Since the beginning of time, humans have worn body ornaments in the circular shape. The origin of the circle shape in jewelry is likely tied to the worship of the sun by primitive man.
The sun being the most powerful natural influence in their life, necklaces hung with solar disk amulets have been discovered in Babylonian graves dating back to 19th century BC. The solar disks were also at times fused with a crescent – the moon as opposite to the sun – another essentially round body.
The circle is a jewelry basic element. The finger ring itself is a small circle, which is a symbol of eternity and unity. This is the reason they are exchanges at such important personal ceremonies such as an engagement or wedding.
Necklaces are merely a larger ring that is worn on the body near the heart and lungs. Due to the fact that necklaces are located at that part of the body it is believed that the correct choice of neck adornment can aid in matters of the heart or help with communication skills such as giving a speech in public.
Bracelets encircle the wrist at the pulse point. Likewise it is said that that the correct wrist adornment will help with the release of stress and tension
More contemporaneously, the circular shape has been incorporated into Elsa Peretti’s Round collection for Tiffany & Co. The Round collection consists of circular pendants hung on precious metal or black silk cord. The shape of the pendant is reminiscent, on a smaller scale, of the ancient pectoral pendants, worn by men as protection in battle. Peretti’s ‘thumbprint’ indention used in her pottery bowl designs is also present on this pendant.
Peretti has selected a limited number of gemstones and other material in such to fabricate her Round collection. These disks are available in the precious metals 18K gold and sterling silver. The precious metal Round pendants are also available hung with a diamond quite similar to that in presentation to her Diamonds by the Yard design. Both the sterling and gold pendant look awesome in contrast to the fine, black silk cord.
Organically, she has chosen to use Japanese hardwood that is coated in either brown or gold lacquer.
The semi-precious gemstones used are amethyst, aventurine, rhodonite and turquoise. Amethyst is a lavender/purple colored gemstone; aventurine is a medium green gemstone; rhodonite is a pinky rose hue and the turquoise being used by Peretti is the bluish shade.
The entire collection can be viewed at Tiffany & Co.'s online presence and at Tiffany retail stores nationwide.
