Spring: The Floriography Edit | Victorian Language of Flowers Jewellery
Spring has arrived, and with it the season of blossoms, posies and secret messages. This season's edit takes its inspiration from one of the most romantic customs of the 19th century: the Victorian language of flowers.
What Is Victorian Floriography?
Floriography is the language of flowers: the practice of giving each flower and plant a symbolic meaning so that feelings could be expressed through bouquets, gifts and decoration rather than words.
The idea travelled to Europe in the early 1700s, and by the Victorian era it had become a popular pastime. Books such as Charlotte de la Tour's Le Langage des Fleurs (1819) and Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers (1884) acted as dictionaries, listing hundreds of blooms and their meanings. A small posy, known as a tussie-mussie, could carry a carefully composed message of love, friendship or even rejection, and the same symbolism found its way into Victorian jewellery, embroidery and art.
Meanings varied from one dictionary to the next, which only added to the intrigue. Below are three of our favourite flowers, the meanings Victorian's would have found for them, and the Antiqueish pieces they inspired.
1. Lily of the Valley: The Return of Happiness
Few flowers say spring quite like lily of the valley. In Greenaway's dictionary it stands for the return of happiness, making it a sweet gift for a new beginning. Our Lily of the Valley Earrings capture its nodding bell-shaped blooms in 925 sterling silver with delicate pearls.
Shop the Lily of the Valley Earrings
2. Daisy: Innocence
The humble daisy was the Victorian symbol of innocence, and daisy chains have long been a sign of carefree spring days. Our Daisy Chain Ring strings five seed pearls along a slender band, available in 925 sterling silver or gold plate, and is made for stacking.
3. Dahlia: A Flower With Two Meanings
The dahlia is the rebel of the floriography world. Greenaway's dictionary lists it as a symbol of instability, w
hile other sources gave it the more flattering meanings of dignity and elegance. We like to think it is both: a flower for anyone with a little drama in their soul. Our Black Dahlia Earring
s pair black onyx with marcasite and ornate silver filigree for a moody, romantic finish.
Shop the Black Dahlia Earrings
Wear Your Own Secret Message This Spring
Just as the Victorians chose their posies with care, choosing flower jewellery lets you carry a quiet message with you every day. Whether you are celebrating a fresh start, a new friendship or simply the arrival of spring, there is a bloom for you in the Antiqueish collection.
Which flower would you choose? Tell us on social media, and do not forget to join our Scandal Sheet for more stories from the past.