Why Flowers?
“We plant, we nurture, we grow and we give, different flowers for different moments in time, but all for the same purpose: to say that which cannot be said, and to say it with beauty and with grace.” ~ Vanessa Diffenbaugh
In so many cultures through time, flowers have been central to the human experience. From east to west, ancient societies to modern, whether we celebrate, love, mourn or pray, we do it with flowers in our hands.
What is the Language of Flowers?
The Language of Flowers is a form of secret communication through the use or arrangement of flowers. Meaning has been given to flowers for thousands of years, and some form floral language has been practiced in traditional cultures throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Victorians embraced all things romantic, and the Language of Flowers was no exception. Gifts of blooms, plants, and specific floral arrangements were used to send a coded message to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud in Victorian society.
Flower symbolism could be seen widely in jewelry, which by nature is designed to celebrate all the important moments in life. Victorian jewelers crafted roses, violets and forget-me-nots for courtship jewels. Orange blossoms proliferate in wedding rings. And wreaths of cypress are ever-present in mourning jewelry.
Flowers and their secret meanings are central to the inspiration behind this collection.
There are five main flowers: the pansy, daisy, rose, dahlia and lily of the valley that we’ve created in gem-set designs, hinting their unique messages in the form of pendants, earring charms and rings. We then evolved these simple shapes to more elaborate floral cluster designs. We call these gemmy bouquets, Giardinettis, after the original Giardinetti pieces made in the 17th century. Meaning “little gardens” these tokens were not meant to be secretive, but rather a more obvious and friendly expression towards one who is cherished- a mini garden that never fades.
Also dusted throughout the collection are several one of a kind pieces, incorporating original antique components with our signature designs, creating one-of-a-kind pieces filled with history and sentiment.
Our latest additions to the Language of Flowers collection incorporate old world enamel craftsmanship, reimagined in some of our everyday classics, like stackable bands and signet rings for the modern woman with a vintage persuasion at her heart.
Our styled photoshoot was inspired by visions of an Odalisque, a dreamer, a lover.
Florals focused around the rose, perhaps the most classic symbol of love. A lush set designed by Amy Nicole in shades of amber, dusty rose and white created the perfect warmth and richness this vision deserved.
Gowns by Gossamer, one of our favorite spots for ethereal garments in Los Angeles, added the rich details and feminine silhouettes. Soft, natural looking make up and hair provided by our fave stylist Jenny Bowker. The dreamy Katiusha Feofanova was the perfect muse for this romantic campaign. And no shoot is complete without the craft and vision of our very own S. Elle Quintana behind the lens.
photography: Stephanie Elle Quintana @selle_studios
floral : Amy Balsters @amynicolefloral
gowns: Gossamer @shopgossamer
model : Katiusha @katiusha_feofanova
hair & make up : Jenny Bowker @sistergolden
poem : @nayyirah.waheed
