|In an age of complex manners and rules, Victorians used symbolism to speak a secret language. They were highly influenced by Romanticism in their jewelry fabrication. Today, as in the Victorian Era, a heart symbolized the sentimental love between the giver and the wearer. Double hearts entwined with a bow “bound together” were popular with young couples in the late Victorian period. A witch’s heart (a heart with the bottom curved to one side), was originally worn as an amulet in ancient times to protect against evil eyes and from witches stealing milk or harming newborn babies. In the 18th century, the motif evolved to imply that the giver had become “bewitched to fall in love” with the recipient.
Horticulture was a particular obsession for the Victorians with plants being sought out from all corners of the world to be brought back to England; as such Victorians were obsessed with flowers and their gardens. Flowers and plants had diverse hidden meanings for them... An entire 'language of flowers' was developed, known as 'Floriography.' Botanicals were thus in fashion and this carried over into jewelry design as well. The most popular of these motifs were forget-me-not flowers and they were worn for “remembrance.” Turquoise was a popular stone in sentimental jewelry beginning in the late Georgian period, and was especially popular in pavé settings through the century, its color reminiscent of Forget-Me-Not flowers. The white enamel may be a nod to the lost love of a child. White, for its modern connotations of purity and virginity is a color not currently synonymous with the concept of mourning. However, it was one that was typically used in mourning jewels in ancient times. Mourning jewelry’s primary use is to capture as much of someone that can be worn, so that the departed may remain close to us in a physical and finite form. In the case of memento moris created to honor the memory of a child, the child’s essence of purity and innocence must be preserved, if their memory is to remain as pure as they were.
Here we have two 18k gold enamel hearts that are intertwined with the flowers and a bow. They speak to the “fidelity of love." The dots resemble the fur dots of a royal mantle or robe. This charm was once a pin and has been converted into a pendant. Evidence of the conversion is visible on the back of the charm.
|About this item|
Please note this charm is sold without a chain. If you'd like it on one of our chains, please select one in the drop down and we will assemble it for you. If you'd like to see full length shots of the various chain styles, head over here.
|Notes About This Collection|
The entirety of the Heritage by Ariel Gordon Collection has been inspected by a 3rd generation, GIA-certified Estate Jewelry dealer so we feel confident about the pieces that we are passing on to you. Every piece here has survived generations and we are so excited that they are finding a new home with you. Please keep in mind that these heirlooms are sold as-is and will show wear consistent with their age. We believe that this wear isn't a defect, rather it's proof that the piece was worn with love in generations past. We will describe any notable wear or damage as accurately as possible and to the best of our ability. We are only selling pieces that we've determined are in wearable condition. That being said, please know that jewelry in general is fragile, especially antique jewelry and should be handled with extra care. We will assess all repair requests on Heritage pieces on a case by case basis.
We know that shopping online for estate pieces can be intimidating, which is why we will accept returns on our Heritage pieces (with limited terms). Due to the one-of-a kind nature of these pieces, you can return it within 5 days of receipt of the item with a $25 restocking fee.
If you're unsure about anything, please reach out to us via our concierge portal with any specific questions about this item.