Sentimental Jewelry: A History of Love and Devotion

The history of sentimental jewelry dates back centuries, with the earliest examples found in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Rome. However, it was during the 19th century that sentimental jewelry reached new heights of popularity, thanks in part to advancements in manufacturing techniques.

During the Victorian era, sentimental jewelry was used to express deep emotions and convey messages of love and affection. It was a way for people to express their feelings in a society that placed strict limits on public displays of emotion. Jewelry was seen as a way to keep loved ones close, even when they were physically apart.

One of the most common motifs found in sentimental jewelry from this era was the flower. Flowers were used to convey messages of love and affection, with each flower having a specific meaning. For example, a forget-me-not was a symbol of remembrance, while a rose represented love and passion. These flowers were often carved from gemstones or painted on porcelain, and were set into brooches, bracelets, and lockets.

ic: Sold archive, a Forget me not flower pendant
ic: Sold achieve, a lovely enameled daisy pendant
ic: For sale, a pair of Victorian era enameled flower earrings
Another popular feature in sentimental jewelry was the portrait. Miniature portrait jewelry has been popular since the 16th century, and it was particularly favored by the aristocracy and royalty. The art of miniature painting originated in medieval Europe, where illuminated manuscripts and small devotional paintings were created. These paintings were often executed on vellum, a fine animal skin parchment that was smooth and allowed for intricate details. In the 18th and 19th century, miniature portrait jewelry became even more popular, and many jewelry designers created pieces specifically for this purpose. Child portrait jewelry, in particular, became popular among mothers who wanted to keep a memento of their children close at hand. These pieces often featured the portrait of a child, either alone or with family members, and they were set in a variety of materials, including gold, silver, and enamel.
ic: Sold archive, a Victorian era little girl portrait brooch
ic: For sale, a Victorian era child portrait brooch
In addition to flowers and portraits, sentimental jewelry often featured devices or symbols that conveyed specific messages, or combined the two elements.

 

ic: For sale, a victorian era clover pendant, featuring "I bring happiness "ic: For sale, a large Augis medal featuring " more than yesterday, less than tomorrow".

Today, sentimental jewelry remains a popular way to express emotions and convey messages of love and affection. While the designs and motifs may have changed, the sentiment remains the same. From engagement rings to lockets and charm bracelets, sentimental jewelry continues to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors.

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