In Ancient Greek mythology, Persephone, daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest was kidnapped by Hades, god of the underworld, who fell in love with her at first sight and carried her off to his kingdom. After eating seeds from the pomegranate offered to her, she bound herself to Hades and became his wife. Demeter, mad with sorrow, hunted everywhere for Persephone, roaming the earth for ninety days looking for her daughter. She found her with Hades, and struck a bargain with him: Persephone would live four months on earth with the living, and eight months in the underworld.
Garnets are associated with love, life blood, and the human heart. Because of its similarity to pomegranate seeds, they are also symbolic of friendship, and the safe return of loved ones, just as Persephone returned to her mother every year.
In Ancient times, the gemstone was used as a talisman for protection both by warriors going into battle and those who wanted to ward off pestilence and plague. Some ancient healers and wise men even placed garnets in wounds and praised its healing powers.
The word “Bohemian” derives from the region of Bohemia, a kingdom which later became Czechoslovakia. Among other flourishing trades, this region produced gorgeous, deep red garnet gemstones and a style of jewelry that quickly became popular in the late Victorian Era and through the turn of the century.
Garnet is the birthstone for January and the stone that celebrates the 2nd anniversary of marriage.
This dramatic rosetta shaped brooch is crafted in 8 karat garnet gold, a metal lower in gold content and typical of the Bohemian garnet pieces of the 19th century. The 'rosetta' shape harkens back to a cathedral window called a rose window, named so for the fact that it's made of a series of smaller windows radiating out from the center like wheel spokes or flower petals. The rose window developed out of the oculus, a small round window found in Ancient Roman architecture, but it was during the mid-twelfth century with the development of Gothic architecture in France that rose windows came into prominence. Later they spread to many places in Europe, notably Spain and England. Every element of a Gothic cathedral had meaning. The same is true for rose windows. Their symbolism lies in geometry and the sense that many parts make a whole. Beautifully set with deep red, glowing garnets, this is a sure show-stopper for your collection!
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 1 1/4"
Weight: 8.9 grams
Materials: Garnet Gold, Bohemian Garnet
Metal: 8K Garnet Gold
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear