Ginkgo Grove Barrette
- A grove of ancient ginkgo leaves, deeply sculpted in silver-toned metal.
- Cast Britannia metal from hand-carved molds — lead-free and hypoallergenic.
- 3 inches across — substantial enough to hold, elegant enough to notice.
Before there were flowering plants, before there were grasses or fruit trees or anything resembling a modern forest, there were ginkgos. Two hundred and seventy million years old, give or take — older than the dinosaurs, older than most mountain ranges. The species alive today is essentially unchanged from its fossil record. When you hold a ginkgo leaf, you are holding a shape that predates nearly everything you know.
That kind of deep time has made the ginkgo sacred across cultures. In Japan, ancient ginkgo trees mark the grounds of temples and shrines, their fan-shaped leaves symbolizing longevity and resilience. In China, they are called "silver apricots" and have been cultivated for over a thousand years. After the bombing of Hiroshima, ginkgo trees were among the first living things to regenerate — scarred, still standing, pushing out new leaves within months. The tree endures. It is not dramatic about it.
This barrette renders a grove of those ancient leaves in solid Britannia metal, each fan-shaped form overlapping the next with a depth and texture that catches light differently depending on the angle. Oberon Design, a California studio known for their deeply sculptural metalwork, cast it using hand-carved molds that give every leaf a tactile, almost fossil-like presence against the silver-toned surface.
At three inches long and just over an inch wide, it has real substance — 22 grams of solid metal that holds hair with authority and looks quietly striking from any distance. The clasp is sturdy and reliable. Britannia metal is a high-tin alloy, lead-free and hypoallergenic, so it sits comfortably against the skin all day.
Handcrafted by Oberon Design in California.
Specifications
- Material: Britannia Metal
- Metal: Base Metal Alloy
- Length: 3 x 1 1/8 inches
- Weight: 22 g
- Made in California
- Economy shipping is FREE with orders of $95 or more.
- All items are kept in stock and ship from our warehouse in North Carolina.
- We personally inspect every single item we sell, pack it by hand, and deliver the boxes to the post office.
- Orders generally ship the day following placement.
- We ship primarily via US Mail, but may use other carriers depending on package value and destination.
- Returns on items not marked Final Sale are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Read the full policy.
THE HAROLD & HAZEL DIFFERENCE
Every piece here has earned its place.
QUALITY MATERIALS
Sterling silver, genuine gemstones, and solid metals — no plastic or cheap materials.
REAL MAKERS
Every artist on this site has been personally verified for their talent and creativity.
LIMITED RUNS
Most pieces are made in small batches. When they're gone, they're often gone for good.
BOLD BY DESIGN
Every item here was chosen because it has color, character, and something to say.
OLDER THAN EVERYTHING
The ginkgo tree has survived every mass extinction event on Earth, its fan-shaped leaf unchanged for nearly 300 million years. Oberon Design captures that ancient geometry in sculptural metal, cast by hand in their California studio.
Inspired by one of the oldest living species on Earth
Hand-carved molds create deep, fossil-like sculptural detail
Solid Britannia metal — 22 grams, lead-free, hypoallergenic
THE REVIEWS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
The best way to know if you'll love our Ginkgo Grove Barrette? Hear from someone who already does.
Got questions?
We've got answers
Find fast answers about shipping, returns, and our unique jewelry.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within one business day of placing your order — sometimes the same day. Economy shipping typically takes about a week via USPS, while standard shipping (Priority Mail) arrives in 2-3 business days. We're based in North Carolina, so East Coast orders tend to arrive a little faster. You'll receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships.
Will the jewelry fade or tarnish?
Our jewelry is made from a variety of materials, including sterling silver. Sterling silver will eventually tarnish, but you can slow that process by storing it in a small airtight bag or container, or in a special anti-tarnish bag. If it’s lost some shine, it can be gently washed with a soft cloth, warm water, and a drop of mild soap, such as blue Dawn. If you still see tarnish, use an anti-tarnish cloth. Do not use commercial jewelry cleaners unless they are specifically labeled safe for sterling silver. The best way to keep your sterling silver shiny is to wear it often! The more you wear it, the less tarnish you’ll see. And never wear sterling silver in the swimming pool or hot tub! Chlorine will cause it to tarnish almost instantly.
Most other metals don’t exactly tarnish, but they can get a little dull if they’re not worn. Washing with a tiny amount of mild soap is the best way to bring them back to life again. You can prevent this by putting on your jewelry last, after you apply hairspray or perfume, and don’t wear them in the shower or bath.
Genuine pearls do require extra gentle care. Don’t ever use commercial jewelry cleaners on them; you will almost certainly damage the nacre and destroy their unique sheen and iridescence. Be very careful about hairspray, cosmetics, and perfume, and absolutely never put them in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner!
Can I return or exchange?
Yes. You have 30 days from receipt to return or exchange anything that isn't marked Final Sale. Items need to be in new condition. Exchanges ship free, with no minimum order required. Returns are refunded minus a $5 shipping fee (once per shipment, not per item). We don’t ever charge restocking fees.
Is your jewelry hypoallergenic?
Most of our pieces are hypoallergenic, but not all. You can filter to only show hypoallergenic pieces when browsing, and you will also see an icon on all pieces certified hypoallergenic and nickel-free by their makers.
Can I track my order?
Yes — as soon as your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number by email so you can follow it the whole way to your door.
What makes your jewelry different?
Honestly? Most of it comes down to Amanda. Every maker on this site has been personally researched and verified — she checks that pieces are genuinely handmade, by the person who claims to have made them, using the materials listed. These are small-batch pieces in sterling silver, gold-filled, and genuine gemstones, mostly made in the USA. They aren’t factory pieces, aren’t from resellers, and are not the same thing you'd find on a hundred other sites. When something sells out here, it often stays sold out.
THE MOMENT IT CLICKS
That "oh, I love it" feeling! This is what finding the right jewelry feels like.
WE THINK YOU’LL ALSO LOVE…
More pieces we adore – and that we reckon you will, too.