Stray the Course: The Gypsy Caravan Blog
Apr 2012
The stunning results of raw turquoise in the hands of expert Turkish artisans
The history of our turquoise collection is a classic tale of East meets West with an obviously beautiful ending. In honor of our Clashy Classy prize, we’re sharing it here on our blog!
When we first laid eyes on Ottoman jewelry, we were struck by a combinations of colors and materials that are rarely seen this side of Greenwich. At the time, Gypsy founders Roger and Jeannette Simon were living in the southwestern U.S., where the use of turquoise was prevalent, but almost never in combination with gold or pearls. While many associate turquoise with tribal art of the southwest, it owes its very name to Turkey (“turquoise” is derived from an old French word meaning “Turkish”). Seeing this gorgeous stone amidst an altered style, in the home of its apt namesake no less, cast a new perspective for us on its majesty.
Ever a glutton for information, Roger took a mining field trip and came back with a bag of booty and his hamsters running at top speed. Roger’s handpicked stone selection was stunning, and we were most impressed by the … well, raw beauty of the turquoise in its raw, unpolished state. What might ensue if we put these precious specimens in the hands of skilled Ottoman-Era artisans?
With the first pieces, we knew we were beholding something really special that we couldn’t wait to share with fans of our line! read more »
Apr 2012
Elise Testone in Gypsy on American Idol
Elise Testone already had our vote when she rocked out Zeppelin-style on American Idol the other week. But seeing her rock Gypsy all over that stage won both our admiration and adoration!
If you watched Elise’s performance, you surely noticed her earrings gleaming in the spotlight. At first glance, the pair appears to be a cool, abstract design, but Elise’s earrings actually represent an old symbol known as a “tughra.”
The tughra is a signature of sorts that was employed by Turkish sultans of the Ottoman Era on official documents and currency from their respective eras. Each sultan had a unique calligraphic signature, and Elise certainly made this one her own. Over Gypsy’s lifetime, we’ve featured the tughra on necklaces, earrings and our “coin” ring.
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Mar 2012
Gypsy makes a statement on newABC series, GCB
The new ABC series, GCB, has garnered a lot of attention for its ridiculous title, soapy sophomoric plots and over-the-top campy acting. It is pure indulgence television, for sure. The show has been catching everyone’s eye and if you are one of the millions who watched the premiere, then your eye probably caught something else — our fabulous jewelry!
The characters on GCB want to be noticed and Gypsy’s collection of bold statement necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings is a surefire way to do so. It’s no surprise that the costume department has chosen to layer our pieces with bright colors, big Texas hair, and other big Texas… ahem… attributes. The show’s aesthetic is audacious and unapologetic, two words that fit any Gypsy woman!
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Feb 2012
Gypsy's "Berfu" Princess Necklace in Icon Magazine
It’s always fun to view our latest press features. They illustrate the timeless quality of our jewelry, and help us pretend we’re “in the know” of fashion!
In truth, we don’t claim to keep up on matters of trend, much less abide them. For instance, did you know the bustier has apparently risen from Selena’s grave? Oh yes, ladies, I said bustier. Are women out there really jonesing to reunite with this prodigal apparel? Well, I suppose Tom Cruise did just rock a pseudo-mullet in the 4th installment of Mission Impossible, so wilder things can happen. But for our part, we will continue on our underwire-less way, staying true to such timeless style as today’s feature piece:
Gypsy's "Berfu" Princess Necklace in Lutefisk Magazine
The exquisite “Berfu” Princess Necklace, on its own, harkens to luxuries of the Tudor Era. (It’s no surprise our same jewelry was used in such films as The Other Boleyn Girl.) And yet, here it is in both Lutefisk and Icon magazines, o’er risqué unmentionables! We love this about our collection! What is it that keeps Gypsy style so current and versatile? This necklace demonstrates just one of many explanations.
The advantage of this particular piece likely has to do with its unique combination of materials; Oxidized gold, turquoise, pearl, crystal and silk – a rare collaboration to be sure. Such distinctive presentation is a key element that keeps old-world artistry such as ours relevant in modern fashion. The princess choker itself may be a familiar style, but its arrangement in this case with a range of materials and exceptional artistry, keep it fresh and progressive. So much, in fact, that one might even get a respectful nod whilst flaunting, say, a bustier!
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Feb 2012
Bonnie gets her first Turkish Valentine at check-in
Hardly a denizen of PDA, you’re lucky to spy a young couple holding hands let alone smooching on the streets of Istanbul. Even with its sultry history of harems and other royal luxuries, city of lovers it is not! There’s one thing, though, all Istanbulites gush adoringly over – children!
Traveling through Istanbul with small children is an experience like no other that offers exclusive insight into the warmth and love of this fascinating culture.
For parents accustomed to a full-alert (one might say territorial) approach to child rearing, Turkish custom will take some getting used to. Last year when we took our then 2-year-old to Istanbul, her instant celebrity status was almost overwhelming. From a corner fruit stand to the Grand Bazaar, she was showered with treats from perfect strangers – Turkish delight, a beautiful orange, one Turkish lira, and (much to my dismay) a stick of gum, were hand-fed or otherwise reverently bestowed upon this little munchkin. Many simply wanted to know her name before continuing merrily on their way. A couple teenagers asked to take a photo with her. Several waiters paraded her around the restaurant and grabbed her a special treat from the kitchen before even acknowledging our presence. But all, old and young, looked lovingly at her cherubim cheeks and whispered “Maşallah.”
Maşallah (pronounced My-shalla) and Inş’Allah are both peppered through Turkish conversation regularly, literally meaning, “God has willed it,” and “God willing,” respectively. When we asked a native friend about the use in regards to children, though, he gave us an explanation that touched our hearts. Children in Turkish culture, he explained, are cherished for their innocence. To say “Maşallah,” is to invoke God to preserve that innocence.
Make no mistake, adoration is not reserved for blonde, blue-eyed westerners, as we learned when we went out with our friend and his family. There Arron and I sat, trying hard to conceal our tension as our friend’s daughter ran wildly around the Istanbul equivalent to The Orangery at Kensington Garden! Had we been in New York – or Lander Wyo. for that matter – we would surely have been asked to leave, but in Istanbul, neither the restaurant staff nor any patrons batted an eye.
Yes, one might argue the pendulum is too far to the opposite extreme. And we personally will not forfeit the “on your bottom” standard for mealtime any day soon, but can you imagine if we held all children in our own society in such high esteem? What love, then, would manifest through us and within them?
Dec 2011
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!
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"Indulge" Pomegranate Locket with Red Jade Seeds »
This oxidized and gold-plated pomegranate locket opens to reveal an abundant trove of red dyed jade seeds.
Oct 2011
Whether you’re in blustery New England, unpredictable San Francisco or always sunny Florida, Gypsy scarves will help you make a autumn style statement no matter the weather. Annie shares her favorite ways to wear Gypsy’s felted wool & silk scarvesand invites you to wrap up and show off!
Click through for the video!