The motif of leaves and branches in jewelry goes back to ancient times. Bacchus, the Roman god of agriculture, wine, fertility and revelry is often depicted alongside curling vines, grapes and grape leaves. The first Olympians were awarded wreaths and crowns of laurel leaves, that imagery is still seen on medals and trophies today to represent victory and glory.
The symbolism in natural and organic forms is plentiful and varied. Leaves can represent new growth, the changing of seasons and hope. Of course there is always the wisdom of nature- she arrives right when she’s meant to. There is something a bit unusual about this particular example, the symbol of new growth on top of a black onyx setting feels a bit oxymoronic, but to me it says that new growth and hope is always going to come back around, even in dark times.
