Sweetheart brooch made from gilded and decorated 1897 farthings

« Prev Item Next Item »

c. 1897

Overview

Sweetheart brooch made from two slightly overlapping gilded and decorated 1897 dated British Queen Victoria bronze farthings - one with the obverse displayed and the second with the reverse.
Both coins are enhanced with small six-pointed star-shaped mounts inset with coloured stones.
The obverse features Queen Victoria facing left with the legend 'VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP', inset with a small blue turquoise stone. The reverse shows the seated figure of Britannia with a trident and shield, dated 1897, inset with a small red/coral-coloured stone.
The reverse has a pin clasp for attachment.

Historical information

This brooch made from gilded and decorated farthings is typical of the trend in jewellery during the Victorian era. Farthings were the lowest circulating denomination of the time, making them a very affordable metal base for creative manipulation.
During the 19th century, it became highly fashionable to hand-engrave, pierce, or embellish small coins to give to romantic partners, family members, or close friends. The added star-set turquoise (traditionally symbolising good luck, fidelity, or "forget-me-not" remembrance) and coral (traditionally symbolising protection) perfectly match the era's heavy obsession with sentimental gemstone language.
Soldiers also created keepsakes from coins to give to loved ones. Given the date on the coins from this example, it may have been gifted prior to the Second Boer War, but there is no way of proving this.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01058

Item type

Badges

Coins

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Ephemera

Jewellery

Personal Effects

Themes