Tied to Love: The Knot Motif in Modern Fine Jewellery
Jewellery has long been a language of emotion an intimate gesture, a symbol of devotion, and often, a timeless expression of love. Among the many motifs that have endured through centuries, the knot stands out as one of the most poetic. It speaks of connection, unity, and the invisible threads that bind people together. Today, the knot is being reinterpreted by luxury houses and independent designers alike, weaving its way into the heart of contemporary fine jewellery.
At the forefront of this revival is the Tiffany Knot bracelet, a piece that has become emblematic of the brand’s heritage and innovation. Inspired by an elegant bow crafted in 1889, the design has been reinvented season after season, maintaining its sculptural simplicity while adapting to modern sensibilities. The knot here is more than decorative it’s a quiet statement of strength and elegance, a reminder that love, like craftsmanship, is built to endure.
The bow motif also finds new life in Prada’s Eternal Gold, the brand’s first fine jewellery collection launched in October 2022. A newcomer to the world of high jewellery, Prada made a bold entrance by committing to sustainability: the entire collection is crafted from 100% certified recycled gold, a first for a global luxury brand. The bow, a symbol of love, protection, and femininity since the 17th century, is reimagined in Prada’s hands with both delicate and daring interpretations. Among the standout pieces is a fine jewellery headband a whimsical nod to “Alice in Wonderland” dreams, merging fantasy with refinement in true Prada fashion.
Across the Atlantic, Anita Ko, the Los Angeles-based designer known for her sleek, diamond-studded creations, offers her own take on the knot. Her double marine knot bracelet, available in various shades of gold, is a favourite among Hollywood’s elite including Ines de Ramon, known for her connection to Brad Pitt. Ko’s designs balance edge and elegance, making the knot not just a symbol of love, but of bold individuality.
In London, Jessica McCormack continues to tie the knot with her signature style classic, timeless, and quietly luxurious. Her pieces often feature antique-cut diamonds set in Georgian-inspired silhouettes, bringing a sense of history and permanence to the modern love story. McCormack’s interpretation of the knot is subtle yet powerful, a whisper of sentiment wrapped in precious stones.
Meanwhile, Marla Aaron, the New York-based designer who launched her brand in 2012, approaches jewellery with a philosophy of functional maximalism. Her reinvention of the carabiner lock sparked a movement one that celebrates versatility, playfulness, and personal storytelling. From rings and bracelets to convertible earrings and charms, Aaron’s pieces are designed to be worn, mixed, and cherished. Her belief that jewellery should bring joy to as many people as possible has carved out a unique space in the industry, attracting collectors of all ages and identities.
What unites these designers is their ability to take a centuries-old motif and infuse it with contemporary relevance. The knot, in its many forms bowed, twisted, looped, or locked continues to resonate because it speaks to something universal. It’s a symbol of relationships that endure, of promises made and kept, and of the beauty found in connection.
In today’s luxury landscape, where storytelling is as important as craftsmanship, the knot offers a rich narrative thread. Whether it’s Tiffany’s sculptural elegance, Prada’s sustainable fantasy, Anita Ko’s Hollywood sparkle, Jessica McCormack’s timeless grace, or Marla Aaron’s joyful innovation, the knot remains a powerful emblem of love tied not just around the wrist, but around the heart.
