Heart-shaped medaillon

1850 - 1870

The Dutch expression “ik draag je in mijn hart” (I wear you in my heart) was sometimes interpreted literally in the nineteenth century when you wore a pendant containing a strand of the hair of someone you loved. The heart-shaped medallion is set with diamonds at the front and otherwise finished with black enamel. The use of black and the purpose of the medallion tell us that it was very probably a mourning jewel commemorating a deceased person.

• Actors

  Van Herendael, Petrus Victor (Maker)

• Places and dates

  West-Europe, 1850 - 1870 (Production)

• Materials

  Diamond , Enamel (fused coating) , Glass , Gold , Silver

• Category

  Jewellery

• Object number

  B520/1

• IPR status

  Public domain