Kristen Cavallari in Gypsy necklaces in the September 2010 issue of Maniac Magazine as well as on www.style.MTV.com.

Gypsy draws inspiration from an era known for its strong use of abstract symbolism in art, and our jewelry continues to feature these timeless symbols.  Their meanings enhance the natural aesthetics of our pieces and, we think, make a little statement about the wearer as well!  So, read on, pomegranate gals, because this is all about you!

The pomegranate has long held symbolic meanings for the Greeks. In ancient times, they were offered to the gods for fertile land and for the spirits of the dead.  Today, it is still conventional for a guest to bring a pomegranate as a housewarming gift, which is placed near the home altar of the house as a symbol of abundance, fertility (Consider yourself forewarned!) and good luck.

Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol for righteousness, because it is said to have 613 seeds, which correspond with the 613 commandments of the Torah.

According to the Qur’an, pomegranates grow in the gardens of paradise, and many Christian depictions of the Christ child and his mother feature them holding pomegranates in their hands as symbols of resurrection.

Finally, the pomegranate ties to the infamous history of Anne Boleyn.  The fruit was originally an emblem in the coat of arms of Catherine of Aragon, a devout Catholic and the first wife of King Henry VIII.  After the King divorced Catherine to marry Anne Boleyn, Boleyn’s first decree designated a new coat of arms, showing a white falcon pecking at a pomegranate.  Meeeow!!!

Symbolism aside, the tart, refreshing taste of pomegranate transports us to Turkey, where freshly squeezed pomegranate juice has been standard street fare far longer than American juice bars and wellness magazines have been touting its detoxifying properties!  We enjoy eating the “pips” by themselves or thrown in a salad. (Sidebar: Pomegranate dissection: Extract them easily by cutting the pom in half, soak for a few minutes in a bowl of water, then scoop out the pips into the water, discarding any pips and fibers that float to the top.)  We also recommend checking out this recipe for slow roasted lamb with pomegranate salad on BBC Food which will make the pom a centerpiece on your dinner plate.

Inside and out, the pomegranate delights and allures, and we suspect that all our pomegranate-wearing ladies out there do the same!