The Poppy

It opens on its own schedule.

Broad petals radiating from a dark center, with a cluster of small black faceted stones and gold beading held in the middle. The petals are hand-finished, so they sit at slightly different angles.

Poppies grow where the ground has been disturbed. They came up across the churned fields of northern France after the First World War, not as a symbol at first but as botany — the seed needs broken soil and light, and it can wait years underground for both.

This is the ring for the first stage, and it says the useful thing rather than the comforting one: the ground had to be turned over for this to be possible at all.

Compact enough for daily wear, high enough to be noticed.

What it is

• Broad hand-finished petals, each at its own angle
• Cluster of small black faceted stones with gold beading
• Compact face, high profile
• Adjustable band, no sizing required

Specification

• Metal — Solid brass, gold plated
• Band — Open, adjustable, approx. US 6–9
• Stones — Black faceted stones with gold beading 
• Care — Not waterproof. Last on, first off. Brass darkens over time; a soft cloth brings it back.

Care

Last on, first off. After perfume, hand cream and hairspray; before the shower, the pool, the sea and the dishes. Store it dry in its pouch. Brass darkens over time and at a different rate on everybody — a soft dry cloth brings it back.