Fish Jewelry

Since ancient times, fish have been modeled into both amulets and jewelry by people the world over. Those who made their livelihood from fishing were especially prone to wear fish amulets and talisman charms to both protect them from the perils of the sea, as well as insure a good catch; often making the difference between feast or famine. Some fish amulets, usually in the form of common food fishes such as Nile perch and mullets are traced back to early Egyptian dynasties.

The symbol of the fish has long been used to bring good luck, and is also one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac (Pices). Sea peoples such as the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, and others who lived along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, one of Modern Man's main cradles of civilization, made beautiful and artistic jewelry items to represent the fish they caught in the sea and in fresh water lakes and rivers. Early religions, including Christianity, used fish as part of their rituals; and as a result, fish were incorporated into jewelry.

In modern times, fish images are not only made into amulets, but into all kinds of jewelry items which are sought after by sport fishermen, aquarium owners, and a host of other people who are simply attracted to the myriad of fish designs that are made in all kinds of jewelry including cuff links, earrings, pendants, rings, broaches, and other items. A verity of metals and other materials, including precious and semi-precious stones, are also made into fish jewelry pieces; with prices varying according to raw materials and workmanship.

Many sport fishermen, especially those who have caught large trophy fish, have purchased jewelry made to resemble the fish they caught, or have received them as gifts. Those who believe in the protective attributes of the fish charm often give such jewelry as gifts to be worn as pendants or charms on a fashion bracelet. Certain species of fish such as sharks, tunas, and sword fish have jewelry made in their images, as well as from fish resembling mammals such as dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures.

Prices for fish jewelry can vary, and can range from under $20 for pieces made from silver and non-precious metals, to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for pieces made with gold and precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies. Because of the wide variety and styles of jewelry designed from fish images, it is easy find something that is suitable for every taste and budget. Some pieces incorporate both fresh and salt water pearls into their designs (mostly to represent fish eyes), and some even use parts of fish anatomies as well, including shark's teeth, fins, and fish scales.

You can find beautiful pieces of fish jewelry and even fish home decor pieces in both accessory shops and jewelry stores, as well as on the internet.