The effects of symbolism on 21st century jewelry design

This study examines how jewelry has been used throughout history not only as an aesthetic object but also as a means of social status, religious belief and mythological expression, and how these elements are addressed in 21st century contemporary design. The symbolism movement has brought a multi-layered meaning to contemporary jewelry design by incorporating individual and collective values into art, and has enabled the reinterpretation of symbols in more abstract and organic forms through technological and conceptual innovations. In this study, the impact of symbolism on 21st century jewelry design is examined through the artists' interpretations of form, material, color and conceptual framework. Avedis Kendir's use of mystical figures and meaningful stones, Fatih Çekinkaya's contemporary approaches inspired by Anatolian mythology and Islamic aesthetic tradition, and Suzanne Williams' organic forms inspired by nature draw attention. Similarly, Greek jewelry artist Panagoula Bouli's use of symbols of traditional carpet and rug motifs in her jewelry, Iranian artist Yousef Tamiz's binary opposition-themed designs based on Zoroastrian beliefs, and Erica Molinari's symbol-style jewelry show how symbolism has found a strong place in 21st century jewelry design. The interviews conducted with these artists aim to reveal the reflections of symbolism in 21st century jewelry design in more depth. These works are analyzed in detail in this thesis. The study emphasizes the transformation of jewelry into narrative tools that carry cultural and spiritual meanings through traditional symbols. As a result, it is concluded that Symbolism not only creates a formal effect in 21st century jewelry design, but also makes jewelry a carrier of cultural and spiritual meanings and enables it to function as multi-layered narrative tools. This study aims to provide a valuable resource for students aiming to advance in the academic field and to contribute to the development of their knowledge and skills.