Some of the most poignant and meaningful pieces I come across are sweetheart brooches. Tokens of love given by soldiers, sailors and the RAF during conflict to their wives and girlfriends as a way to remember them.
The tradition dates back to the First World War, and carried on through the second. We know the pin dates to WWII thanks to the crown over the wings - the King's crown. This changed in 1952 when Elizabeth II became queen.
This piece is a lovely marcasite set of RAF wings. It was clearly cherished as despite its 80 years of service, it's in pristine condition. So much so that I'm listing this as silver plate - I can't find a hallmark, even though it looks like silver. In this case it could well be simply that it's been so well cared for the plate is intact.
Ironically, silver was less useful to the war effort than pot metal, and costume jewellery makers (although most were engaged in war work) switched to sterling instead.
This is a romantic piece, with a wonderful story behind it. I hope that the relationship it symbolises survived the war.
This is wearable and highly collectable.
All our vintage pieces are unique, thanks to their journey to get to you. We gently clean and sanitise so your preloved item feels new.
It will arrive elegantly boxed and secured with a hand tied ribbon, via tracked delivery. International shipping is also available through eBay's Global Shipping programme.
I'm happy to combine postage, and offer multibuy discounts on some items.
Have a look at my other listings for a curated selection of vintage and antique costume jewellery, fashion, homewares, books and more.
The history
Sweetheart jewellery, a term infused with nostalgia and romance, traces its poignant origins to World War I.
This unique category of adornments emerged as soldiers, stationed far from home and facing the realities of conflict, sought to send tokens of love and remembrance to their wives, fiancées, and sweethearts. The tradition became a deeply personal way to maintain a semblance of closeness amidst the profound separations imposed by war.
The craftsmanship of sweetheart jewellery during the Great War and leading into World War II was marked by an eclectic use of materials and symbols.
These pieces often featured patriotic motifs, such as national emblems, regimental insignia, and military symbols, reflecting the wearer's pride and anxiety for their loved ones serving abroad.
They were crafted from an array of materials, including brass, silver, and enamel, with more luxurious pieces made from gold and precious stones, catering to a range of social classes. Lockets, bracelets, brooches, and rings were common, sometimes holding photographs, inscriptions, or locks of hair.
As the world trudged from the despair of the First World War to the global upheaval of the Second, the tradition of sweetheart jewellery evolved, mirroring the changing dynamics of war and society.
The scope of these mementos broadened to include not only romantic partners but also mothers, sisters, and friends, reflecting the increasing involvement and impact of military conflict on the entire populace.
The materials and designs adapted to wartime scarcities, with pieces from the Second World War often appearing more austere, yet no less meaningful.
About us
Discover the charm of sustainable elegance with FiFi Fox Vintage, where every piece of jewellery tells a story and contributes to a greener planet.
We ensure all packaging is sustainably sourced, recycled, or reused, reflecting our dedication to minimising environmental impact, and have sourced much of our stock from the Tiny Box Company, which specialises in sustainable packaging.
Each vintage or antique preloved item in our collection not only brings you a piece of history and style, but also represents a responsible choice.
By choosing vintage costume jewellery, you're not only acquiring a unique and timeless accessory that will retain value compared to modern mass-produced jewellery, you're also supporting sustainable fashion. It's a step towards reducing waste and conserving resources.
Embrace the beauty of the past with FiFi Fox Vintage - always sustainably elegant.