Silver with Gold Name Brooch 'ROSE' - Chester 1914 SOLD

The photo does no justice to this lovely name pin, the shadows are simply in the photo.  It is in excellent condition and is hallmarked silver assayed in Chester in 1914.  It has the name 'Rose' with two ivy leaves applied to it in pink  or rose gold.  The ivy leaf was used in sentimental jewellery to symbolise friendship, fidelity and marriage.  This brooch measures 4.5cms (approx 1.75 ins) by 1.5cms (.5in) and fastens with an old-fashioned 'c' type clasp.

It is lovely to collect sentimental jewellery and this ROSE brooch is a great example.  It would make a lovely gift for a much-loved ROSE.

It is reputed that these name pins were first worn by the servants in England's large country houses.    The pins quickly became a popular form of sweetheart brooch for the sentimental Victorians.  The popularity of the brooches continued  through the Edwardian period into the 1920's and there was a revival of these items during World War 2.  Materials used for name brooches include Silver, Gold, base metals and rolled gold wires, sometimes they are set with gems, diamante or paste or marcasite.  Names are also engraved and sometimes painted onto natural materials like  ivory, bone or Whitby Jet and early plastics like Bakelite, Celluloid, Casein and Lucite.  It was also popular to make brooches with the words 'Mother' and 'Baby' ;  with initials on or letters which make up a name in the form of a puzzle; with place names upon them or simply with sentiments like 'Best Wishes', 'Mizpah' (an old hebrew prayer which  translated  means 'may the Lord watch over us whilst we are apart' ) or the words 'Souvenir'.