Victorian Pansy Jewelry



Our ancestors used to place meanings on many special items in their lives. Flowers and animals symbolized a whole variety of emotions and commitments, just like the Greeks, Romans and even the Hawaiians found connections to their gods using earthly characteristics and phenomenon. The Victorians were especially fond of symbolic gestures and attachments. Flowers and jewelry had symbolic connections galore. (See Morning Glory’s Jewel Chat about Jewelry Symbols.)


 
Pansies were a popular motif in Victorian times. The word “pansy” derives from the French “pensee” which means “thought.” To give someone a calling card or piece of jewelry with a pansy on it meant that you were thinking about them or that they were in your thoughts. Wearing a pansy conveyed that you were thinking of the person you were with. (See Beneath the Petals:Fun Facts About Pansies and Violas.)

We have three spectacular pieces of pansy jewelry in the shop. These are all done with hand painted enamel atop 14K yellow gold.

This single pansy brooch is extremely realistic and dates from the turn of the last century, probably made by Krementz.
Gorgeous Single Pansy Brooch - Enamel over 14K Gold with Pearl ($695)
This large brooch with three pansies is made in the 1940s using Victorian era pansies, c1870.
Large Brooch with Three Pansies - Enamel with Center Diamonds set in 14K gold ($2450)
This pansy bracelet is similarly a 1940s piece using antique Victorian pansies.
Link Bracelet with Three Pansies - Silvered Enamel with Center Diamonds set in 14K gold ($2450)
We have a wonderful selection of fine estate and vintage costume jewelry. Quite a bit of our selection is online in our antique shopping site, but there is a lot more in the shop.

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