Virtus Ring

According to Greek and Roman mythology, the god Apollo presided over music and poetry, among many other things. His favorite plant was the laurel, the result of his love Daphne's tragic end. Thus, a laurel wreath (or "corona laurea," as it was called in Latin) symbolized wisdom, in particular in the arts, and glory in competitions. The tradition continues even today, as modern Italians wear a true laurel wreath on the day of their graduation - on the day that they obtain their "laurea," which is the Italian word for "degree."

Furthermore, Laurel is an evergreen plant; as such, its ancient use in such crowns also suggested immortal glory. In the period of the Roman Republic, the "corona triumphalis" was a golden crown in the shape of a laurel wreath that was bestowed upon a Roman triumphant general upon his victory, as a symbol of the highest honor. The crown would eventually be worn too by the top military general in the period of the empire: the Roman emperor himself. 

Whatever your victory, our Virtus ring is perfect for the occasion! It is a part of our modern collection, designed by Elena. Here, two artfully sculpted and astonishingly delicate - though strong and impactful - branches of laurel wrap the finger, to gently overlap in the front. 

"Virtus" is Latin for "virtue." To the Romans, virtue meant military virtue: victory.