FROM THE DESIGN STUDIO: POMEGRANATE PENDANT

       This week we share the inspiration behind a “straight from our design room” pendant that pays homage to the enigmatic fruit, the pomegranate. 
       Cultivated since ancient times, interest in the succulent fruit has been renewed due to its health preservation properties. It is a natural antioxidant, aiding in flushing poisonous toxins from the body. It a has also been found to reduce the risk factors of heart disease, blood pressure, viral infections and even aids in prevention of dental plaque. The astringent qualities of the flower, juice, rind and tree bark are considered valuable for stopping nosebleeds, gum bleeds, toning one’s skin and have been used to treat a wide scope of intestinal illness. Pomegranate juice has also been used as an ingredient in eye drops and is believed to slow the development of cataracts. Tests to further understand the health benefits of this amazing and tasty fruit are ongoing, and look promising in fight against disease.

Demeter the Greek Goddess of Harvest

The inspiration for our pomegranate design came primarily from the Greek myth: Demeter, Persephone and the Six Pomegranate Seeds.

Demeter, the Greek goddess of Harvest, was responsible for all of Earth’s life-giving plants, enabling all on Earth to eat and grow strong.  She loved her daughter Persephone and kept careful watch over her. As Persephone grew older, so did her beauty and her curiosity. One day she asked her mother for permission to go visit the sea nymphs who had often kept her company as a child. Demeter granted permission after Persephone promised to be careful and to return at an appointed time.

As Persephone walked the fields that led to the sea nymphs, a huge black dog raced toward her. Having never seen a dog, she laughed and pet the enormous animal, who slobbered happily and the two began to play together.

Hades captures Persephone

She had no idea that the animal was Cerberus, the Lord of the Underworld’s dog. Hades had come up to take the animal for a walk and seeing the empty field, let the dog run. When he came upon the beautiful goddess playing with his dog, he was instantly smitten and swiftly captured her and his dog and took them to the Underworld where he married her. Devastated, Persephone  refused to eat.

Meanwhile Demeter, frantic with worry, allowed the crops to perish. Zeus was forced to step in. He implored Hades to return the girl to her mother, but Hades explained he was in love.  Hades was a powerful God, so Zeus couldn’t just order him to return Persephone. Zeus had to negotiate with him, which took some time.

Demeter welcomes Persephone back

Down in Hades lair, Persephone was starving. What could a girl do? Well, when no one was watching she consumed six pomegranate seeds. Finally Zeus made Hades see that Persephone belonged with her mother.  But the Fates had a rule that anyone who drank or ate food while in the Underworld was doomed to spent eternity there. Upon discovering that Persephone had consumed the pomegranate seeds, it was decided that she could live with her mother for six months of the year, but had to return to her husband for the other six. 
According to this myth that is how we came to get our seasons. Spring heralds the arrival of Persephone from the Underworld and Demeter happily encourages the plants to grow, come Summer they bear fruit. But as the time for Persephone to return to Hades draws near, Demeter’s heart breaks, and Autumn begins. By Winter Demeter is deep into her grief and nothing grows.

This is a much-condensed rendition of the original myth, of which there are multiple versions. But this is the myth that inspired our Food of the Gods Pomegranate pendant. At 17" with a 3" extender, it's shown here in our beautiful oxidized silver and brass ox plates.
Crafted to look chic in any season, our three-dimensional pomegranate features a realistically  modeled back, which has been hand-enameled in a transparent pale ruby. Its front side mimics the juicy fruit of the pomegranate interior, with Ruby and Ruby AB crystals serving as its the plump seeds.

We promised you would see pieces straight from our design room and this design has not yet been marketed in our web store.



 We'd love to hear your thoughts on this design!

Until next time…

"SPARKLE THE WORLD"

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