Enamelled Pansy Pendant

Charming silver-plated and enamelled pendant based on a locket from 1900 and reflecting the popularity of this flower in the jewellery of the period. The pansy's name is derived from the French word pensée, 'thought', and was imported into Late Middle English as a name for viola in the mid-15th century, as the flower was regarded as a symbol of remembrance. This meaning was adopted into floriography, the language of flowers, which reached its peak in Victorian England. The symbolism of a wide variety of blooms was established and gifts of flowers in specific arrangements were used to send coded messages to the recipient, allowing the sender to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud in Victorian society. Armed with floral dictionaries, Victorians often exchanged small 'talking bouquets', called nosegays or tussie-mussies and the fashion extended into other keepsakes such as embroidered handkerchiefs and jewellery.

Colour: Purple
Silver-plated, enamel
Pendant 2cm tall on 40.5cm chain with 8cm extender, lobster clasp
Clean with a soft cloth
Gift boxed