The Meaning of Horn Necklaces 

Historically, there has been a lot of meaning and symbolism assigned to the horns of animals and their use in jewelry, such as their use in horn necklaces and pendants in both gold, sterling silver and even platinum. But what is the actual meaning of the horn?

The Meaning of Horn Necklaces

The horn is an animal’s means of defense. It is it’s natural weapon of sorts to protect itself from competing creatures great and small. They also use them against their own species to vie for dominance and territory or even mating rights among a herd. They are even used in regal displays during courtship.

In this way, horn necklaces represent strength, power, dignity, dominance, and beauty. The Bible says in Psalm 89:17: “For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.” If horns represent strength, the Psalmist is saying he draws his strength from God and that God’s favor will lift up or exalt his strength. This is what the horn represents for jewelry wearers.

Animals also use their horn to strip bark from trees or to dip up soil or even use them to cool off, with the blood vessels in the horns functioning as a sort of radiator that helps animals cool off in the heat. There are many functions for an anima’s horn and, as such, horns have been used in society for multiple functions, including as jewelry for men and women to represent the strength and stamina of animals, power, beauty and dominance among other things.

Horn Jewelry

The horn pendant is very sought after in the jewelry market. At Apples of Gold Jewelry, for example, it is one of our best selling gold pendants. There are even gold horn earrings, pins and brooches. Some cultures use actual horns from animals for tribal style jewelry, others use precious metals like gold and silver, while others still use synthetic materials for costume or less expensive jewelry. Among the most popular are Italian horn necklaces which were traditionally used as a protection against evil. Today, people continue to wear horn jewelry as as symbol of beauty, power and strength.

Horns in the Bible

There are many references to horns in the Bible, from animal horns as a means of strength, defense and power to horns as God’s favor and strength resting upon His people to their allegorical use in conveying concepts of eternal salvation.

Most famously, Psalm 18:2 says: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Elements of divine protection, deliverance, defense, strength and salvation are symbolically attributed to the horn.

In Luke 1:69, Jesus Himself is referred to as the horn of salvation: “And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;” It is through Jesus Christ alone that one attains eternal salvation and is able to fellowship with God the Father and be granted entrance into heaven.

Hannah, the mother of the great Biblical prophet Samuel, prayed in 1 Samuel 2:1: “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. ” She said that her horn or her strength was exalted in the LORD and that He had become her salvation. If you remember, the barren Hannah at first appeared to be anything but strong as she wept and prayed for God to open her womb. And it was after God answered her heartfelt petition, that she exclaimed that God had exalted her horn and lifted up her soul!

Horn jewelry, whether in natural materials or in ivory, bone, gold, sterling silver or even in the form of a high-end precious metal such as platinum, are resplendent with rich imagery and symbolism, making gold horn necklaces a deeply personal and meaningful gift that represents endurance, power and strength.

Category: Gold Necklaces, Jewelry Trends, Mens Jewelry