DATE: Victorian, c.1880 

A very sweet antique enamel love token charm, modelled as an ivy leaf which slides to one side to reveal the words "où je m'attache meurs" which translates to "where I attach myself I die" or "where I cling, I die". Painted in green and white enamel with black lettering, it's crafted in silver throughout with hues of gold. Dates from the Victorian period, circa 1880. 

Victorian jewellery often includes floral motifs, as part of their "Language of Flowers", whereby each flower or plant represented some romantic or emotional sentiment... In this case, ivy for wedded love, fidelity, friendship and affection. The ivy plant has a strong attachment to walls, which is represented perfectly in this piece with the sentiment. 

MEASUREMENTS 

 2.6 x 1.4cm

WEIGHT 

 3.3g

MARKS 

 Stamped 800 for silver 

CONDITION 

 Very good, enamel in great condition