Ways to Say I Love You ... the Victorian Love Token

Engraved and Enameled Initial-F on Victorian Love Token

Ornately Engraved Calligraphic Monogram on Victorian Love Token

She he captured his heart and the love token would express his ardor, Flora would be pleased at receiving the gift and his proposal of marriage. It would be a offering she would cherish always.

A charming memento of Victoriana, is the love token. Love tokens were designed on a coin such as the seated liberty dime. The coin was worked smooth with an ornate decoration carved on one or both sides of the coin. Sometimes, the coin would be inscribed with a loving phrase, or a flower, a bird or other lovely imagery as well as intricately intersecting calligraphic monogramming or a fancy single initial. These coins are nostalgic and romantic vestiges of a lost art. Some of the carvings on love tokens are rudimentary while others are amazing with the implication of love palpable. 

The love token was popular in the latter part of the 1800's into the early 1900's when fashions changed and they were no longer stylish.  Every changing trends... Love tokens are precious antique mementos of a bygone era.  I was blessed to find a coin with my own initials of KS, a treasure indeed! Someday I will find one engraved Mother, I'd love that! xo

The charm of vintage charms

You + Me = Love Sterling Charm

Sterling Puffy Heart I Love U!

I Love You Key Ring Sterling Charm

Sterling Padlock Heart Charm

My love affair with vintage sterling charms was serendipitous! On a day trip to Chautauqua Lake, there was an antique store ... the kind you can while away hours with case after case of treasures.  

And, there it was! A 1940's charm bracelet chock full of mechanical charms. I was enchanted; amongst the sweet charms were a candy box opening to reveal faux chocolate candy, hat box with hat, a black forest cuckoo clock, birthday cake with candles that popped up.  

The charms piqued my curiosity, I read and learned about these fascinating charms which were all the rage during World War II Era.  Perhaps a memento enclosed within a letter from a sweetheart taking months to arrive, so unlike the instantaneous communication of today. Just imagine how patient a gal would have to be while waiting for that priceless note! And, just envision the whimsical delight of receiving a puffy heart or a mechanical charm such as one of the charms pictured! 

For generations charm bracelets have been worn by women to signify important or memorable occasions. These tiny keepsakes become historical family heirlooms which are passed down. They share personal stories of beliefs, hobbies, interest, love as well as travel memorabilia. 

Its hard for me to resist vintage charms! Isn't it easy to see how I adore these charms of yesteryear?  xo

Please click to view vintage charms in my Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/your/listings?shipping_profile_id=&search_query=vintage+love+charms