Flight of Fancy

In ancient Egypt, the symbolism of a vulture with outspread wings was not death, as you might expect, but protection. As such, this motif appears in many pieces of early jewelry. Wings were also important to the ancient Greeks, who saw them as markers of love and victory or, according to Plato, intelligence and understanding. Today, the rich meanings behind these feathered appendages have continued to multiply. Some consider them representative of angels, while others imagine taking flight and soaring, both literally and metaphorically. What unites all these interpretations is a sense of safety, well-being and encouragement to chase your dreams, making wings an ideal talismanic jewel.