Tempus Fugit - The Symbolism of the Hourglass

The hourglass is a powerful tool of symbolism, representing the passing of time, mortality and the inevitability of change.  It is a reminder that time is a precious resource and it should not be wasted. That time is fleeting ... Tempus Fugit.

This little vintage, free-floating emerald hourglass is adorable with its twisted columns & is available from Arden Jewelers.

The hourglass also symbolizes the cycle of life, with its sands representing the beginning and end of life. Additionally, the hourglass can symbolize the finite nature of life, with its upper chamber representing potential and the lower chamber representing inevitability. In essence, the hourglass is an emblem of our mortality.  In jewelry, it can often be seen with wings as a symbol (and reminder) that human existence is fleeting, and that the "sands of time" will run out for every human life. Time flies and death comes too soon for many.

The hourglass, or sandglass, has long been a device used to measure time with evidence dating back to the 8th century and in heraldry it is symbolic of the flight of time and mortality. 

From Plum and Posey, this wax seal imprint pendant is available in sterling, gold & gold vermeil on their Etsy shop & is the perfect reminder that time is the most valuable resource.

Here are five hourglass symbolisms and their meanings:

Time - The hourglass is a symbol of time, whether it be the passing of time, the amount of time we have left in life, or the importance of making the most of the time we have. The sand in the hourglass is a reminder to us that time is fleeting, and it should not be taken for granted.

Mortality - The hourglass is a reminder of our mortality. The sand in the hourglass is a reminder that life is finite, and that we must make the most of it before it runs out. This can lead us to live more meaningful lives and make better use of our limited time here on earth.

A perfect example of the hourglass being used to represent mortality; this tarot card Memento Mori Tarot Necklace from Luminous Luxury is a must-have.

Change - The hourglass is a symbol of change, both in terms of time and life. As the sand passes through the hourglass, it is a reminder that life is constantly changing and evolving. We should embrace change and use it to our advantage to create a better future.

Balance - The hourglass can be seen as a symbol of balance. The two sides of the hourglass represent the balance of life, with the upper chamber representing potential and the lower chamber representing inevitability. This reminds us to strive for balance and harmony in our lives.

Cycle of Life - The hourglass is a symbol of the cycle of life. The sand passing through the hourglass is a reminder that life is a cycle, and that it is always evolving and changing. This can be a reminder to us to live in the moment and appreciate the journey of life.

This unusual vintage example of an hourglass charm hold gold nugget dust & flips on the center access. 
The perfect addition to your layered neckmess from Berry's Gems.

Some may ask if the hourglass is a symbol of luck?  Many cultures view hourglasses as symbols of life and mortality, as the sand slowly slips away from the top to the bottom. This can be seen as a reminder to make the most of the time we have and to appreciate the moments that pass by. In this way, an hourglass can be seen as a positive symbol that encourages us to make the most of our lives. The hourglass symbolizes the spiritual journey of life. It is a reminder that time is precious and that every moment should be used to reflect and find meaning. The sand within the hourglass is representative of the passage of time, and the shape of the hourglass itself represents the cycle of life and death.

This is a reminder to appreciate the moments we have and to use our finite time wisely.

A classic vintage hourglass design, this adorable 14kt version is offered by Vick & Henry Vintage.

On the other hand, some might see an hourglass as a symbol of bad luck, as the sand slowly runs out of the top and can never be returned to the same spot. This could be seen as a reminder of the finite nature of our lives, and the difficulty of reclaiming lost opportunities. An hourglass could also be seen as a reminder of the inevitability of death and other unfortunate events.

Ultimately, whether an hourglass brings good luck or bad luck depends on the individual’s interpretation. For some, it is a reminder to make the most of the time they have and appreciate the moments that pass by. For others, it might serve as a warning of the finite nature of life, and the difficulty of reclaiming lost opportunities.

For you pink lovers, this vintage 9kt yellow gold hourglass pendant from Revival Gold & Vintage features a sweet little floral detail at both ends.

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