Stray the Course: The Gypsy Caravan Blog

Monday 27
Feb 2012
Gypsy's "Berfu" Princess Necklace in Icon Magazine

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

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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Sunday 4
Dec 2011
Kristen Cavallari  in Gypsy necklaces in the September issue of Maniac Magazine as well as on  www.style.MTV.com.

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!

Friday 28
Oct 2011

Fall Style Guide: 5 Ways to Wear A Gypsy Scarf

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!

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