Hawthorne leaf earrings with 24k gold

Hawthorn  ~Sceach Gheal

Other names: Whitethorn, fairy thorn, May blossom, Maybush, Bread and cheese tree, Haw tree

Language of Flowers & Symbolism: Hope (especially in love), new beginnings, rebirth & fertility

In Irish lore, the Hawthorne is the most sacred tree of the fairies and is considered especially magical if found growing solitarily. Any foolish enough to meddle with such a tree could surely expect the faeries wrath to find him. It is also said that wearing a sprig of Hawthorn will soothe a bout of sadness and depression and surely few sights are better for the soul after a long Winter than the first heady blossoms of Hawthorne scenting the hedges with a promise of Summer. Hawthorn is also known as May blossom, the sacred tree of May eve celebrations and was kept on a dresser through the month of May to keep evil at bay and invite good luck into the house. 

These beautiful statement earrings feature a pair of Spring Hawthorne leaves 'fossilized' in Sterling silver for eternity using precious metal clay. The finest details of each leaf are then picked out with a dark grey patina and 24k gold accents using the ancient Korean gilding technique known as Keum Boo.

The earhooks are made of 14k gold filled wire.

To preserve the grey patina please make sure to take them off before swimming and showering.

This piece is entirely hand formed, filed and polished from sheet, wire and stone with time and care in my home studio in West Cork, Ireland. 

Materials: Sterling Silver, 24k gold, 14k gold filled wire

Dimensions: 27mm