In the language of flowers, the rose is well known for being symbolic of love and beauty, but it is also recognized the world over as a symbol of secrets and confidentiality. The rose became a visual cue of discernment and clandestine meetings.

The Latin phrase “Sub Rosa”, under the roses, became code to keep things quiet and confidential.

At political banquets, roses were often placed in bouquets strung over tables to remind those present that anything spoken would remain a secret.

Confessionals at churches often contain carvings of roses to remind the penitents that their confessions would remain a secret.

Lovers gifted roses by the dozens to show devotion, even when their affairs had to remain under cover.

There are many stories linking roses to secrecy but the one I found most intriguing is the story of Aphroditie, Eros and Harpocrates, the god of secrets and silence.

Aphroditie was born in the sea foam, and where she walked upon the land, roses would spring up at her feet. These flowers became her signature.

Aphroditie, along with the other gods and goddesses had a fair share of indiscretions that they wanted to keep secret from the mortals below. Aphroditie gave her son Eros a rose and sent him to Harpocrates to ensure the dalliances of the deities would always remain quiet.

I think we can all see how well that worked out for them.

This necklace is a reliquary of roses.

A reliquary is a container designed to hold sacred objects. They serve to display the artifacts for veneration and keep them safe from harm.

Enshrined in this little box are a dozen tiny rose buds, carefully preserved and protected.

The number 12 represents completeness and authority. There were 12 gods in Olympus, 12 apostles in the Christian stories, and 12 zodiac signs in the heavens. A dozen roses are a symbol of love and commitment.

There are 12 pearls on each side of this reliquary. Pearls are a symbol of love and devotion, but also trust.

The pearls are strung along side sunstone beads in shades of pinks. Once used to guide sailors at sea, sunstones are a tool of navigation and trusting one’s gut instincts in all matter of things.

I created the reliquary box by layering melted tin and silver solder until a strong vessel formed. The roses were placed inside and a piece of plexi-glass was set on top to protect the vessel from shattering if dropped. It has been patinaed and polished with Renaissance wax infused with frankincense and mhyrrh

It should be removed during bathing or swimming.

The beads are strung on red cording, symbolic of the Red String of Fate, said to bind predestined lovers together. The Red String of Fate may stretch or tangle, but it never breaks. It always draws true lovers together. It hangs 12 inches from clasp to top of the reliquary pendant.

This is a special piece, created with attention to symbology, mythology and meaning. It would make a lovely gift for a lover you feel destined to be with.