As summer bleeds into autumn, it’s time for all things mysterious and spooky to come out to play. Stores have pulled summer-themed items from shelves, replacing them with witches, skulls, ravens, jack o’ lanterns and more. At home, many people are finally breaking out their heavier, more dramatic clothes, gothic accessories and horror-themed pieces. Of course, others (like me) have had these items in their wardrobes all year long. For us, autumn isn’t a time for outfit overhauls, but instead, the collecting of new additions. And for my fellow history buffs, movie lovers and gothic romance enthusiasts? One of the best places to shop for unique, standout accessories has to be Petals & Poison.
Here, the jewelry collections on offer are both fluid and focused, with each piece designed as a “nu antique,” or a modern take on past designs. The company’s offerings primarily pay homage to fantasy, gothic architecture and Victorian iconography, including a sterling silver, red glass and cubic zirconia ring inspired by the heirloom adorning the finger of Crimson Peak’s heroine. A Victorian mourning candle casket necklace and a lover’s eye necklace bring attention to historical symbols of love, loss and remembrance. And gothic ruin-inspired rings and necklaces reverently display the iconic, ever-intriguing architectural style that remained prominent in Europe from about the 12th to the 16th centuries.
My personal favorite piece, however, is The Gold Glass Casket “Mourning Hand” Necklace. Crafted from glass, black zircon gemstones and 925 sterling silver plated in 14k gold, and designed—as all Petals & Poison pieces are—in California, this miniature pendant is as eye-catching as it is meaningful. Part of the company’s Glass Casket collection, the necklace pays homage to a popular Victorian symbol and the purpose it carries. During this era, disembodied female hands were often depicted empty, holding flowers or a wreath, wearing decorative cuffs and more. Today, we best remember them through mourning hand brooches, an item which has been replicated in everything from sewing patterns to belts to necklaces like this one. And like the original pieces, this “mourning hand” necklace is intended to represent remembrance and a love that will defy even death.
Of course, you can’t accurately describe the artistry of the jewelry on offer without also talking about the company and leadership behind it. Founder and Creative Director Jená Bhone got her start as a graphic designer and storyboard artist for employers from small indie fashion houses to industry giants like Disney. But her wealth of imagination called her toward more. So from her parents’ living room, Bhone began the process of shaping a new path, a fantastical, inspirational escape from the modern world. She called it Petals & Poison.
Originally founded in 2012 as a short-lived gothic fascinator company, Petals & Poison got its second wind in 2014, one that is still going strong over a decade later. Starting with crystal jewelry, mirrors and similar pieces, Bhone eventually expanded into Victorian-inspired accessories, teas and teasets over the next few years. By 2023, the “nu antique” jewelry the company is known for had become a true staple of the site, with additional collections, as well as fashion and fragrance lines, launched the following year.
Today, Bhone—alongside artists, brand partners and a China-based manufacturing team—continues to design from the heart and inspire her audience to follow their passions. And the company’s inspiration comes from more than its products. The AAPI- and woman-owned brand champions size inclusivity, small-batch production, sustainability, ethical craftsmanship and more, making it a business you can be proud to support.
Personally, I can confidently say that the “mourning hand” necklace has become one of my new favorite pieces. And for my fellow lovers of all things history, fantasy and symbology—or even just whimsy—Petals & Poison is the place for you. With their ever-changing jewelry collections, there’s always more to see, and always something to catch your fancy. Just make sure to snatch it up quick, before it’s gone for good.
Visit Petals & Poison’s website HERE to start the search for your own modern heirloom.
