Solid 925 oxidised sterling silver lion pendant.

DIMENSIONS

The pendant measures 14.7mm x 14.7mm.

MATERIAL

925 Oxidised Sterling Silver.

The lion has been a symbol of England for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the medieval period. The use of the lion as a symbol of England can be attributed to several factors:

Royal Heraldry: Lions have been used in the royal heraldry of England since the 12th century. The first king to use the lion as a symbol of England was Henry I (reigned 1100-1135), who used a lion on his royal seal. Subsequent kings, such as Richard the Lionheart (reigned 1189-1199), also used the lion as a symbol of strength and bravery.

Norman Influence: The lion was already a symbol of power and royalty in Norman culture. When William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066 and established Norman rule, he brought with him the use of the lion as a royal symbol. This likely influenced the adoption of the lion as a symbol of England.

Crusades: During the Crusades in the medieval period, English knights would have encountered lions in the Middle East and North Africa. The lion, being a symbol of strength and courage, became associated with the chivalry and bravery of the English knights who fought in the Crusades.

Symbolism: Lions have long been associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and nobility in various cultures around the world. These qualities made the lion a fitting symbol for England, a country that prided itself on its military prowess and royal lineage.

Over time, the lion became firmly established as a symbol of England and is still widely used today in various contexts, such as on the royal coat of arms, on the England national football team's emblem, and in various official and ceremonial capacities.

Handmade to order in the Jewel Thief Brighton atelier.