claw necklaces were worn for strength, courage, and protection. Warriors and hunters often carried bear claws to channel the bear’s powerful spirit. The eagle was sacred to many tribes, symbolizing spiritual vision and divine connection. Jewelry incorporating eagle feathers was worn in ceremonies and rites of passage. Wolves were seen as guardians and teachers, and their images in jewelry symbolized loyalty, intuition, and guidance.
One of the most famous protective symbols in Indigenous culture is the dreamcatcher, traditionally crafted by the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people. Originally woven into a circular frame with a web-like pattern, the dreamcatcher was meant to trap negative dreams and allow good dreams to pass through. Over time, dreamcatcher designs were incorporated into jewelry, worn as necklaces and earrings for protection against bad energy and nightmares.
Different Indigenous cultures crafted silver, copper, and shell jewelry, often incorporating sacred symbols for healing and protection. Abalone Shell was believed to connect the wearer to the ocean’s calming energy and offer emotional balance. Featuring intricate designs of spiritual figures and natural elements, hopi silver jewelry carried deep symbolic meanings of protection and guidance. Wampum Beads were made from quahog shells and often woven into belts to tell ancestral stories, signify agreements, and provide spiritual protection.
For Indigenous peoples, jewelry was often used in sacred ceremonies to honor spirits, mark important life events, and protect individuals. During healing rituals, warriors’ preparations, and coming-of-age ceremonies, specific jewelry pieces were worn to invoke spiritual strength and blessings. Shamans and healers often wore gemstone necklaces and animal pendants to channel spiritual energy. Newborns and young children were given protective beaded necklaces or small amulets to guard them from harm. Dancers and spiritual leaders adorned themselves with shell and silver jewelry to strengthen their connection to the divine during ceremonies.
Today, Native American and Indigenous jewelry continues to hold sacred meaning and protective power. Many Indigenous artisans still craft traditional pieces using turquoise, silver, animal motifs, and sacred symbols, preserving their ancestors' wisdom and spiritual traditions.
For Indigenous cultures, jewelry has never been just an ornament—it is a connection to the Earth, a guardian of spiritual energy, and a testament to ancestral strength. This deep-rooted tradition ensures that Indigenous protective jewelry remains a powerful expression of culture, identity, and resilience in the modern world.
The Popularity of Protective Jewelry Today
Despite the passing of centuries, the belief in the protective and spiritual power of jewelry remains alive. Many of the ancient symbols, from the evil eye to astrological gemstones, are still widely worn today. Modern jewelry continues to blend tradition with contemporary meaning, offering both a connection to the past and a way to express personal beliefs and identity. Whether for protection, good fortune, or divine guidance, the practice of wearing meaningful jewelry has transcended time, proving that some traditions never fade.
