Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Botanical Things
Orange blossom jewelry dates back to the Victorian era when the actual blooms were worn fashionably. The pure white flowers were believed to be a symbol of innocence and fertility. When Victoria married Albert in 1840, a wreath of orange blossoms graced her head. After taking note of her fondness for this particular flower, Albert gifted her with a set of porcelain, enamel and gold ones… a lovely representation of the real thing. Jewelers began incorporating engraved orange blossoms into rings and bands – this trend continued well into the Edwardian and Art Deco years.
In the early 1900’s, the Traub company trademarked “Orange Blossom” jewelry. These designs featured garlands of blossoms that were hand-chased and hammered onto the gold surface. The Traub name became synonymous with masterfully crafted, superior quality engagement rings and wedding bands. These sweet and sentimental designs were quite popular and inspired generations of young couples.
In later years, the company was sold and the original molds were lost forever. Some sources report that the designs were actually destroyed… a rumor that makes my heart sink. The missing molds were cast using real orange blossoms. Several modern manufacturers have tried their hand at re-creating the iconic designs, but none have measured up to the originals. Just a few weeks ago, I discovered this Mid Century beauty.
It’s bold and yet utterly feminine at the same time. Measuring a full 7.5 mm at the top, the band tapers ever so slightly to 7.0 mm at the back. The deep warmth of the 18-karat gold is softened by a subtle satin finish. I am crazy over the tiny dip in the middle – the band nips in creating a shapely sideways hourglass figure.
Gracefully draped across the center is a singular three-leaf clover. Stylized and elegant, this tiny seedling is made from white gold. It creates a lovely contrast against the yellow gold band. Each of the three leaves are set with two single-cut diamonds. These diamonds have a combined weight of .18 carat.
Stamped inside, crisp and clear, are two words… Orange Blossom. Etched beside it is the gold purity mark, 18K. Experience tells me that this is a later design – it’s definitely a Mid Century Modern. Measuring a finger size 8.5, this band can easily be sized up or down. The three leaves of the clover symbolize faith, hope, and love. I cannot help but be reminded of some of my favorite verses in the Bible…
“If I speak in tongues, of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13.
If ever there were a time to remember these words, surely it is when entering into marriage. Faith, hope, and love are paramount for taking two individual lives and combining them into one. A wedding band is a physical reminder of the promises made. This simplistically beautiful band is a perfect wedding band. Priced at just $895.00, this ring is available on our site.
“You can go to a museum and look, or you can come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
