I don't know if I can call jewlery a hobby. Its more like an obsession. I'm generally well-behaved. I work hard and take care of business.
But when I travel, I become giddy over treating myself to a little something. I like bling. Big, gaudy bling and little, dainty bling.
Writing Historical Romance is like living in an era when, no matter how grotesque the underwold was, society was gilded in gold, diamonds and tantelizing gemstones. Maybe the stark contrast is the lure.
Lady Evie, from Lord Rogue (Book 5), carries a ruby hair comb which was her mother's. I imagine that, having lost her mother, the ruby becomes a way to retain a connection to her past security. Perhaps the rich depths of red againts a gold background is also a source of strength to Evie; inspiring her to be courageous and stand on her own.
There are a few websites which feature antique jewelry and reproductions. They serve me well as inspiration. This stunning brooch came from the website of The Antique Jewellery Company in London. The crescent moon was a popular symbol of female empowerment during the Georgian and Victorian eras.
In a period which was still deeply committed to superstition and strong symbolism, the Femenine Goddesses of the moon were celebrated for creation, growth and strength. As the oldest symbol known to man, the crescent shape with a star embodied the steadfast tenacity of the female spirit.
We still see this symbolism today, but it isn't as universally understood as it might have been in the past. Maybe we've grown beyond our belief in Goddesses of the Moon, but we probably need to be reminded to celebrate ourselves for creation, growth and strength.
I thought it might be fun to look for jewelry in the style of Ladie Evie which might be accessible to our modern selves. Don't we all deserve rubies and gold?
These are a few selections I found on Amazon.
