Jewelry Inspired By Tattoos

Karen Karch’s stencil of a rose tattoo design, reimagined as a ring in 18K yellow gold and scattered with diamonds.

Tattoos have inspired jewelry throughout history, and the symbolism ranges from Eastern to Western philosophies. Today’s designers borrow from a range of motifs and apply them in everything from engraving to enamel to inlays. Some designers also mix multiple subjects and create their own totems or talisman, while others will tattoo you with jewels that are customized with what’s most significant to your life.

Here are some tattoo-inspired pieces that represent different meanings:

This Celine Daoust 14K pendant necklace features multiple motifs, creating an original tattoo design that mixes Eastern and Western cultures. It starts with two crescent moons for strength and female empowerment and features a star to wish upon or for guidance at the bottom. The shape of the outer pendant is heart-shaped for love, which is the key to life, and the inner pendant takes on the motif of a scarab for protection.

Heavenly Vices has created a dragonfly signet ring in 14K gold with black oxidization. Dragonflies signify transformations and change for the better and has been around for centuries in different incarnations of the motif and different versions of tattoos.

Buddha Mama’s Hamsa hand is crafted from 18K gold and enamel. The Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolizing the Hand of God. No matter what your faith is, it is a protective symbol, bringing its wearer happiness, luck, health, and good fortune. If you look at the pendant, it also features an evil eye for protection and a sacred flower that reminds one to be present in their life.

Cece Jewellery’s 18K gold ‘Lucky Star’ rings feature six styles that offer a modern take on the dome-shaped gypsy set ring from the late Victorian into Edwardian eras. The twist: tattoo-inspired engravings surrounding star-set diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. This one is set with diamonds and the motif is horseshoes for luck.

Jacquie Aiche’s Opal Inlay Sunset Pendant necklace features sun rays over the ocean in opal, turquoise and lapis blue inlay. The pendant evokes the sky’s beauty with flecks of orange, suggesting the sun goes down over the crystalline waters of the sea.

Talon’s 14K gold Snake & Moon Pendant is part of the Through the Shadows collection. Designer Emily Hirsch plays on the meaning of the female empowerment of the crescent moon and the rebirth of the snake. She describes her double symbol as facing and embracing one’s fears and finding that which guides us to renewal and hope.”

Karen Karch’s 14K Rose Tattoo Tag recalls the stencil of a rose tattoo design in a deep engraving that is textural and fiercely feminine.

Sofia Zakia’s 14K gold and opal pendant represents “You hold the key to my heart… or I hold the key to yours. Unlocking either means transcending thresholds of unbound discoveries through time and realms of friendship, beauty and love.”

Talon’s 14K gold and pave diamond ring —features a winged heart which traditionally means protector of love. But the designer Emily Hirsch takes it further and has named it her Uuntethered heart, which for Hirsch symbolizes freedom of the spirit.”

Venyx World’s Electra hoop earrings in gold zig-zag with lightning bolts and offer protection with their sharp edges.

Dru. Jewelry 14K gold and diamond Phoenix pendant necklace is a symbol of hope, rebirth, and transformation.

Castro Smith’s sterling silver signet ring is created with different alloys to achieve the colors in the engraved fish. Carp Fish are reported to swim against the current and overcome significant obstacles and in Japanese culture, symbolize strength, courage, patience, and success. In all other cultures, fish is recognized as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

James Banks Butterfly pendant in 14K gold with Shakudo and Sibuichi alloys creating the colors in the body. Butterflies reflect transformation, rebirth and renewal.