During the coronavirus pandemic I’ve found myself thinking frequently about 15th century Europe and the affect yersinia pestis (Bubonic Plague) had on civilization, culture, and the collective pysche of that time and how it influenced history. Interestingly there were those who survived even though they were in close association with the infected- plague doctors and thieves who robbed the bodies. There is a legend of four 15th-century French thieves who formulated and wore a special aromatic combination of clove, rosemary, vinegar, and other botanicals that they believed provided protection while they were stealing. Indeed, we discern through modern science that those botanical ingredients do have strong anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Then they wore plague masks filled with these mixtures. This locket can hold a bit of cotton soaked in “thieves oil”. I’m not saying it will keep you from contracting coronavirus. But, you’ll smell nice and look pretty fly. 😸
This plague locket is made of 100% recycled silver content that was refined from existing stock, not further impacting the ecosystem by invasive mining processes. It was hand fabricated and features natural and synthetic amethyst, garnet, citrine, and peridot gemstones in a traditional round cut, but, set inverted to symbolize how this illness has turned our lives “upside-down” in a sense. The back of the pendant and along the closure line is “vented” with round openings to let out the scent of those aromatic essential oils. The locket comes with a unique oval link sterling silver 18” chain that the pendant is soldered to. I am happy to customize the length for you.
Check out my instagram @t_and_l_finejewelry for intriguing “making of” and behind the scenes photos and videos!