The swan is one of the most beautiful and best-loved birds. Its whiteness, strength and grace have made it a symbol of light, purity and perfection in almost every culture.
The white and the black swan
Myths and fairy tales often contrast two swans – a white one and a black one. The white swan is linked with day, goodness, the sun and life. The black one – with night, the moon, secrets and mysticism. This contrast is also at the heart of the world's most famous ballet – Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake", with the white Odette and the black Odile.
Myths and fairy tales
In Greek mythology Zeus turns into a swan to win the beautiful Leda, and the chariot of Apollo, god of light and the arts, is drawn by swans. That is why the swan is also associated with poetry and music. And Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling" tells of a little grey bird that grows into a beautiful swan – a story about inner beauty.
A symbol of fidelity
Swans form pairs for many years, often for life. Two swans facing each other, their necks forming a heart, are one of the most recognisable symbols of love and fidelity.
The swan in jewellery
That is why a piece of jewellery with a swan is a wonderful gift for a loved one, for an anniversary or a wedding. Brooches, pendants, earrings and bracelets with a swan come in silver, gold and rose gold tones, with white or black crystals – depending on which swan you want to wear.
Photo: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
