9ct Yellow Gold Elephant Charm With Ruby Eye By Georg Jensen

This vintage animal charm is crafted in 9ct yellow gold and features an elephant with a single round cut ruby set in the eye. The charm exhibits fine details such as: the ribbed trunk, large ears, feet, legs and tail. The charm is complemented with a open jump ring, which can versatilely be worn as a necklace, by threading the jump ring through your desired chain or fixed onto an existing charm bracelet.

Jewellery Odyssey:

Charms have been around since pre-historic civilisations, as far back as the Neolithic Era. Crafted from bone, shell, wood and stone they were strung and worn as bracelets and necklaces. Ancient Egyptians used charms as talismans or amulets, and were embellished by the wealthy with gemstones. They believed that if buried with them, these precious charms would guide and transport them to a prosperous afterlife.

During the Roman Empire, charms became a religious symbol. A fish symbol (Ichthys) was a way for Christians to secretly identify themselves within strict Jewish societies. In the Middle Ages, whereby medieval superstitions and magic witchcraft and wizardry thrived. Charms were worn to ward off negative/evil spirits and to bring good luck.

Queen Victoria popularised the concept of a charm bracelet, by changing the meaning and symbolisation of charms to being sentimental and loving. The growing trend of charm bracelets saw a fresh revival, during the retro period, adorning the wrists of women, from all social backgrounds. The theme was unlimited and often illustrated the wearers identity such as: everyday items, animals, travel, novelties, sports, religion and discs with engraved dates or messages.

A tapestry of charms collected and clustered together on one bracelet, serves as a beautiful timeline of the wearer’s life.

Gem Lore:

Ruby - derives from the Latin word ‘ruber’, which simply translate to ‘red’. Ruby, possesses a variation of subtle overtones: from rosey pinks to golden browns, that glimmer against its famed scarlet red body colour. Early cultures thought the stone resembled the colour of blood, leading to the belief that rubies symbolised life. This gemstone was worn by many ancient warriors, on their shields or armour to provide protection. Today, the richness of ruby imbues passion, love and success.

Currently, there are no standard bespoke alterations, available for this item. However, if you have a question regarding an alteration you wish to make to the item, please let us know. You can either fill out the enquiry form below, or contact us directly. We will see if we can help to make any provisions for your request, or advise you further.

Jewellery Care Precautions:

Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).

Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.

Yellow Gold:

Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.

To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.

Ruby, Corundum:

Hardness: 9 | Toughness: Excellent | Stability: Very Good

Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; Jewellery Cleaners (dips, ultrasonic and steam cleaners).

Gemmological Observation: Corundums are a very durable gemstone. However, if lead-glass filled or heavily fractured, you will need to avoid: Chemicals (acid, detergents), Direct Heat, Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).