Flowers are one of life’s simple pleasures, bringing beauty and joy into all of our days. Rendered in realism, or replicated as a fanciful floral, flowers are a perennially popular motif that has inspired jewelry designers for years. From the gentle curve of a petal to the lush colors of a blossom, flowers have their own message, each one with a special meaning.
Flowers as a form of communication has been around since the ancient Persians, but the symbolism of flowers, known as floriography, blossomed during the Victorian era, 1837-1901. There were a couple of reasons: With rapid industrialization and urbanization due to the industrial revolution, nature was the antidote to this new lifestyle. Travel was important to Victorians and they sometimes returned with exotic florals from far-away lands that they nurtured in hothouses, or elaborate gardens.
Flowers as Emotional Expression
Most importantly, flowers were used to send messages of love and admiration during courtship. Victorian life was filled with rules and strict social etiquette. People were encouraged to “be proper” and were discouraged from showing emotion or expressing feelings towards one another in public. Instead flowers were used to communicate these complex sentiments. From a single flower to an elaborate bouquet, each flower has a meaning, which can also be influenced by its color and how it is received. If a flower was placed next to the heart, it meant love, but placed on the breast, it conveyed friendship.
Numerous books, or dictionaries, on the meaning of flowers and herbs were published and most Victorian households had at least one. Learning the language of flowers was a very popular leisure activity for the Victorians, who were well versed in the art of subtle non-verbal communication.
The language of flowers continues today, although meanings for some flowers may have changed and we no longer examine every bouquet we receive to decode the floral message, flowers continue to soothe our soul and touch our hearts with joy. If you’re considering a piece of floral jewelry for yourself or as a gift, it’s fun to know what secret meaning the blossom may have, so we’ve compiled a list of some flowers and their meanings.
Bluebells
Bluebells, are also known as fairy bells. According to folklore, fairies hide in the flowers and “ring the bell” to attract other fairies. In Scotland, bluebells are also called harebells, because it is thought that witches turn into hares and hide among the bluebells. They are symbolic of constancy and everlasting love. It is the national flower of England.
Calla Lily
A white calla lily is symbolic of magnificent beauty, marriage and commitment, while yellow may mean either jealousy, lust or gratitude. The ancient Greeks connected calla lilies to the Goddess Hera, wife of Zeus. According to Greek mythology, Zeus brought his son Hercules to Hera so she could feed him. When she noticed the baby was not hers, she pushed him away and the drops of milk that spilled into the sky became the milky way, while those that fell to the ground became calla lilies.
Cosmos
Cosmos reference order, harmony, balance, peace, beauty and modesty. White cosmos are used for weddings to signify the start of a new life journey. Cosmos are also a sign of peace and are the symbol for the World Kindness Movement that started in Japan in the 1990s to promote peace. Cosmos is the flower for October.
Daisy
The simple daisy sends a message of rebirth, new beginnings and hope. Daisy comes from the old English phrase daeges eage, which means day’s eye, as these flowers open in the day and close at night. The flower also represents childbirth and motherhood. It’s no surprise that daisies are associated with the Norse Goddess Freya who watches over fertility, love and beauty. Daisy is the flower associated with April.
Orchid
Orchids are filled with meaning for almost everything from love, romance, sex and fertility to wealth, luxury, elegance and sophistication. Orchids were considered an aphrodisiac and were used in potions and perfumes in Ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, orchids were created by Eros, the God of Love as a symbol of his power and seductiveness. The Aztecs considered orchids to be messengers between the spirit world and humans.
Pansy
Pansy comes from the French word pensée, which means to think and the flower is said to encourage deep thought and contemplation. Pansies are associated with love, both platonic and romantic. The ancient Romans related pansies to Cupid, the God of love because the markings on a pansy resemble his arrows. They are also thought to ward off evil spells and nightmares.
Rose
Perhaps the most beloved of all flowers, roses are synonymous with romance, love, passion and desire. The flower also represents the pursuit of beauty and aesthetic appreciation in all areas of life. The ancient Egyptians used roses as offerings to the Gods and they associated roses with the Goddess Isis. The Greeks and Romans also linked roses with their Goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus respectively. Rose is associated with the month of June.
Sunflower
Unsurprisingly, sunflowers are a symbol of summer, happiness and warmth as well as adoration and loyalty. Victorians viewed sunflowers as a symbol of gratitude. The Aztecs thought that sunflowers were a symbol of the Sun God. Some Native Americans also considered sunflowers to be associated with the Sun God, while others believed it would ward off evil and bring luck to their homes.
Tulip
Tulips were originally from Central Asia where they grew as wildflowers. The flower was widely cultivated in Turkey and the word tulip derives from the Turkish word for turban perhaps due to its shape. Tulips are symbolic of perfect love and affection as well as rebirth. Victorians viewed tulips as a symbol of charity and the flower was sometimes used as the emblem for charitable organizations.
The color of a flower also adds to its meaning. Generally, a color will have the same connotation from one species of flower to another, although there are some exceptions. Here is a bit on color. White is innocence, purity and spirituality. Pink says romance, love or affection, admiration, recognition and grace. Yellow means friendship, joy and cheeriness. Red is passion, deep love and commitment. Orange is for enthusiasm, while purple symbolizes royalty, beauty, loyalty and wisdom.
What better way to say I love you than with flowers, especially if the blossom is comprised of precious gemstones that will bloom forever. And now that you know a little about the language of flowers you can add another layer of storytelling to your jewel making it even more meaningful.
Top of Page: Diamond, pink sapphire and blackened 18-karat gold rose brooch, courtesy Chien’s Collection (@chiens.collection).
Authored by Amber Michelle