Joan of Arc Ornament

Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France, is honored as a defender of the French nation for her role in the siege of Orléans and her insistence on the coronation of Charles VII of France during the Hundred Years' War. She has been described as an obedient Catholic, an early feminist, and a symbol of freedom and independence. 

Designed in the UK, St. Nicolas specializes in bespoke holiday decorations. All of their decorations are handmade, and the time taken to make each one is reflected in their unique quality. For 25 years, St. Nicolas has worked with a small Christian charity in Thailand that helps disadvantaged rural women find work in their community rather than being forced to leave home to work in a factory. Today, some 200 skilled women work at home sewing these ornaments, many of whom have been doing so for over 10 years.

Each St. Nicolas Ornament is made using the traditional method of zardozi embroidery. Zari (meaning gold) embroidery originated in Persia and reached India in the 12th century. It is a highly skilled embroidery technique that traditionally uses gold wires and jewels to embellish courtly robes. Zardozi work is a rare and respected craft, with skills passed down from generation to generation.