Thyme Sprig Sterling Silver Brooch
I have chosen one of my favourite vintage silver brooches to represent Audra's Brooches.
It is a beautifully detailed sprig of thyme fashioned in sterling silver. It features a trombone clasp and is of Spanish origin.
My logo and marketing materials feature an illustration of this brooch by Tim Brooke.
Thyme derives its name from the Greek "Thymus," meaning courage or bravery. It symbolises Activity, Courage, Strength, Happiness, Energy and Affection. All of these qualities reflect my own personal values and represent the energy I am putting towards this enterprise.
The brooch has been crafted with excellent attention to detail. Each leaf is accurately shaped and sized. It features a very secure trombone clasp reflecting its placement as a permanent accessory or token. Trombone clasps were first patented in the UK in 1850 and popular with UK designers until the 1940s. This brooch’s hinge dates it to the 1940s rather than an earlier manufacture.
The herb thyme has a vast and honourable history of symbolism within Eastern and Western civilisations. It is native to central and Eastern Europe and has been consumed for over 3000 years.
The Greeks thought very highly of Thyme. It was mixed in drinks to enhance intoxicating effects and induce bravery and warriors were massaged with thyme oil to ensure their courage. Women wore thyme in their hair to enhance their attractiveness. The phrase "to smell of thyme" meant that one was stylish, well groomed, poised, and otherwise attractive. Thyme has represented style and elegance for centuries.
Thyme is a Mediterranean native spread throughout Europe by the Romans. Their soldiers added it to their bathwater to increase bravery, strength and vigour. In Medieval England, ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme into their knights' scarves to increase their bravery and represent their chivalry. In Scotland, highlanders brewed tea with thyme to increase courage and keep away nightmares. In France, it symbolised the Republican spirit.
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All mistakes or omissions are the author’s own.
Copyright Audra Daws-Knowles 2019.