Antique Sterling Silver Hematite Zircon Bow Heart Necklace, Circa 1920-1940, Mother's Day Gift

Moonstone jewelry has been crafted since the time of ancient Greece and gained popularity in Europe during the reign of Louis XIV. However, it wasn't until the Victorian era (1837-1901) that designers began to frequently incorporate moonstone, especially after Queen Victoria herself wore it. In the 18th century, when Switzerland prohibited the public display of diamonds, moonstone, along with cut steel, emerged as an alternative. Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria entered a period of mourning, requiring the entire court to wear black and refrain from opulent jewelry. Moonstone became a favored choice for the aristocracy as a subdued yet elegant option. Moonstone holds its own historical significance. After all, this lustrous gemstone has adorned numerous royal figures, from Cleopatra to Queen Victoria. Subtle yet beautiful, moonstone jewelry is an essential addition to any collection. Emotionally, moonstone is believed to shield you from negativity, encourage introspection, enhance self-confidence, reduce fatigue, and inspire artistic creativity. The bow motif traces its origins in Europe to the medieval "Battle of the Palatinate," where soldiers would tie scarves around their necks to secure their shirt collars. This practical detail was keenly observed by Louis XIV, a leading fashion arbiter of the time, who ingeniously transformed it into the bow tie. This style quickly spread from France to England and subsequently throughout Europe, becoming a symbol of nobility and elegance. The heart symbol is universally recognized as an emblem of love, though its precise origin remains elusive. The earliest known heart-shaped motif was discovered in the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization as a pendant shaped from a fig leaf. Additionally, the heart shape bears a striking resemblance to the leaves of the water lily, which in ancient Indian civilizations was considered a symbol of fertility. The fruit pod of the silphium plant also closely resembles a heart shape and was used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Rome, suggesting it as another possible source for the modern heart symbol. The earliest known artwork to use the heart symbol to represent the heart is found in the 13th-century French love story, "Le Roman de la Poire." Later, with the rise of playing cards, the heart symbol, representing the suit of hearts, gained further popularity. By the 17th century, the heart symbol had become firmly established as a synonym for the heart and simultaneously as a symbol of love. Perhaps due to its easily recognizable, reproducible, and auspicious connotations, the heart shape has been a constant presence in women's fashion since the 18th century. In the 18th century, court ladies would cut silk into heart shapes and affix them to their faces to accentuate their features. Following the promotion of Valentine's Day cards by printers in the 19th century, the heart immediately became synonymous with Valentine's Day. Marilyn Yalom, former director of the Stanford University Institute for Research on Women and Gender, has noted that the heart shape, as a relatively abstract symbol, can sometimes convey inner feelings more effectively than concrete words. "The heart may be just a symbol, but it's very useful, especially since love itself is a concept that is difficult to define," Yalom stated. "In every era, men and women have sought words to describe their experiences: affection, emotion, infatuation, dependence, intimacy, romance, desire, or true love. And when words fall short, we turn to symbols."