French Chrysanthemum Silver Studs | Art Nouveau Earrings | Reclaimed Sterling Silver

The beauty of aging. The joy of transformation.

The chrysanthemum arrived in Paris from Japan in the mid-19th century and became an Art Nouveau obsession. It represented longevity, joy, and rebirth. It points to the beauty of autumn, the season of transformation.

In Japan, it symbolized the sun and imperial power. In France, it took on new meaning: optimism, the cycles of life, the grace of growing older without apology.

By the 1890s, chrysanthemums were everywhere in Parisian design—textiles, wallpaper, jewelry, fine art. The Japonisme movement had arrived, and with it, a celebration of nature’s impermanence and beauty.

When you wear these, you’re honoring that lineage. The carving that pressed this chrysanthemum was first cut by hand in Villemin’s Paris workshop in the 1890s, during the height of Art Nouveau’s fascination with Japanese aesthetics.

What makes these studs different:

Hand-pressed from reclaimed sterling silver using an antique French die from Villemin, Paris (1890s). The chrysanthemum’s layered petals are rendered in exquisite detail—a celebration of complexity, depth, and the beauty of life’s cycles.

The patina finish adds shadow and dimension, emphasizing the flower’s architectural structure.

Technical Details:

• 3/8" (9.5mm) round focal
• Reclaimed sterling silver with patina finish
• Sterling silver posts (8mm)
• Steel backs included
• Hand-pressed using antique French die
• Weight: 0.07 oz per pair

Symbolism:

• Longevity. Joy. Rebirth.
• The chrysanthemum says: aging is not loss. It’s transformation.
  

Care:

Sterling silver naturally oxidizes. That's what "tarnish" is. The face of the earring has been processed with a protective coating to preserve the finish. To maintain the protection and the patina, avoid harsh chemicals like hairspray, gel, sunscreen. To brighten, dip in a bowl of mild soapy water and rinse. Don't soak. Dry gently with a soft cloth or paper towel. Brighten the back as needed with a silver polishing cloth. The more they are worn, the less they tarnish. To deepen the patina, wear them often—your skin’s natural oils will enhance the finish.