Sundials

The sundial is one of the human race's earliest achievements in marking the passage of time.

The Egyptians used sundials as early as 1500 BC. The sundial of Ahaz is mentioned in the Old Testament (Isaiah 38:8). The ancient Babylonians were renowned as astronomers. The Greeks and Romans used sundials extensively.

Henry II was notoriously late for his love trysts with his mistress and eventual wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In 1152 Eleanor had a special, portable sundial created for him so that he¹d know when to leave the hunt to meet her. Moved by her love, Henry ordered his court jewelers to create a copy for Eleanor - inlaid with diamonds, rubies, other precious stones, and the words, "Carpe Diem" or "Seize the Day." The Aquitaine is a recreation of that dial (minus the diamonds and other precious stones).

These sundials are crafted by Harris Morrison in Montreal, Canada. Each is an elegant, fully functioning modern sundial, modeled after the ancient originals.

By using a portable sundial, you're in touch with the natural daily cycle, without having to wear a watch. The necklaces are quite a conversation piece, and they really work!