 The Romans may have been the first to use the Fleur de Lys as a symbol of imperial power. The Empress Placidia wore a Fleur de Lys on her crown. On a painting in the church of St-Vital in Ravenna, Theodora, the wife of Emperor Justinian, is represented wearing a crown with the same symbol at its centre. On a seal from Charlemagne kept in Rome, the Emperor is represented with a crown decorated with several Fleur de Lys. The 9th century Anglo-Saxon king, Alfred the Great, also wore a crown decorated with the same flowers. The term "Fleur de Lys" coming from the following elements. "Fleur", is the French word for flower. Although it is the same word, "lys" interestingly enough does not come from the French word "lys" for lily, the well-known garden flower. In fact, the royal symbol of Fleur de Lys doesn't look like a lily flower at all. Instead, the word "lys" comes from the Celtic word "li" (or "lly") which means king or ruler. The Celtic language was still widely spoken in Western Europe until the 10th or 11th century, but disappeared gradually after that. When the words "Fleur de Lys" were used for the first time in a written form at the time of Philippe II, they were written in Latin and became "flora lily". The real meaning of the words though, in the older spoken Celtic language, was "fleur de roi" or "flower of kings".
Inspired Treasures incorporates a vast collection of jewellery ranging from the smallest of earrings, to bangles, bracelets, brooches, charms, lockets, necklaces, pendants and rings right through to full size replica Royal Crowns. With a broad spectrum of motifs and themes, the designer costume and fine jewellery ranges have been inspired by the many compositions, fashions and works of art from across the globe. All the jewellery tells a story and most items are accompanied with supporting stories and pictures from which the designs have been taken, together with designer-led packaging. The timeless jewellery brand and a full range of Hollywood inspired jewellery. Jewellery inspired by British Treasures both natural and artistic. Drawing on the vibrant world of Ballet, Natural History and the splendour of European Monarchy, these rich range of distinctive pieces and eye-catching collections are certain to both compliment and standout.
Throughout most of the seventeenth century, diamonds had been cut in what is called the Mazarine style, which had 32 facets. At the end of the 1600's however, a Venetian gemsmith called Peruzzi managed for the first time to cut a diamond in 56 facets. The increase in luminosity that this new method released from the precious stones had an enormous effect on the jewellery design and the new cut was given the name Brilliant. The 18th century saw the complete dominance of French taste in a sort of cultural imperialism that spread over the whole of the continent form Lisbon to St. Petersburg. Inspired by the beauty and delicacy of an antique original, this interpretation of an 18th century jewel has been made using the finest quality nickel free alloys, hand polished and gold toned. The gems are Swarovski crystals.
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