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Last week, people all over the world rang in the Chinese New Year. 2021 is the Year of the Ox which is said to predict happiness, stability and prosperity. After the disruption and distancing of 2020, we could all do with a happier, more stable year! In this week’s blog, we celebrate jewelry that is inspired by the Year of the Ox and Ancient Chinese Tradition.
Read on to learn how you can attract luck and positivity through your jewelry this New Lunar Year.
What the Year of the Ox symbolizes
The twelve animal signs derive from Chinese folklore as a method for naming the years. The animals follow one another in an established order and are repeated every twelve years (2020 was the Year of the Rat). Each animal has particular personality traits, as well as lucky/unlucky numbers, colors, flowers and even directions! There is an element associated with each year, making 2021 the Year of the Metal Ox. It is traditionally believed that you acquire the characteristics associated with your birth year. So, consider yourself an Ox if you were born in 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 or 2021.
People born in the Year of the Ox are thought to be strong, reliable and fair. They are calm and methodical, but can be stubborn and hate to be challenged. Spending time with family in private is more important than busy social gatherings. According to Thierry Chow, a Feng Shui master, in an interview with CNN;
"The ox, in Chinese culture, is a hardworking zodiac sign. It usually signifies movements so, hopefully, the world will be less static than last year and get moving again in the second half of the year."
Jewelry inspired by the Year of the Ox
Zodiac Sign
Your jewelry can reflect elements of this New Lunar Year in several ways. In traditional Chinese culture, jewelry is thought to be a channel for attracting good luck. As this year honors the element of Metal, we will see a bigger emphasis on metal-related industries (including jewelry!). Wearing precious metals, like silver and gold jewelry will attract good fortune as you stride into the new year.
In Chinese culture, it is customary to wear zodiac sign jewelry to avoid bad luck, usually a bracelet or necklace. Traditionally, one should choose a compatible sign for that specific year (you can learn more about compatible zodiacs in this article).
In celebration of the Year of the Metal Ox, Gem Stone King have released a brand new pendant. Designed by internationally acclaimed pianist and artist, Keren Hanan-Hollander, this necklace symbolizes the strength and determination of the Ox, characteristics we need as we embark on a new year. Crafted with sterling silver, yellow gold and rose gold, honoring the Metal year, it is as durable as it is elegant. It also comes with a variety of beautiful gemstones, including yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, ruby, moissanite and lab-grown diamond.
You can find the whole Year of the Ox collection on Amazon.
Color
Another way to celebrate these ancient traditions in your jewelry is through color. Colors are extremely important in Chinese culture because they are blessed with lucky meanings. The three main colors considered lucky in people's daily lives are red, yellow, and green. Particularly red is associated with good fortune and prosperity. That’s why every Lunar New Year you will see the streets of China awash in red and gold, from lanterns and decorations, to clothes and...you guessed it...jewelry! Red stones like ruby and garnet are paired with yellow gold to create beautiful pieces, like this 14K Yellow Gold and Red Garnet Engagement Ring.
Brighten up your day with a burst of yellow or green. Yellow stones like citrine pair well with cooler tones, like in these Citrine, White Diamond and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings.
Green stones go great with warm tones, as featured in this Natural Peridot and Yellow Gold Plated Tennis Bracelet.
There are also specific colors attributed to the Year of the Metal Ox. These are silver/grey, white, green and yellow. Wearing a combination of these special colors, like with this Oval Peridot, Citrine and Sterling SIlver Ring, will maximize your good luck potential!
As we welcome this new chapter of life, let us embrace 2021 with confidence and optimism. We wish you and your loved ones good luck, good health and a good future!
