If you’re a fan of TikTok trends, you’ve probably come across the “broken jewelry theory.” It’s a fun way to give meaning to everyday accidents, while subtly promoting jewelry redesign and repair services. (Okay, maybe that last part is a bit cynical, but there’s no denying the trend’s commercial potential.)
The core of this trend suggests that a broken earring or a shattered bracelet could be a sign from the universe, with TikTok creators exploring what these mishaps could signify for the wearer. According to astrology and psychic experts, a fractured piece of jewelry may have a deeper meaning than we first thought.
What’s the message? Well, it could be anything from your protective crystal absorbing too much negative energy to the universe telling you it’s time for some introspection. For instance, a bracelet breaking might prompt you to rethink your past relationship choices, while a broken brooch could signal it’s time to reassess your current relationship. A damaged watch? It might be nudging you to have a tough conversation. Or maybe that broken cufflink is a warning to steer clear of a potential mishap or bad luck.
Many jewelry designers agree that jewelry can hold significant meaning. Ali Weiss, for example, dedicates a whole section of her website to spiritual jewelry featuring symbols like the Star of David, a cross, the hamsa, and the evil eye. She believes the meaning of a broken piece depends entirely on the wearer’s connection to it.
“As a jewelry designer, I think a broken piece is a sign, especially if it’s sentimental—something gifted by a loved one,” Weiss tells JCK. “It can feel like a whisper from the universe that something is shifting in your life.”
However, Weiss also believes jewelry holds energy, and a meaningful piece breaking can feel like an omen, signaling the need to pay attention to something in your life. “If it’s just a random piece with no emotional value, though, I wouldn’t read into it as much,” she adds. “A piece with symbolic meaning, like an evil eye, carries more weight for me.”
So, what should you do with your broken jewelry? According to Bustle’s sources, you can try to fix it, cleanse it, or simply get rid of it. If you choose the latter, one astrologer suggests burying the broken jewelry in the earth to return it to nature. Or, if you prefer a fresh start, take it to your local jewelry store and see if they can transform it into something new. After all, a savvy redesign could turn your damaged jewelry into something stunning.
Who knows, next month’s TikTok trend might just show us how to turn that broken piece into a masterpiece.