It is believed that the word saffron passed through Persian, Latin, and French on its way to English, originating in the word zarparān, which means "gold strung." It likely originated in or near Mesopotamia, but has spread through trade for thousands of years.  The brilliant crimson threads are the stigma and styles of a crocus, carefully harvested and dried.  Because of the low yield and high labor demands, saffron is more expensive by the ounce than gold.
 
In cooking, saffron is used sparingly.  A tiny amount is crumbled into a bit of hot water and allowed to "bloom". The liquid is then added to the dish for a bit impact in taste, color, and aroma.  You can find it in Spanish paella, Iranian stews, or Indian biryani.
 
The bold splash of color in this piece, made from real saffron threads arranged in resin, makes it a fantastic statement piece.
 
Since each piece is handmade, the specific layout of the threads may differ.