One of my FAVORITE pieces of jewelry is a necklace I had a silversmith friend of mine make for me from my daddy’s family’s love tokens. During the 1800’s, people would deface one side of a coin - mine happen to be dimes - and engrave initials, dates, and pictures on the that side. They also placed engravings on rounded pieces of silver. I have been struggling for years trying to identify the initials and have been successful in some cases. All of them come from my father’s side of the family. The Hornot’s were French and lived in New Orleans. Several years ago I spent a week in the genealogy section of the NOLA Pubic Library researching family history, and that is where I was finally able to identify some of the dates and initials. This necklace is one of my “treasures.”
The following are the pieces that “responded positively” to be photographed! In other words, I couldn’t get the other shots to come out clearly enough to post. At least these will give you an idea of why this necklace is do full of meaning and sentimentality for me.
I am linking up with Suzanne’s Vintage Thingy Thursday.
What a lucky, lucky girl to have such a wonderful piece of history.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness! I've never heard of this tradition, but I love it! What a fantastic way to display your treasures. The sense of "legacy" is amazing, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing, and what a great post. I have not heard of this,, but can only imagine what a family treasure this would be! Lovely. Have a great VTT!
ReplyDeleteI have been around a long time and never coins used like this. It is a great way to hang on to them, but they are worthless value wise. However, somethings are more important than money.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, that is absolutely gorgeous. The engravings are awesome. With the family connection, this is just priceless. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful necklace.Amazing piece of family history. Have a blessed week. Debbie
ReplyDeleteOh Genie! What a treasure! I have not heard of this tradition until now and I love the sentiment behind it. How wonderful to be able to wear such beautiful history.
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