What is sentiment jewellery?

Sentiment jewellery encompasses pieces designed to convey specific personal messages, allegiances or memories through symbolic motifs and coded gemstone arrangements. These items range from inscribed band rings and puffy heart lockets to multi-stone cluster brooches originating from the Georgian and Victorian eras.

How do I identify a Victorian piece?

Victorian sentiment pieces often utilise specific materials like 9ct and 18ct gold, seed pearls, turquoise and detailed enamelwork. Clues to the period also lie in characteristic forms such as lover's knots, horseshoe brooches and mourning rings marked by distinct regional hallmarks.

How were lockets used?

Lockets served as intimate personal keepsakes designed to hold miniature portraits, locks of hair or dried flowers close to the wearer's heart. Pieces with glass compartments or hinged backs allowed private mementos to be securely carried and viewed throughout the day.

What do the different stones mean?

Gemstones in sentiment jewellery often formed acrostic words or carried symbolic weight, such as pearls representing tears or purity and turquoise signifying faithful remembrance. Combinations like ruby, diamond, garnet and emerald frequently spelled out affectionate terms in specific cluster arrangements.

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Antique Sentiment Jewellery

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Antique sentiment jewellery carries whispered messages of love and remembrance through rings, lockets and brooches crafted in gold, silver and enamel.