Quatrefoil jewelry certainly isn't a new trend. People have been incorporating quatrefoils into fashion, architecture, interior design, and more for centuries.
You probably recognize the shape. Maybe you've seen it in wallpaper, on a brooch, or even on a box of Girl Scout cookies (that's right, the quatrefoil is the symbol for the Girl Scouts of America.)
But what is a quatrefoil? Where does it come from? What does it symbolize? Why should you be wearing quatrefoil jewelry? We're going to answer all of these questions, and share our new line of quatrefoil elements, in this post!
What is a Quatrefoil?
A quatrefoil is a shape. Merriam-Webster defines it as, "a conventionalized representation of a flower with four petals or of a leaf with four leaflets."
It resembles a four-leaf clover with its four points and rounded edges (although, some quatrefoils have barbed edges making the shape look pointy.) The shape is what influenced its symbolism and what it means to different cultures.
What Does a Quatrefoil Symbolize?
In general, the quatrefoil symbolizes good luck. The shape being similar to a four-leaf clover is what makes people associate it with good luck. It has also been associated with harmony, symmetry, and proportion.
The quatrefoil would be a great gift for someone that you're wishing good luck to, or that you feel brings harmony and peace to any group they encounter.
In different cultures, the quatrefoil has different meanings:
- Maya and Mixe people in Mesoamerica. Centuries ago, the Maya and Mixe people of Mesoamerica would incorporate the quatrefoil into their architecture. Some historians believed they signified otherworldly portals due to how they were incorporated into architecture.
- Christianity. The quatrefoil didn't originate with Christianity—it is actually believed that Christians were influenced by the quatrefoils' inclusion in mosques. In Christianity, the quatrefoil is believed to represent Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. You can find the shape in stained glass and in the architecture of longstanding churches and cathedrals.
- Native Americans. Quatrefoils have also been found in beadwork from Native American tribes. The quatrefoil represents North, South, East, and West in Native American beadwork.
Why Should You Wear Quatrefoil Fidget Jewelry?
Quatrefoils first started appearing in jewelry during the renaissance period and throughout the Victorian era in brooches and pendants.
Now, you can find quatrefoil jewelry in rings, necklaces, earrings, and more! We just launched four new quatrefoil fidget jewelry elements that you can start wearing for good luck:
| Opalite | Amazonite | Blue Aventurine | African Jade |
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Quatrefoil jewelry also makes the perfect gift. We recommend giving a soon-to-be graduate a quatrefoil element to grant them good luck as they enter their next stage of life. You could also give a friend getting ready to move to a new city quatrefoil jewelry to show that you're rooting them on and wish them luck with their move.
You can also keep the element for yourself if you have been feeling down on your luck or if you just like the shape!
Show Off Your New Quatrefoil Jewelry
We hope this has inspired you to add quatrefoil jewelry to your collection! There is a lot of history to the shape and we've only scratched the surface.
We wish you good luck and hope you enjoy our quatrefoil elements.
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