Shelley's comments: This pin has strong Art Nouveau influences in its winding stems and leaves. Botanical subjects were important in expressing the curvilinear shapes and undulating lines that defined the Art Nouveau era through 1910. The 'new art' brought design innovations that weren?t derived from any previous art form or period. It stressed hand fabrication over precious metals and machined manufacturing. In its day, it was expensive and avant garde. Although it occupied less than two decades of popularity, the Nouveau aesthetic remains. This fragile bloom represents innocence, purity and abundance. The flowers are attached 'en tremblant' which heighten their great appeal.