Leda and the Swan Pendant
For women who reclaim the gaze and make the old myths their own.
Solid gold lasts lifetimes. Vermeil is a thick layer of solid gold over sterling silver — an accessible alternative, designed to last several years with care.
Recycled solid gold or gold vermeil
Free shipping worldwide
Small-batch ethical production
2 year warranty
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Common Era's pieces are always inspired by my travels, my love of history and classical mythology. I visited the ruins of Pompeii on my honeymoon in 2021 and became entranced by the newly unearthed fresco of Leda and the Swan found in a home on Regio V (pictured in the slideshow).
The fresco is unique in that it shows Leda differently than she has been previously depicted, Pompeii's chief archeologist Massimo Osanna said, "It sends a message of sensuality. It means, 'I am looking at you and you are looking at me while I am doing something very, very special. It is very explicit. Look at her naked leg, the luxurious sandal; it is a message of beauty and also a message of sensuality."
Leda's story, like that of many women in classical antiquity, is one of objectification in a patriarchal society. She was the queen of Sparta when Zeus, king of the gods, spied her from afar and fell in love. He transformed himself into a swan and, depending on which source we examine, either raped or seduced Leda in this form. She also lay with her husband the king that same evening and went on to lay two eggs, from which hatched Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, Castor and Pollux.
Like all myths, Leda's story has been interpreted and reexamined over the centuries. As modern viewers, we are able to focus our own lens upon her. The fresco found in Pompeii depicts Leda as an active participant, cuckolding her husband, defiantly staring down the viewer. We choose to honor her in this way, as a woman in the throes of ecstasy, lust and passion.
Product Details
About Solid Gold
Solid gold is for those who buy once and buy well. It will not tarnish, fade, or degrade; worn daily for decades, it only grows more beautiful. It is the right choice if you want a piece that lasts a lifetime or becomes an heirloom.
Gold has appreciated steadily for centuries and retains intrinsic value: it can always be melted down and reborn as something new. It is adornment that is also an investment.
Our solid gold pieces are cast using the ancient lost wax method and are never hollow. Every gram is 100% certified recycled, and every piece is made by hand in New York City.
About Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil, pronounced ver-may, is a French term for a style of gold plating that is regulated by the federal government. Unlike "gold plated" jewelry, vermeil must always be on a solid 925 sterling silver base - rather than brass - with at least 2.5 microns thickness of gold. This is 3 times thicker than normal gold plating.
This makes vermeil a longer lasting product than gold plated jewelry, as well as more valuable because it's composed entirely of precious metals.
When will my piece ship?
We keep a small inventory of solid gold pieces - please check just above the size/color selector to see if your piece is in stock.
If your solid gold piece is not in stock, please see above for the estimated timeframe to ship.
FAQ
When will my order ship?
Gold Vermeil pieces ship within 2 business days.
Solid gold pieces are handcrafted to order, though occasionally we keep a few items in inventory.
Each item has a different lead time based on the complexity of the piece.
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How do returns work?
We ship for free globally, and offer free return labels within the US. International orders can be returned within 60 days, though we do not cover postage.
You can start your return using our easy self-serve portal.
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