Victorian Sydenham Brothers Forget-Me-Not Sweetheart Brooch

Perhaps one of the most romantic and symbolic flowers in the world, forget-me-nots, tragically, have all but been forgotten and cast aside in favor of another floral token of affection -- the red rose.

However, we believe it's time to cast those commonplace roses aside and revisit the medieval legend that caused us to fall in love with these demure flowers to begin with.

According to legend, a French knight was strolling along a river bank with his lady, when he noticed some beautiful blue flowers growing just along the river's edge. As he bent down to pick a perfect bloom for his betrothed, the weight of his armor caused him to lose his footing and fall into the rushing river. Before sinking and being swept away forever, the knight tossed the flower to his lady and shouted, "ne m'oublie pas!" (forget me not) and it is said that is how the flower got its name.

In traditional floriography, forget-me-nots symbolize true, undying love and devotion as well as remembrance.

One look at this sweet little scalloped brooch and it is hard not to fall in love!

This lovely Victorian piece is handcrafted by the Sydenham Brothers in brilliant Birmingham sterling silver and features a wonderfully stylized horseshoe and petite forget-me-not flower reliefs.

Other examples of the Sydenham Brothers work can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

While sterling sweetheart brooches were quite popular in the Victorian era, what makes this piece special is the addition of the colorful enamel flowers, which is not commonly seen.

Hand painted in enamel, the beautiful blue and pink forget-me-not flowers and yellowing foliage give really life to this piece. It feels like just a little extra dose of sweetness in an already sentimental piece. We couldn't love it more!