The Story of the Chrysanthemum and its Ties to Jewelry

The chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as flowering herb in 15 century BC. The flower still holds deep cultural significance today, especially in art. Together with the orchid, the bamboo and the plum blossom, the chrysanthemum is known as one of the “four honorable plants” in traditional Chinese culture.

In Japan, the chrysanthemum symbolizes the idea of perfection and is a symbol of the sun. The Japanese also developed the meanings of rejuvenation and longevity for the chrysanthemum. The flower was so prized by the Japanese that it came to adorn the emperor’s imperial crest and become the country’s national flower. In Japan, the official seal for the imperial family is a chrysanthemum with 16 petals and is used for official government documents. Chrysanthemum Day is a Japanese holiday celebrated on September 9. This festival is dedicated to the symbolic flower. With the popularity of the influential book “The Chrysanthemum and the Sword,” the chrysanthemum is further emphasized as an extremely significant Japanese cultural symbol.

Chrysanthemums first reached Europe in the 17th century, and traveled to North America with the first colonists. In the 19th century, the chrysanthemum became a popular theme of American art, especially in jewelry and silverware making.

Tiffany's luxurious chrysanthemum silver was designed in 1880. With its flowing curves, swirling vegetation, meandering tendrils, and exotic blossoming petals, chrysanthemum is characteristic of 'The Tiffany Style,' or more commonly known as 'Art Nouveau.' They made the chrysanthemum one of the most magnificent American silver patterns. Some other famous brands like Gorham Sterling Silver and Stieff Silver also produced classical and luxurious silverware collections with the theme of chrysanthemum in late 19th century. They are the most valuable collections for antique collectors and their price has been increasing rapidly in antique markets for centuries.

The JBeauti Pearl Chrysanthemum Collection and Golden Chrysanthemum Pendant/Pin are inspired by the cultural symbol of this brilliant flower. With the intricate design and exquisite materials, the JBeauti Chrysanthemum Collection will delight the wearer by expressing the deep history and symbolism tied to the flower.

• by Jian Li

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