Sunflower Necklace in 925 Silver and Abalone

Abalone

This term, deriving from the Spanish term abulon, identifies a group of molluscs belonging to the class of Gastropods, family Haliotidae, genus Haliotis, characterized by the fact of having only one valve, which covers the animal like a roof, so according to some they could also be classified as "marine snails". In the world there are about 100 different species of Haliotis, scattered along the coastal waters of every continent, but only about fifteen of these are bred for food and ornamental purposes. Abalone is widespread in all seas, including the Mediterranean, and in its many varieties it has dimensions ranging from those of a fruit plate to those of a large tureen (approximately 10 to 50 cm in diameter). In Italy it is present only on the eastern coast of Sicily, where it is caught in late spring and summer. The shell, of different color from species to species, vaguely resembles an ear; for this reason in Italy, in addition to the classic names of abalone, it is also called ear of the sea, royal patella, ear of Venus and, in Sicily, bull's eye. The innermost layer of the shell is composed of nacre, which in many species is highly iridescent, resulting in a range of strong and changing colors that make it attractive as a decorative object.

The common sunflower , whose scientific name is Helianthus annuus , is an annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family . Its generic name ( Helianthus ) comes from two Greek words. The first is Helios which means Sun, the other is anthos which means flower.

The Sunflower symbolizes happiness, sunshine and liveliness. Therefore, giving a Sunflower flower is equivalent to emphasizing the joyful and cheerful character. Character with which the person who receives it faces life.

Another meaning of the Sunflower comes from its particular behavior. The continuous turning of the flower head towards the sun from sunrise to sunset can be translated into desire. The desire to spend a certain period of time, an entire life or a single day with your loved one.

The Girasole , in other traditions and popular cults, also expresses gratitude as well as respect and admiration for the person who receives it as a gift.

Greek mythology tells of the nymph Clizia who, in love with the god Apollo, followed his travels on the chariot in the sky with her eyes. After nine days of observing the sun, however, she was transformed into this flower. Flower that orients its corolla towards the star just like the nymph Clizia did.

From this legend, narrated by Ovid in the Metamorphoses, this flower can therefore also assume the meaning of obsession with the person one is infatuated with. So, if on the one hand the Sunflower stands as a symbol of deep attachment to another person, on the other, it can also imply an unrequited love. Depending on the circumstances, therefore, it can symbolize a real obsession.