€ 220
Still questions? Contact us
Bowl of Hygieia necklace | 18K gold vermeil
Every profession has its tools, and pharmacy also has a sign: the snake and bowl of Hygieia. Worn in gold vermeil, the bowl of Hygieia necklace lets a pharmacist carry that sign every day, whether it came as a present from a sister or a friend, or was her own choice.
Who It's For
- a friend who has just graduated
- your younger sister, the pharmacist
- your wife
- yourself, to wear at work
Starlin H. on this gold vermeil version: “Fits my professional messaging”.
Where the Word Hygiene Comes From
Hygieia's name is the Greek word for health. English hygiene comes from the same root, through a Greek phrase meaning the art of health, so the word for keeping clean began as the word for staying well. She was usually called a daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and her sisters each shared part of his work. One of them, Panacea, had a name meaning all-healing, which English keeps as panacea, a cure for everything.
Explore Related Medical Jewelry
- bowl of Hygieia necklace | silver
- bowl of Hygieia necklace | silver & gold vermeil
- rod of Asclepius necklace | gold vermeil
- Caduceus necklace | gold vermeil
FAQ
How big is the pendant, and how does it sit?
The pendant measures 33 mm (about 1.3 inches), about 7 mm more than the width of a 2-euro coin. It hangs from a loop on a 45 cm (17.7 inch) gold vermeil chain with a 5 cm (2 inch) extender, and sits below the collarbone. An extra chain can be added for layering: 40, 42, 45 or 50 cm with the 5 cm extender, or 80 cm without. It is 2.5 microns of 18K gold over sterling silver, nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Take it off to swim.
Is there a silver or two-tone version?
Yes. The same bowl of Hygieia comes in sterling silver, and in a two-tone version with the snake in gold vermeil and the bowl, stem and base in silver. All three measure 33 mm and hang from a single loop. Choose the finish the recipient already wears. The design 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 free in 1-5 business days worldwide, 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 did Hygieia come to Athens?
In 420/19 BC an Athenian named Telemachos brought the healing god Asclepius to Athens from Epidaurus. The marble monument he set up tells the story: the god came up from the harbour at Zea during the Great Mysteries, lodged at the Eleusinion, and “Hygieia came with him”. Telemachos then founded the sanctuary of Asclepius on the south slope of the Acropolis, where its remains can still be seen.
What does the bowl of Hygieia mean?
It is the sign of pharmacy, taken from Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health. The snake is the old sign of healing: because it sheds its skin, it came to mean renewal and new life. The bowl is usually read as a vessel for medicine. The image is far older than pharmacy: snakes paired with cups appear in Mediterranean art from as early as the second millennium BC, and in early Greek tomb paintings snakes reach to drink from cups and jugs.
Medical & Lab tools
Dive into the captivating world of science-inspired jewelry, where intricate designs meet the essence of medical and laboratory tools. These masterfully crafted pieces act as subtle yet striking tributes to the instruments that have paved the way for scientific discovery. From DNA helices to microscope charms, each piece serves as a conversation starter, a talisman, and a small monument to human ingenuity. They're not just accessories; they're wearable artifacts that tell a story of scientific exploration and advancement.
Find your perfect fit: measure an Existing Ring
Finding out your ring size at home is a simple process and can help you shop for jewelry online with confidence.
Necklace length guide
