BDSM Emblem Symbol ­ 

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I am Franklin.
For over 20 years I have made fine quality jewelry for the kink community.

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Interesting Information About the BDSM Emblem
In the mid 1990's, a discussion on AOL set the course for what we know as the BDSM emblem. There was an idea that a symbol was needed to represent this brand of sexuality and lifestyle. As well, the symbol needed to be a bit mysterious. When worn, it could not attract a great deal of attention from "vanilla observers". It did have to be easily recognized by those who knew what it was. In the end, Steve Quagmyr, a leader of the discussion, created an emblem reminiscent of the yin-yang design. The choice of design was influenced by a description of the ring that "O" was given in the novel "The Story of O" (which is very different from that worn in the movie version). The ring as described in the book " . . . bore a three-spoked wheel . . . with each spoke spiraling back upon itself . . .".

 

This is a 2 dimensional representation of the BDSM Emblem. It shows the basic shape with the "three spoked wheel". It lacks the metallic color and the depth needed to show that there are actually holes within the black area. The holes are very important. They distinguish the BDSM Emblem from other similar designs. If the design does not have the holes it is not the BDSM Emblem.
The color is also very important, if the color is not black, it is not the BDSM Emblem.

 A true representation of the BDSM Emblem, showing the black background, the metallic color and the holes. If any one of these features are missing, it is not truly the Emblem.

The Meaning of the BDSM Emblem Symbol
Within the BDSM emblem that we use today are the three spokes which create three divisions along several possible lines of representation. One is that they represent the three divisions of BDSM: bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. A second idea is that each division represents one aspect of the BDSM motto of "safe, sane, and consensual". A third meaning that can be derived from the divisions is that of the three segments of the BDSM community, namely, tops, bottoms, and switches.

(Steve) Quagmyr describes the metallic colour as a representation of the chains or irons of BDSM and the black background as a celebration of the controlled dark side of BDSM sexuality. The curved lines symbolize the "lash as it swings", and the circle shape represents the unity and oneness of a "community that protects its own". 

Information about the meaning of the BDSM Emblem can be found here:  
The Emblem Project

What does the BDSMblem mean?

The BDSMblem has no "obvious" symbolism because it was created to be enigmatic. To the vanilla observer who would be put off by BDSM, it is merely an attractive piece of jewelry. Thus, we can wear it freely as a friendly salute, nod, and wink to other BDSMers we should happen to pass on the sidewalks and in the hallways of our daily lives.

To the insider, however, the Emblem is full of meaning.

The three divisions represent the various threesomes of BDSM. First of all, the three divisions of BDSM itself: B&D, D&S, and S&M. Secondly, the three-way creed of BDSM behavior: Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Thirdly, the three divisions of our community: Tops, Bottoms, and Switches.

It is this third symbolism that gives meaning to the holes in each unit. Since BDSM is at the very least a play style and at its greatest a love style, the holes represent the incompleteness of any individual within the BDSM context. However "together" and "whole" individuals may be, there remains a void within them that can only be filled by a complimentary other. BDSM cannot be done alone.

The resemblance to a three-way variation on the Yin-Yang symbol is not accidental. As the curved outline of Yin and Yang represent the hazy border between where one ends and the other begins, so do the curved borders here represent the indistinct divisions between B&D, D&S, and S&M.

The metal and metallic color of the medallion represents the chains or irons of BDSM servitude/ownership. The three inner fields are black, representing a celebration of the controlled dark side of  BDSM sexuality.

The curved lines themselves can be seen as a stylized depiction of a lash as it swings, or even an arm in motion to deliver an erotic spanking. The all-embracing circle, of course, represents the overlying unity of it all and the oneness of a community that protects its own.

copyright 1995-2012, Quagmyr

These are the pendants, rings and cuff-links that I  make that has the BDSM Emblem Incorporated into the design.

Click/Tap an image to see the jewellery