The Sun is by far the most important source of energy for life on Earth.

The enormous effect of the Sun on Earth has been recognized since prehistoric times, and the Sun has been regarded by many cultures as a deity.

At Gazza Ladra, we are Sun lovers and as such we have created several gold Suns in the collection, we have sun necklaces, sun bracelets, sun earrings and sun charms. 

Because we want to carry the sun around with us as a talisman around our necks, ears and wrists we want its warmth and its shine!

The sun jewels all made of gold can be seen as protection jewelry, the same way sun symbols have been worn for thousands of years across cultures and continents. They power us with solar energy, show our respect towards the force and brighten our way!

I thought it would be interesting to write a little bit about how humans have adored the sun through the centuries.

With the help of Wikipedia,  we have compiled a list of a few of the solar deities here.

 A solar deity (also sun god or sun goddess) is a sky deity who represents the Sun, or an aspect of it, usually by its perceived power and strength. Solar deities and Sun worship can be found throughout most of recorded history in various forms.

Sol - Roman Sun God

Helios - Greek Sun God

Apollo - Greek Sun God

Apollo is the Olympian god of the sun and light, music and poetry, healing and plagues, prophecy and knowledge, order and beauty, archery and agriculture. An embodiment of the Hellenic ideal of kalokagathia, he is harmony, reason and moderation personified, a perfect blend of physical superiority and moral virtue.

Ra - Egyptian Sun God

From at least the 4th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, the Sun was worshipped as the deity Re, also named Ra or Ra-Horus-Aten or just Aten

Ra is considered to be both masculine and feminine simultaneously. All creation was thought to emanate from the god and to exist within the god.

Ra rides on a solar bark, which represents the Sun, and travels through the 12 provinces, which represent the 12 hours of day—thus creating daytime.

Ra, however, dies every sunset, which gives darkness throughout the world. In his dead form, he goes through the Underworld in his night bark. During his travels through the Underworld, he fights the snake demon named Apep. At sunrise, it is believed that Ra has defeated Apep once again.

Shamash - Mesopotamian Sun God

Mesopotamia is the birthplace of many of the first civilizations, including Sumerians, Akkadians, Amorites, Hittites, Kassites, Assyrians, and Chaldeans.

Shamash, the Sun god, was believed to be the child of the Moon god, Sin. He is depicted as the god of justice and equality. Shamash repeatedly rises from the east, on foot or a chariot, with Sun rays emanating from his shoulders. While he is providing sunlight for the world, he also presides over courts—for men and gods alike.

However, his duty is not limited to our world—he must also do this in the Underworld. He travels to the Underworld by descending in the west, thus creating darkness and night. In the Underworld, Shamash also presides over courts, where he judges the disputes of the dead.

Surya - Hindu Sun God

Surya is the Sanskrit word for sun. Surya is considered the creator of the universe and the source of all light. Surya rides on a chariot drawn by seven horses which represent the seven colors of visible light, and seven days of the week.

Amaterasu – Japanese Sun Goddess

Records of the worship of Amaterasu, are amongst the oldest records of Japanese history. In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, is the sister of Susanoo, the god of storms and the sea, and of Tsukuyomi, the god of the moon. It was written that Amaterasu had painted the landscape with her siblings while she created ancient Japan.

Sól/Sunna/Sunne - Germanic Sun Goddess

Sól/Sunna/Sunne, is the common Sun goddess among the Germanic tribes. She was chased across the sky in her horse-drawn chariot by a wolf. 

Inti - Inca Sun God

Inti is the ancient Incan Sun god. He is revered as the national patron of the Inca state.

The Sun is also depicted on the coat of arms of Bolivia and coat of arms of Ecuador, as well as the historical flag of Peru. All these three countries were historically part of the Incan Empire.

The Sun of May possibly has its roots in Inti as well and can be found on the Flag of Argentina and flag or Uruguay.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inti#Legends_and_history

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten

https://listverse.com/2013/12/20/10-mythological-origins-of-day-and-night/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_solar_deities#Egyptian_mythology