Fragment of work by Alonso Sanchez Coello (1531-1588) ‘Portrait of the Infanta of Spain and Queen Isabella Clara Eugenia of Austria’. Symbolism of wearing rings

Symbolism of wearing rings
Ring on the thumb – a symbol of wealth, on the index – belonging to a powerful family or any fraternity, and a ring on the little finger may indicate professional status. Does it matter on which finger to wear a ring?
There are many traditions in wearing jewelry. Knowing the symbolism, you can “make a statement” or learn something about its owner.
Rigid set of rules on which finger and which hand to wear the ring does not exist and anyone can wear the ring as he pleases, except wedding. But there are nuances. For example, in the majority of South and North America, including, most European countries wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, and in accordance with Orthodox tradition they are worn on the ring finger of the right hand.
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Traditional Scottish Luckenbooth brooch

Luckenbooth brooch
An ancient symbol of Scotland, and a traditional symbol of love and fidelity – Luckenbooth. The brooch received its name from the small shops – luckenbooths, located near the Cathedral of St. Giles. In Luckenbooths sold jewelry and other handicraft products of the XVI century. The first brooches were very small in size. It was believed that they could protect people from the evil eye and the influence of evil forces. Also stated that they could help new mothers, nursing mothers and infants.
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Graziano heart brooch. Gold plated, Swarovski crystals. 4.5 cm. 1990s. Valentines Day jewelry kaleidoscope

Valentines Day jewelry kaleidoscope
Traditionally, the holiday has always been the day dedicated to lovers. On this day, people show their friends relatives and ones that they care. People send candy or flowers to those whom they love. Most people send “valentines”, greeting cards named after St.Valentine’s letters written from jail. Valentines can be sentimental and romantic, or funny and friendly. Valentines can be anonymous, heart-shaped or can carry hearts on them. Here are inspired by Valentine’s Day jewellery pieces and a brief history of this festival.

Lupercalia

Valentine’s Day has its origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, observed on Feb. 15. Lupercalia celebrated the coming of Spring in the Roman calendar (February was observed later in the year than it is today). Lupercalia was associated with the Roman gods Lupercus and Faunus. Lupercus watched over shepherds and their flocks and the festival of Lupercalia became a celebration intended to ensure the fertility of flocks, fields and people.
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Made in order to preserve the anonymity of a lover or a loved one, just as memorable item, Eye miniature jewellery

Eye miniature jewellery
Such commemorative miniatures were in vogue and became very popular in the 1790 – 1820’s in England, then in France, and Russia. The eyes of lovers were portrayed in jewelry: brooches, rings, bracelets and pendants, on the boxes, and wallets. Most often, these miniatures were made on on ivory. Often with a miniature was kept a lock of hair of beloved one.
The history of the emergence of these miniatures is as follows:
Prince of Wales (later King George IV) was in love with the widow Maria Fitzherbert (she was a Catholic and six years older than him) and made her a proposal. According to belief, sometime around 1785, Mrs. Fitzherbert commissioned Richard A. Cosway, a London miniaturist, to paint one of her eyes. The portrait painted on ivory, was placed behind glass and set within a locket. December 15, 1785 was their secret wedding.
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Gold diamond flower brooch. Turquoise stone connecting hearts forever

Turquoise – stone connecting hearts forever
No woman can remain indifferent if her loved one gives her a ring with turquoise. And not only because it is a symbol of love, and one of the most beautiful among the gems. Its name comes from the Persian word “Firuz” or “Pirouz”, meaning “stone of happiness” and “victory.” The second name of the stone – Turkus is less poetic, and only signifies that in ancient times it was brought to Europe from Turkey.
Meanwhile, the Persians believed that the bones of those who died of unrequited lovestone formed the stone.
Noteworthy, if a loved one gave you the stone, and after a while the stone became pale, it means that the feelings began to fade.
According to belief, Turquoise has magical properties and as a lucky stone, is able to make peace between enemies, and pacify anger. Noteworthy, the stone has the ability to change color to pale, when the weather is bad, or if an ill person owns it. The gem enhances intuition, courage, insight, peace in the family, and brings happiness. Blue turquoise has a strong energy. Dark blue stone symbolizes the struggle against evil.
Designed for determined people and leaders, it helps its owner to concentrate. Also, to understand the purpose of life, and gives the opportunity to gain power and gain credibility. Do not forget that turquoise has its own character, so if an evil man owns it, he would not escape punishment from the stone.
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