The production of iron jewellery became popular in 1813, when the Prussian royal family urged all citizens to contribute their gold and silver jewellery towards funding the uprising against Napoleon during the War of Liberation. In return the people were given iron jewellery such as brooches and rings, often with the inscription "Gold gab ich f�r Eisen" (I gave gold for iron). It's popularity rose overnight and it became a symbol of patriotism and loyalty, with its obvious aesthetic appeal.