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Caduceus necklace | 18K gold vermeil
Two snakes on a winged staff: the caduceus belonged to Hermes, messenger of the gods and god of merchants, long before medicine took it up. This gold vermeil caduceus necklace is a gift for a friend graduating from medical school, a doctor you want to thank, or a woman who loves the Greek myths behind it.
Who It's For
- a friend who is a doctor, for her birthday or as a thank-you
- a friend in medical school, as a graduation present
- a medic in the US Army, where the caduceus is part of the uniform
- a woman who studied the classics and knows her Hermes from her Asclepius
- yourself, if medicine is your field or your passion
Magdalene F. gave the silver version as a present: “the quality of the caduceus looked better than expected. Very pretty.” Sharon M. bought the silver version for herself: “Love medicine so it's perfect for me.”
The Staff Apollo Gave Hermes
The best-known Greek story of the staff begins with a theft. In the Homeric Hymn to Hermes, the newborn Hermes steals Apollo's cattle, then wins him over with a lyre he has made from a tortoise shell. Once Hermes swears never to steal from him again, Apollo promises him “a splendid staff of riches and wealth”. The hymn has no snakes. They come from a later Roman telling by the writer known as Hyginus. On the road to Arcadia, Mercury, the Roman Hermes, saw two snakes fighting and put his staff between them. The snakes parted, and the staff became a sign of peace. Hyginus adds that this is why some put two snakes on it.
Explore Related Medical Jewelry
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FAQ
How big is the pendant, and how does it sit?
The pendant measures 28 mm (about 1.1 inches), about 2 mm more than the diameter of a 2-euro coin. It hangs from a single loop at the top on a 45 cm (17.7 inch) gold vermeil chain with a 5 cm (2 inch) extender, so it can be worn at 45 or 50 cm. For a longer drop, extra chains from 40 to 80 cm can be added on this page. It is 18K gold vermeil, 2.5 microns of 18K gold over sterling silver, nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Take it off to swim or shower to keep the gold vermeil bright.
Is there a silver or two-tone version?
Yes. The same caduceus comes in sterling silver, and in a two-tone version with the two snakes in gold vermeil and the staff and wings in silver. All three measure 28 mm and hang from a single loop. Choose the finish she already wears. The caduceus is the same in all three, only the metal changes.
Will it arrive in time, and what if it isn't right?
DHL Express delivers it free worldwide in 1-5 business days, and we pay the import duties and taxes, so nothing is due at the door. It arrives in a ready-to-gift jewelry box and festive envelope. If it isn't right, our 30-day “Love It or Return It” policy applies.
How long has the US Army used the caduceus?
Since 1856, almost fifty years before it became the Medical Department's insignia. That year the Army's hospital stewards began to wear a caduceus on the sleeve, in yellow on a green band, and they kept it through the Civil War. In 1887 a red cross took its place on their chevrons. The caduceus came back in 1902, as the insignia of the Medical Department's officers and enlisted men alike. It is still the branch insignia of the Army Medical Corps today.
Other
In a world where art and science often exist in separate realms, our "Curiosities" collection serves as a harmonious confluence. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of scientific phenomena not covered elsewhere. Each piece is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder. It's jewelry that doesn't just adorn; it educates and fascinates, sparking conversations about the lesser-explored but equally awe-inspiring facets of our universe.
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