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Fleur-de-lis

fleur·de·lys | ˌflər-də-ˈlē

noun

A stylized, three-petaled iris flower used as the armorial emblem of the Kings of France and then re-popularized by Napoleon

The fleur-de-lis is an iconic shape used in jewelry that predates many civilizations. It has been found in ancient Indian, Roman and Egyptian artifacts, and while it is often associated with France because it was used as the armorial emblem of the Kings of France, the symbol the term refers to has been commonly used in jewelry for centuries. The symbol has been used to represent concepts of royalty, religion, politics and even war at times, but is most commonly associated in modern jewelry with royalty due to its prevalence in medieval France. In jewelry, the fleur-de-lis has been used as a decorative element in a range of pieces for both genders, within necklaces, pendants, earrings, and other pieces.

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