Variations on a Theme >> Victorian Motifs

 

I came across this Victorian crescent ring at Erie Basin about a year ago (actually, on November 20, 2008, to be exact - aren't bookmarks cool??), and I've loved this motif ever since.  

After some research, I learned that the crescent shape became popular during the Victorian era after the discovery of the Vault of Curium, which spurred an interest in all things Phoenician, including  the "fertile crescent."  The Victorians, who loved some good symbolism, re-appropriated the crescent, or moon shape, to be a symbol for a honeymoon, and husbands often gave them to their new brides.

I've been on the lookout for antique crescent rings ever since, but they are actually really rare!  Most of the time I come across crescent pins, like the one above, rather than rings.  

Jewelry designer Mociun must've been on the same wavelength as me, as they have debuted this new crescent ring below...

I love the crescent design not only for its history, but also the actual design!  It's pretty, without being too precious... the pointy ends make it just slightly fearsome I think.  

Also, I love that they used black diamonds.  It's gorgeous, and also historically appropriate given the Victorians' love of black mourning jewelry.

  

Above and below, a Victorian bangle and ring, both of seed pearls and turquoise.
The seed pearl + turqoise combo is another favorite of mine from the Victorians' jewelry repertoire.

Mociun up'ed the ante on this one, and used diamonds instead of seed pearls... 

Love it!

Mociun, discovered via Pixels & Arrows


Ring from Erie Basin in Brooklyn, which has lots of cool jewelry, crescent pin from Friar House Antique Jewelry, and antique seed pearl and turquoise bangle and ring from Ruby Lane.