An antique horn bead necklace in 15ct yellow gold,
comprising of twenty acorn motifs formed of carved horn pieces
with gold mounts, stamped 585, 44.5cm long, weight 87.4g
Acorn – Acorns appear only on adult trees, and thus are often a symbol of patience and the fruition of long, hard labor. For example, an English proverb states that Great oaks from little acorns grow, urging the listener to wait for maturation of a project or idea. A German folk-tale has a farmer trying to outwit Satan, to whom he has promised his soul, by asking for a reprieve until his first crop is harvested; he plants acorns and has many years to enjoy first.
By analogy with the shape, in nautical language, the word acorn also refers to a piece of wood keeping the vane on the mast-head. In some cultures, it is said that good luck will follow if one carries acorns in one’s pocket.
The Norse legend that Thor sheltered from a thunderstorm under an oak tree has led to the belief that having an acorn on a windowsill will prevent a house from being struck by lightning; hence the popularity of window blind pulls decorated as acorns.
