At Marion Cage, we love finding ways to make jewelry part of your life story. Personalized jewelry allows the wearer to express themself and share that expression with others. Our Chinese Zodiac Jewelry allows you to connect to the rich history of Chinese mythology and share your personality type with others. Wear the animal that governs the year you were born to remind yourself of your best qualities and strengths. When others ask about your beautiful necklace, you can share with them what it means to you.
Understanding the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese astrology divides astrological signs by years, whereas Western astrology separates them by months. Therefore, the Chinese believe that people born in the same year share the same traits, whereas Westerners group people on a month-by-month basis. This difference in sensibilities makes sense for each culture, as Eastern societies place great emphasis on generational differences, whereas Western countries focus more on psychological ones.
The twelve zodiac signs discussed in Chinese astrology derive from a myth. According to legend, when God was developing a calendar, he summoned all the creatures on Earth to participate in a race. The first twelve species to cross the finish line were awarded signs in the Chinese zodiac. Consequently, the Rat got first place through cunning and strategy, while the meticulous Pig came in last because it was continually distracted along the way.
Western astrology, on the other hand, bases its twelve zodiac signs on the constellations that move through the sky throughout the twelve months of the year. Therefore, the month of January is associated with Capricorn, because that constellation is directly overhead during that time, whereas the month of July is linked to Cancer, because this is when the Crab is at its zenith.
The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, and each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign. These signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The Chinese zodiac is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
You can use the zodiac calculator to search for your Chinese zodiac animal sign. Select your Gregorian date of birth, and you'll reveal your date of birth according to the lunar calendar, together with your sign.
Below is the order the Chinese zodiac cycle follows, along with a main trait associated with each animal:
- Rat: wise
- Ox: industrious
- Tiger: brave
- Rabbit: cautious
- Dragon: strong
- Snake: adaptable
- Horse: impulsive
- Goat: unified
- Monkey: flexible
- Rooster: consistent
- Dog: loyal
- Pig: friendly
The Chinese zodiac is often used to determine compatibility between couples as well as individual personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, and likes and dislikes. Each sign has a balance between positive and negative traits to achieve the balance between yin and yang. It can be fun and even revealing to find the animal for your year and see which qualities are associated with it.
Chinese Zodiac Jewelry from Marion Cage
Dog Chinese Zodiac Jewelry in sterling silver on a sterling silver chain (left)
Dog Chinese Zodiac Jewelry in 10-karat gold on a 14-karat gold chain (right)
At Marion Cage, we have interpreted the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac as delicate, laser-cut charms. Available in sterling silver or 10-karat gold, our Chinese zodiac jewelry bears the hallmark simplicity and grace of our all our collections. Add your charm of choice to a bracelet or necklace you already own, or choose from our selection of sterling silver, oxidized sterling silver, and 14-karat yellow gold for an elegant way to wear your Chinese zodiac jewelry.
Shop Chinese Zodiac Jewelry and More from Marion Cage
In addition to our collections of personalized jewelry, Marion Cage also offers a wide range of one-of-a-kind jewelry, cabinetry hardware, and accessories for the home. Shop Marion Cage online or at our gallery, located at 3807 Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA. If you visit our gallery, be sure to browse the Rodger Stevens exhibition on display now through October 6th.
Read our blog, contact us online, or give us a call at 504-891-8848 for more information.