Diamond Carnation

 
184

DIANTHUS

Carnation

Brooch

Made France

Ca. 1890

Hallmark H>Pin lozenge

750/1000 18 ct gold, silver, rose cut diamonds

58,6 x 23,4 mm

8,8 grams

Good
 

on hold

 

 

Diamond-set silver and 18ct gold, late nineteenth century, carnation brooch.
A boutonnière, or buttonhole,  is a floral decoration worn by men on their left lapel.
James Bond Carnation Boutonnière Since the mid 18th century the traditional method was to push the flower’s calyx trough the lapel buttonhole. Donned in a similar way, high on a lapel, this realistic diamond-set counterpart on offer merely looks stunning, and the 1890s precious flower stays fresh forever. More in The Gentleman’s Gazette: the History of the buttonhole and Boutonniere & Lapel Flower Pin Guide
 
 
Native to Eurasia, carnations are cultivated for thousands of years. The Greeks and Romans used the flowers in ceremonial crowns, which might explain a name similar to ‘coronation’. Others though believe the carnation earned its name from the Latin word Caro, meaning flesh, as this was the colour of the first carnations. It is also thought to be derived from the Latin word Incarnation, in this case, the incarnation of God in the flesh. According to legend, the carnation flower appeared after the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Carnations sprang forth from each spot where mother Mary’s tears fell to the earth. The carnation’s scientific name, Dianthus, comes from a combination of two Latin words: Dios, meaning gods, and Anthos, meaning flower. More about Christian symbolism.
 

 

Carnations enjoy a varied and rich history, filled with symbolism and legend. What giving or wearing a carnation means, depends on the circumstances and the colour of the bloom. In The Language of Flowers a pink carnation would mean “I’ll never forget you” and a striped one “I’m sorry, but I can’t be with you”. There are also some general symbolic meanings that apply to all carnations. These are Love, Distinction and Fascination.
 
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A jewelled carnation will liven up any outfit, but Frank Everett, wearing a ‘bee'-shirt, takes this to another level. This antique Dutch #corsage brooch/ flower holder with rose cut diamonds has a unique sliding mechanism. By pressing the two outer sides together, the flexible centrepiece rises, to clamp a fresh flower in between. @frankbeverett: SVP of @sothebysjewels NY and co-curator of #INBLOOM; an exhibition and sale at Sotheby's NY, which traced floral motifs in antique and contemporary jewellery. Check #FranksFiles for a glimpse of that stunning collection of floral jewels. Frank acquired this rare corsage brooch @precious.flora @olympiaartantiques, and he was so kind as to model his new sparkle here with two #preciousflora #carnation brooches. #thebroochisback #holdingittogether #floraljewelry #floraljewellery #boutonniere

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