World Goth Day falls annually on May 22nd and is a celebration of all things gothic. Not only does the day provide an opportunity for the goth scene to celebrate its own being but it's also an occasion for the community to make its presence known to the rest of the world. The roots of the goth scene can be found in a subculture that began life in the late 1970s and early 1980s as an offshoot of the post-punk music scene. Today, goths are best known for being drawn to dark aesthetics, melancholic or romantic themes and alternative forms of art and self-expression.

Founded in 1977, the inspiration for Alchemy England was the alternative and goth-inspired culture of the late 1970s. The brand is rooted in high-quality handmade jewelry and there's no better way to celebrate World Goth Day than with some of the fantastic sets on offer. Among the themes found throughout Alchemy's collections, bats are a staple due to their association with darkness and night, and a cloud of these nocturnal creatures feature on the foreboding Blood Moon Pendant. For a truly dramatic look, match this pendant with a pair of red Empyrean Tear Earrings.

Coffins are also a popular feature in goth culture due to their symbolism with core themes and aesthetics, such as a fascination with death, the macabre and the beauty found in darkness. A popular line in Alchemy's handmade jewelry collection, the Eternal Sleep Pendant is a standout coffin adornment. Crafted with a blackened pewter base, this detailed winged coffin features a nail (or is it a stake?) that hangs from a chain and can be inserted into the coffin.itself. Complete the look with the winged A Night with Goethe Dropper Earrings.

The coffin theme continues with Alchemy's Cross of the Dark Kiss Necklace. A dramatic statement piece, this design represents the escutcheon dramatis from the coffin of the bride of the fictional Count Magistus. Handcrafted with meticulous detail, the long cross is adorned with intricately woven ivy and crescent moons. At its heart lies a stunning blood red heart, echoing the passion and allure of love's deeper, darker facets, and anchored in its center is a jet black rose, a symbol of eternal beauty and resilience. Match with a pair of Hex Coffin Stud Earrings to complete the look.

Another popular style in goth culture is the 18th century European art and design style, Rococo. The term comes from rocaille, meaning 'shell' in French and refers to the ornamental motifs central to the style. Alchemy's Mon Amour De Soubise Necklace features the spectacular Rococo interior of the salon de la Hotel de Soubise in Paris, grand residence of the prince of Soubise. The necklace is crafted in fine English pewter and adorned with red Swarovksi crystals and a black enamel heart, making it a perfect complementary piece to the Blacksoul collectiom, including the Blacksoul Ring.

Alchemy also offers a collection of gothic-inspired jewerly boxes to help keep your jewelry and accessories both organised and safe. Themed pieces include black cats and pumpkin skulls, with a standout item from the collection being the Skull Moon Trinket & Jewelry Box. A powerful and evocative symbol, the skull moon represents death, mortality and transformation, in addition to change, intuition and the cyclical nature of time. Expertly produced using a high-quality resin, this is a fantastic way to store Alchemy's stunning line of handcrafted jewelry and accessories.

Along with celebrations such as Halloween and Day of the Dead, World Goth Day is one of the most important dates in the gothic calendar. It's an occasion to celebrate the vast, diverse subculture and everything it has to offer, from music and film to art and fashion. Ideas to celebrate World Goth Day include watching classic movies such as The Addams Family and Beetlejuice and listening to foundational goth bands such as Bauhaus and The Cure. Alchemy England's collection of handmade gothic jewelry and accessories also provide perfect gift ideas for those celebrating.

Explore more gothic jewelry and homeware on our World Goth Day page »