Throughout history keys have not only been known as a tool to lock and unlock doors but also as a symbol of letting go, new beginnings, luck and love. No matter the occasion, key jewelry can make a thoughtful gift to toast to any of life’s milestones. Let’s learn more about the different meanings of keys in jewelry.
What is the Symbolic Meaning of a Key?
Often representing knowledge and success, keys also symbolize opening doors, perhaps to new possibilities. Since keys can open doors which are closed to anyone other than the key holder, someone might wear a key charm or necklace when looking for a new job. Folktales also tell of a universal “Skeleton Key” that will successfully unlock anything you wish for. Thus a key pendant could be given to help open new horizons and uncharted adventures for one who wears it.
Key pendants have often been given on 21st birthdays since it’s the age when you’re considered mature enough to be a key holder to your family’s home, and are believed to represent freedom and a bright future ahead. Since birthdays and graduations are considered to be new beginnings key pendants and jewelry are popular presents for both occasions. It could also serve as a reminder of hope and encouragement during uncertain times.
Keys have always been endowed with a certain sort of magic and it was believed that they had the power to reveal things that were unknown or obscured before. Keys are regarded as good luck presents and it was believed that wearing a key as a pendant would open physical, intellectual, or spiritual barriers and give access, or attract riches of all nature.
Key to My Heart and Lock Symbols
We have also adopted the key as a symbol of entrusting someone with the access to one’s “Heart of Hearts”. The “Key to a Heart” is given in the same fashion as a “Key to a City” which can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was a symbol of the city’s intention that the recipient was free to come and go. Today it’s considered a symbolic gesture, bestowed upon distinguished persons and honored guests for achievements of the highest importance.
Giving someone the “key to your heart” is a symbol of expressing a special trust and commitment. While popular in romantic transitions, a key or lock make an excellent gift for a partner, they could also be gifted to affirm a friendship or to commemorate a bond with a family member. Because they are so versatile keys and locks can be given as a gift for many different occasions.
Both keys and locks are an original fashion accessory that can be worn alone or in combination with other chains and pendants. Whether you’re open to something new, making a commitment or simply love the look, lock and key jewelry will always be tasteful and on trend can be equally appropriate presents for both romantic and non-romantic occasions, celebrating family milestones or personal achievements.
If you’re considering a gift or looking for something for yourself, we can help you find the perfect piece. Give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule your appointment!
FAQs
Keys are regarded as good luck presents and it was believed that wearing a key as a pendant would open physical, intellectual, or spiritual barriers and give access, or attract riches of all nature.
What does the key ring symbolize? ›
What is the meaning behind a key charm? The ancient Greeks saw keys as symbols of knowledge. Key charms can symbolise this authority. They can symbolise love, they can symbolise possibility.
What does it mean when a woman wears a key? ›
A key necklace can be considered a key to a person's heart. However, there's much more to this style of jewellery than the main romantic dimension. The key represents a tool that unlocks doors: doors to new experiences, relationships, and a new beginning. A new life. Key necklaces represent this new opening.
What does the lock and key charm mean? ›
A key-shaped pendant is usually given as a "key to the heart" or as an expression of trust and love. It is also suitable as a gift for a graduation, which closes the chapter of student life and in turn opens new horizons. However keys and locks also affirm friendships so they make a great gift for a friend.
What does the gold key symbol mean? ›
In fiction, a gold key is a special token granting access to and control of a mythical or ultra-private or secret bank account or vault, such as a Swiss bank account. In reality, the key is often a code word and accounts are not completely anonymous.
What does a key symbolize in jewelry? ›
It was believed that wearing a Key as a Pendant will open physical, intellectual, or spiritual barriers and give access, or attract riches of all nature. Folktales tell of a universal “Skeleton Key”, that will successfully unlock anything you wish for.
What is the symbolic meaning of a key? ›
What is the Symbolic Meaning of a Key? Often representing knowledge and success, keys also symbolize opening doors, perhaps to new possibilities. Since keys can open doors which are closed to anyone other than the key holder, someone might wear a key charm or necklace when looking for a new job.
What is the spiritual meaning of the key necklace? ›
Wearing a key necklace could symbolize unlocking spiritual growth or enlightenment—like a nod to the universe that you're open to deep connections and wisdom. It's your personal hotline to the cosmos, dangling right there around your neck!
What does the symbol keys mean? ›
Key symbols are simply one or two symbols that can be used with or without text to convey a single piece of information. At most, they provide the same amount of information as a short sentence of text. They can help reinforce meaning and give reassurance by acting as reminders for any level of reader.
What does key mean in love? ›
They have long been a symbol of fidelity (perhaps due to a mediaeval association with lockable corsetry, but we'll skip over that) expressed in the sentiment, “A key to your heart.” The symbolism is obvious. The holder of a key has access to a place that others cannot get into: the heart of a lover.
The lock shape itself symbolises an actual security lock, embodying the parents' wish for its wearer to be "locked" to the earth or "locked to life", to ward away death.
What do keys and locks symbolize? ›
Keys are symbols of opening and closing. Locks and keys affect our lives in various ways. Sometimes a key means the difference between freedom and incarceration, or life and death. Keys also affect our lives in other ways; they give us security – we can lock our door and know that no one else has the key.
What is the meaning of heart with key necklace? ›
Hearts and Keys Necklaces
Each piece is not only unique in design but also unique in the meaning different individuals attach to it. Hearts are the universal symbol of love. Keys symbolize the promise of freedom or a new beginning, the key to a person's fate, to one's heart, the key of life and also the key of success.
Are keys good luck? ›
Keys, which are believed to bring good luck as a gift, have roots in Far Eastern cultures. They were often given as gifts on 21st birthdays, symbolizing that one had reached an age to be a key holder to their family home.
What is a key for? ›
A key is a specially shaped piece of metal that you place in a lock and turn in order to open or lock a door, or to start or stop the engine of a vehicle. They put the key in the door and entered. [
What does the 3 keys symbol mean? ›
SYMBOL: THREE KEYS. Japanese symbol of good luck, three keys to open the doors that lead to love, health and wealth.
What is the meaning of the Ring of Keys? ›
I want to start out by mentioning exactly what the song is and what it does right. As far as I can tell, “Ring of Keys” is the moment when Alison begins to realize that her desire to present herself in a certain, non-typical way is not one that is unique to her.
What is the key ring concept? ›
A keyring or "split ring" is a circle cotter that holds keys and other small items, which are sometimes connected to keychains. Other types of keyrings are made of leather, wood and rubber.
What is the meaning of keyring? ›
: a device that is used to hold keys and that usually consists of a metal ring and sometimes a short chain and small decoration.
What does a key ring gift mean? ›
This is why giving a keychain as a gift is a great idea—they are here to stay and are very useful, too! It's a gift your loved one will cherish and remember the good times you've spent together every time they use their keys. Keychains are small and sweet gestures of affection to another person.
