The rush bracelet is a flagship piece of modern jewelry. Originating thousands of years ago, it has crossed the centuries and continents, retaining its multiple symbols and meanings, which we're going to tell you about. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the rush.
The origins of rush
The first traces of rush bracelets were found in India and Pakistan around 5000 years ago.
It was later adopted by many civilizations, including the Romans, Vikings, Egyptians and Greeks. Bracelets were crafted from precious metals such as gold or silver and often adorned with detailed engravings, precious stones or symbols. Each ethnic group has its own bracelet significance. Among the Vikings, for example, it is a marker of social rank, especially when worn by a man. The heavier the ring, the more valuable it is, signifying that the wearer has a high rank in society.
Rushes are also found on the Asian continent. In China, it has the same significance as among the Vikings: it represents wealth and power. In India, it is worn for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, notably by Indian women during their weddings. Designs and materials vary, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.
In Africa, rushes are made from local materials such as ivory, wood, shells and sometimes even fabric. It is synonymous with belonging to a tribe and is charged with symbolism and spirituality. It can be used to celebrate special events such as ceremonies of passage, weddings or religious rituals.
In the Middle Ages, in Europe, the rush became a religious symbol. It was worn by monks and believers as a sign of total devotion to God. It was engraved with prayers or sacred symbols to create a spiritual bond and represent inner strength and divine protection.
Contemporary times
During the Victorian era, from 1837 to 1901, rushes were all the rage in the UK. Made from precious materials such as gold and silver, and adorned with precious stones such as diamonds and sapphires, they were proudly worn at the court of Queen Victoria. This trend is due to the influence of the Far East on England, with the discovery of treasures, notably in Chinese tombs. The style of these rushes is characterized by complex motifs inspired by the Romantic period. These include floral motifs, hearts, initials and other Romantic symbols. Queen Victoria also influenced mourning jewelry, wearing a black enamel rush on the death of her husband, Prince Albert. These mourning rings can incorporate black onyx or mourning pearls in memory of the deceased.
Since ancient times, the rush has been an iconic piece of jewelry, worn by all generations and genders. Now synonymous with freedom, it is an ever-trendy piece of jewelry, adapting to the constant changes in fashion. In jewelry, it's a precious bracelet that follows us through life.
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