A Bow-tie Affair
It was, indeed, her first 'wife' letter; and within it was the precious love-token, her own love-token - the bow of orange ribbon. She gave a sharp cry as it fell upon the desk; and then she lifted and kissed it, and held it to her breast, as she rocked herself to and fro in a passionate transport of triumphant love.
The Bow of Orange Ribbon: A Romance of New York by Amelia E Barr
Emblems of Venus, such as a pair of doves or two roses, were tenderly framed by a ribbon tied in a bow to signify the bond of love. The marriage knot or knot of Hercules, represented a feminine rite of passage from maiden to married woman and the strong knot created by two entwined ropes symbolized the strength of a couple's union in marriage. This became known as a wedding symbol and the phrase 'tying the knot'.
Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy
These fairies were the inspiration for Peter Tchaikovsky and his Nutcracker Suite when the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and her attendants welcomed Clara at her court in the Kingdom of Sweets. The story is based on a 19th century work of Romantic fiction E.T.A. Hoffman's original entitled the Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
The Fairy in this magical piece is protected by Tiger's Eye, a stone known for its power to bring insight, clear thinking, willpower, confidence and assurance, all of the virtues that Clara aquired in her journey to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Flutter-by
This exquisite enameled necklace is fashioned on a 1900's antique butterfly and is suspended with crystals and amber - a fossilized sap associated with a feeling of light hearted freedom. Because amber often encased insects and small animals it was thought to contain the essence of life.
The butterfly is the symbol of metamorphosis and transformation. It is figurative of new life; letting go of old cycles and helping you find your true inner expression. The butterfly magically awakens a time of self-discovery and rebirth. Reaching higher; reaching outward; leaving the safety of the cocoon and finding a place among the flowers of life, the butterfly calls you to spread your wings, bring forth your inner joy and allow the wind to carry forward your dreams.
Lady of The Lake
"What damsel is that?" asked Arthur. "That is the Lady of the Lake", said Merlin. "And within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth". Le Morte D'Arthur
A Celtic Lake Divinity in origin or lake fairies in modern Welsh folklore, this mysterious female gave Arthur his sword, Excalibur, yet her inspiration is seen in earlier forms: such as the Irish Goddess Brigid; a sun goddess, her gifts are light (knowledge), inspiration, and the vital and healing energy of the sun. Also known as the Welsh enchantress Ceridwen, who is the keeper of the cauldron of the underworld in which inspiration and divine knowledge are brewed.
Exploring the mysteries of the feminine this enchanting necklace is captured in pools of clear crystals, characteristic of water, seen as a source of wisdom and healing.
Hearts Content
Romantically feminine this antique styled heart weaves the magic of amour.
Symbolically the heart conjures notions of love, the soul and the centre of life itself since time immemorial. The "heart" shape is formed by the back and wings of a dove, which was associated with Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love. The influence of the Greek goddess Aphrodite can be seen as generative, far beyond that of romance, love, or desire alone. She is associated with the life-giving sea. Just as the waves lapping on the shore refresh and renew the beach, Aphrodite brings us hope and the awareness of the transforming power of love and beauty.
Love alone is a fountain from which all virtues fall as drops of sparkling water
Cupid and Pysche
Nor yet content, he from his quiver drew,
Sharpened with skill divine, a shining dart:
No need had he for bow, since thus too true
His hand might wound her all-exposed heart.
Mary Tighe
