Secret Garden Drop 👑✨

Before Frances Hodgeson Burnett published The Secret Garden in 1911, gardens filled with secrets were a popular theme in the symbolism of art and jewelry. Jet, Onyx, vulcanite, enamel, cameo, coral, turquoise- they could each be formed into a representation of blooms that held secret meanings, deciphered by the popular Language of Flowers pamphlets and books, distributed throughout the 19th Century. This drop focuses on the secrets held in such sentimental jewels. A pearl and turquoise wreathe- to represent the temperament of eternal love, ebbing and flowing in an endless circle. Onyx tear drop earrings, inset with micro-mosaics of white roses, pink roses, blood red roses with black centers, and blue/periwinkle forget-me-nots reign down the wearer’s cheeks bones; recounting the tale of friendship, to new love, to passionate, unforgettable romance. And lastly, a sizable whitby jet pendant featuring a black enamel plaque of a daffodil, often used to communicate “honor,” “chivalry,” or “unrequited love.” A sweet sadness, for so beautiful a bloom. There are many florets to choose from in this small garden; which will you add to your jewel box bouquet. 

First up, an Extremely Rare Whitby Jet Pendant with Enamel Daffodil Plaque. A rare, English pendant, circa 1860, in a bold oval shape with a most wonderful daffodil enamel, this sentimental floral is a remarkable example of Whitby jet. Whitby jet is known for its shocking levity- it weighs almost nothing, but gives the refraction of black enamel or even a carved onyx with its inky luster. This example further underscores the success of the material marriage with a perfectly glossy plaque of a daffodil, which we know from the language of flowers denotes, “honor,” “chivalry,” or “unrequited love.”

Next, Onyx and Micromosaic Earrings in 9k Gold. A rare pair of Italian Onyx micromosaic teardrop earrings, set in 9ct gold, circa 1880 with a later setting. A lovely example of grand-tour jewelry, this pair of earrings boasts elaborate garlands of roses. Very subtly, a story unfolds as micro-mosaics of white roses, pink roses, blood-red roses with black centers, and blue/periwinkle forget-me-nots reign down the wearer’s cheeks bones; friendship, to new love, to passionate, unforgettable romance.