The jewellery in Game of Thrones is so much more symbolic than you might think
There is so much more to Game of Thrones than just violence, murder and rape. Don’t get us wrong, we know that plays a very important part, but it is the fashion (who can forget Dany's winter slay coat), the beauty (we're still obsessing over those plaits) and major bling that have people talking recently.
The costumes and politics in Westeros are clearly linked. With elaborate dragon-inspired pieces fit for the Mother of Dragons herself, jewellery plays an important part in the plotline, giving subtle hints and clues to character development. The show's costume designer Michele Clapton has made clear in interviews that the costumes and jewellery tells stories about each character. This is clearly shown from the importance of jewellery in the storylines, don’t forget that poison necklaces have killed not one but two of Cersei’s children; Joffrey and Myrcella.
SKYDaenerys
Daenerys has quite simplistic jewellery in the first couple seasons of Game of Thrones mirroring her early submissive nature.
SKYDany later rocks a slave-like collar to show her unity with the slaves in Essos. As time goes on, her jewels gets bigger, braver and WAY more epic.
SKYA piece befitting only for Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons. This intricate silver dragon choker was designed by jewellers Yunis & Eliza. The stand-out, structural piece reflects Dany’s multifaceted character, portraying strength and her elevated yet fragile status. And now you can actually shop these pieces as part of collaboration with Michele and the designers called MEY London. We NEED them.
SKYServing as both an epic reminder that she is the Mother of Dragons and a true Targaryen with the house's emblem, this fierce silver dragon chain is both a statement piece and a handy cape holder. Clapton said in an interview with InStyle that the chain is "a weighty, symbolic piece of jewellery that [shows] her strength and intent." In the same interview, Clapton also revealed a further underlying reason for the bold piece: Dany cannot wear a crown (yet) and therefore needs to exude power in another way.
SKYCersei
“We use jewellery for Cersei a lot,” said Clapton to NY Magazine. “When she’s feeling insecure, like with Margaery, for instance, she wears these big, clunky gold pieces to show that she’s a Lannister and important and has status.”
SKYCersei's jewellery has evolved over the seasons, mirroring her more powerful position. The Lannister matriarch's large statement pieces are replaced with subtler and more neutral pieces to portray confidence and power now that she has taken the Iron Throne for herself. The lack of colour also reflects her hardened personality and her desire to hide her femininity as she takes on a traditionally male role as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, as well as the fact that they are in a time of war so need to dress in a more functional way. Clapton explained to The Independent, “I’m trying to give clues to their situation, to subtly show when the characters are feeling strong, when they are feeling weak.”
SKYSansa
Sansa begins with simplistic and youthful jewellery pieces that are quickly replaced by harder, more standoffish looks as her character has a much needed toughening up.
SKYExplaining her motivation behind Sansa's more masculine and darker look, Clapton revealed to Elle, “I wanted it to look as if she was actually sewn or laced into her dress—like there was no way in. So I designed a belt that comes around the neck, across the chest and around the waist. She's trying to protect herself from all the awfulness that's happened. It's a form of armor.”
SKYMelisandre
Melisandre’s necklace plays a very important part in her storyline, as it is shown as the key to her youth. The unique choker that she rocks throughout the series is signature to her character, mirroring her role through its mystical and distinctive appearance.
SKYMissandei
Missandei’s collar jewellery/ ensemble represents the fact that she is a slave. This evolves as she is freed by Daenerys and is replaced with lower-cut ensembles.
SKYTyrion
Jewellery and accessorising is not limited to just the female characters. Tyrion's role of 'The Hand of the King' is symbolised with his pin that shows, as Clapton explained to NY, “linked hands guiding the way”. While the Hand itself may change, the pin emblem is a constant throughout.
SKYWhite Walkers
Even the White Walkers are embellished with seriously cool neck bling – perhaps we will find out more about the meaning of it in the next season…
SKYJoffrey
Say what you will about Joffrey (ew) but his jewellery is truly on point.
SKYMargery
Margery is constantly decorated in pretty flowers, highlighting her sweet and beautiful appearance, but the tiny thorns surrounding them mimic the dual aspects of her personality that she can actually be dangerous.
SKYPyat Pree
He began and ended his GOT journey in season two but Pyat Pree’s circular key pendant is functionally important as it opens the giant vault in Qarth way back in season two. It's also pretty cool.
SKYQuaithe
Quaithe, who appears in season two, has mystical powers and a killer matching jewellery set.
