376 THE MAGIC OP JEWELS AND CHARMS
ornament
is composed of three keys, to which are given the respective names, Key
of Love, Key of Good Fortune, and Key of Heaven. They are to open up
for the wearer the treasures of true love, of wedded bliss, and,
finally, of paradise. A legend from the time of the Crusades suggested
the form of this pretty jewel. Mourning the departure of a knight on
the long and perilous journey to Palestine, a Provençal maiden
wandered through the woodland, seeking peace and consolation in its
quiet recesses. As she passed along the leafy pathways, she all
unconsciously gave utterance to her longings and fears in softly
spoken words. All at once a bright light beamed about her, and a
radiant fairy advanced toward her and gave her an ivory casket in which
lay three jewelled keys, masterpieces of the goldsmith's art. The first
of these, the fairy assured her, would open the young knight's heart to
receive her image; the second would open the church door to admit her,
a happy bride ; and the third, when life's journey was o'er, would
unlock for her the gates of Paradise.
On
the deservedly popular watch bracelets, things of beauty as well as
utility, the precious stones used for decoration are sometimes
selected for the significance of the first letters of their names when
read in sequence. The following example may be noted :
Diamond Emerald A methyst Ruby
S apphire Agate Ruby A methyst
In this way any name or endearing epithet can be prettily expressed.
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