What Does Bow Jewellery Mean?

Bow jewellery echoes the loops and trailing ends of a tied ribbon. It can recall a gift, hold a personal meaning or simply be a shape you enjoy. Here is how its history and different forms can help you choose a piece.

What does bow jewellery mean?

Meaning depends on the design and the person wearing or giving it. A ribbon-like bow can feel connected to gift-giving. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) describes the lover’s knot—a complex, interlaced form—as a bow-knot variation associated with love, friendship and affection. That association belongs to the specific knot motif; each wearer can give a simpler bow their own meaning.

Recognising the shape

Look for two loops around a central knot, with ribbon-like ends below. Some designs keep an open outline; others fill the loops with stones or build up several layers. A lover’s knot has a more complex interlaced form. If you are giving a bow piece to mark a friendship or occasion, a short note can explain the personal connection you have chosen.

A ribbon motif with a long history

The Rijksmuseum’s collection includes this anonymous bow-knot brooch dated to circa 1650–1675. Its catalogue notes a related 1663 design at the court of Louis XIV. A later example in the London Museum is a gold brooch from 1860–1870, described as a ribbon tied in a “true lovers’ knot”. The museum also notes the 19th-century fashion for jewellery echoing clothing trimmings such as ribbon bows and lace.

A modern bow-detail bracelet

The Brodie Bow Tie Bracelet pairs an open-outline bow with polished round accents along a gold-tone chain.

Its current listing specifies stainless steel and 18k gold PVD plating, and gives a bracelet length of approximately 16 cm plus a 5 cm extender. For help choosing a length, use our bracelet size guide, then check the product’s current details.

Explore more motifs in our heart jewellery guide and sun jewellery guide, or browse the bracelet collection.