Mizpah and
specifically Mizpah jewellery which is what this article is focusing on, has
been around for literally centuries.
The term Mizpah is found
in the Bible in Genesis Chapter 31, Verse 49 that refers to Mizpah as a
watchpost, symbolising a place of sanctuary. It refers to when Jacob and Laban
agree at
Gilead to a Godsent peace, and they
build a memento of stone and named it like their wise covenant MIZPAH, saying, “The
Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another".
Over the years, and indeed
centuries, the term Mizpah has been looked upon as that will give good fortune a
safe return for those that are apart. It does not refer to any monetary gains
as other sayings, amulets or talismans may have, but rather safe being and safe
passage.
Not surprisingly then,
Mizpah jewellery found popularity during the Victorian era – an era of romance
and desire. Since this was an era of great exploration and travel over vast
distances, many pieces of Mizpah jewellery was made. Indeed, some superb
Victorian era Mizpah jewellery can be found, most commonly in the form of rings
and brooches. These rings will always have inscribed the word Mizpah, and some
will often have the full meaning inscribed as well.
Two examples of Mizpah brooches. The one on the left is in rose gold from the Art Nouveau era of 1895, and the other is sterling silver and hallmarked for 1911. The silver one has both the word Mizpah and the meaning.
During both the Boer War and World War I Mizpah
jewellery found a small resurgence for some of the men who went of to war, to
wish them a safe passage back.
Mizpah jewellery is one
that is steeped in tradition, and for anyone who is a romantic, nostalgic or
just wants a piece of antique jewellery with meaning behind it, then look no
further that wearing a piece of Mizpah jewellery.
