What does a black mood necklace mean?
A black mood necklace typically refers to a piece of black jewelry, often made of beads or gemstones, that is worn to signify or represent a particular mood or emotional state. Mood necklaces and bracelets grew in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and black mood jewelry remains a staple in alternative fashion. The color black is most commonly associated with emotions like sadness, anger, brooding, or depression. So a black mood necklace can signal that the wearer is in a dark, melancholic, or morose mood.
Origins and History
The concept of mood jewelry dates back centuries, with color-changing rings and pendants made to reflect emotions and moods. Modern mood rings, made with thermochromic liquid crystals that change color based on temperature, became popular in the 1970s. While mood rings and their color-changing properties focused more on reflecting physiological states, mood necklaces and bracelets gained traction in the 90s as a way to make a symbolic statement about your current mindset and display it through jewelry.
The goth and grunge movements of the 80s and 90s that gravitated towards darker aesthetics helped popularize black jewelry and accessories, including chokers. At the same time, emo music and culture also emerged with a focus on expressing angst, sadness, and other painful emotions. So black mood jewelry became a natural way for people in these subcultures to nonverbally communicate their inner turmoil or current emotional state. The trend spread in the late 90s and early 2000s through mall shops like Hot Topic that sold alternative fashion jewelry and accessories.
Meaning and Symbolism
In color symbolism, the color black is most strongly associated with grief, loss, despair, anger, fear, and sadness – heavier, more melancholic emotions. So when someone wears an all-black necklace or other black mood jewelry, they are likely trying to signify they are in a dark state of mind, mood, or emotion. Some common meanings and messages black mood necklaces can convey include:
– Feeling depressed
– Working through grief or mourning a loss
– Feeling hopeless, somber, or pensive
– Channeling anger or bitterness
– Communicating a sense of void or emptiness
– Signaling a dark time in your life
– Feeling gloomy, sad, or in despair
– Brooding over something
– Wanting solitude or isolation
– Feeling misunderstood or different
– Experiencing a melancholic temperament
Black is also associated with mystery, power, elegance, and sophistication. So black mood jewelry may also indicate someone wants to cultivate a more serious, thoughtful presence. The solid black color can represent a void or darkness that the wearer feels internally. Or it can create contrast against lighter tones to draw attention and lend the appearance of depth and intrigue.
Common Materials and Styles
Some common materials and styles used in black mood necklaces include:
Onyx – A popular semi-precious stone in black that can be carved into beads or cabochons for necklaces. Onyx is associated with psychic energy and protection.
Hematite – A metallic-colored mineral stone that has a blackish-gray sheen. Hematite beads are used in necklaces and can provide grounding energy.
Leather – Leather cord or braided leather necklaces are a staple in goth fashion. The material signifies durability and protection.
Chunky beads – Large black beads made of materials like glass, stone, acrylic, or wood help create an eye-catching statement.
Chokers – Snug-fitting black chokers worn high up on the neck create a bold dramatic look.
Pendants – Pendants like skulls, coffin shapes, ravens, or bats in black materials reinforce the brooding mood.
Lace – Delicate black lace layered over chunky necklaces adds contrasting feminine Goth flair.
Velvet – Black velvet ribbon woven into a choker provides texture and luxurious depth.
| Material | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Onyx | Psychic protection |
| Hematite | Grounding |
| Leather | Durability, protection |
| Chunky Beads | Statement piece |
| Chokers | Bold, dramatic |
| Pendants | Reinforce mood |
| Lace | Feminine contrast |
| Velvet | Luxurious depth |
When are Black Mood Necklaces Worn?
There are no hard rules dictating when someone needs to wear a black mood necklace to properly convey their emotional state. However, some common situations when someone may opt for a black mood necklace include:
– When grieving or mourning a personal loss
– When experiencing depression or emotional turmoil
– Going through a break-up or divorce
– Processing a traumatic event or time period
– Feeling lonely or misunderstood
– Channeling feelings like anger, fear, or sadness
– Getting in touch with your shadow self
– Leaning into a melancholic temperament
– Seeking solitude or isolation
– Feeling void, hopeless, or somber
– Dealing with existential angst or dread
– Attending a somber event or occasion
– Expressing your inner Goth sensibilities
The necklace allows the wearer to nonverbally signal they are in a dark place emotionally or psychologically. It’s a subtle way to communicate your mood to others without having to explicitly say how you feel. And it also serves as a personal reminder of what mindset you’re currently in.
Gender Differences
While mood jewelry and black necklaces can be worn by anyone, some gender differences exist in who is more likely to wear black mood necklaces and what messages they may be signaling.
Among women, black necklaces may signify:
– Channeling a dark, brooding temperament
– Connecting to your shadow self
– Expressing inner turmoil or angst
– Signaling you want to be left alone
– Conventionally feminine embellishments (lace, velvet etc.)
Among men, black necklaces may imply:
– Cultivating a tough, masculine aura
– Emulating goth or emo style
– Appearing mysterious and brooding
– Showing off your dark side
– Hinting at depression or sadness
– Minimal embellishments and a stoic vibe
However, these are just general tendencies. Ultimately, mood jewelry is worn by people of all genders as a form of personal self-expression beyond gender norms. The meaning comes from the wearer, not their gender.
Alternative Styles and Colors
While solid black is the most common mood necklace color, other hues and styles can also signify specific emotional states. Some examples include:
Red – Passion, anger, intensity, lust, danger
Purple – Mystery, creativity, wisdom, spirituality
Blue – Sadness, longing, calmness, pensiveness
Green – Growth, balance, envy, misfortune
Orange – Exuberance, playfulness, warmth, pride
White – Purity, clarity, peace, innocence
Silver – Calm, coolness, sophistication, intuition
Multiple colored beads, gradient colors, or combinations like black and red can create even more complex mood symbolism. The colors selected in any mood necklace are highly personal to the wearer. But in general, brighter hues signify more positive states, while dark shades communicate negative emotions.
Conclusion
A black mood necklace is a way to nonverbally express your inner emotional world and current state of mind through jewelry and color symbolism. The solid black color projects a sense of darkness, melancholy, brooding, and somberness. For the wearer, it can represent depression, grief, anger, loneliness, or simply a desire for solitude. The meanings behind black mood necklaces are highly personalized and subjective. But they allow the wearer to publicly project their inner feelings and be in touch with their shadow side without having to explicitly verbalize it. So the next time you see someone wearing an all-black choker, pendant, or beaded necklace, it likely signals they are traversing through some difficult emotions and want space to process internally.
