brooch gold turquoise

Bird symbolism has often been incorporated into jewellery to convey meaning. The bird forming this brooch may be intended to represent a dove, or a bluebird, but the brooch as a whole is undoubtedly a love token. The bird is a messenger to the giver's sweetheart, carrying a Forget-Me-Not flower made of turquoises in its beak.

The Victorians were fond of romantic symbolism in their jewellery. In the nineteenth century turquoises formed a traditional gift of love or betrothal, their rich blue colour symbolising the lover's faithfulness. At the same time, the flower urged the recipient to 'forget me not'! Tiny compartments set within a piece of jewellery, whether hidden or obvious, were also popular. This brooch has a lock of hair concealed in a compartment on the reverse. This adds to the intimate nature of the piece, since only giver and receiver might know of its existence.