Snowdrop ~ For Hope ~ Coin Charm

Inspired by the language of flowers ~ where sentiments were once quietly expressed through blooms ~ and Victorian 'Love Tokens', the phenomenon of engraving secret messages onto coins.

I was drawn to the thought that flowers might hold that same quiet power, carried close as a form of protection, given as a blessing, or kept as a reminder of love and strength. Chosen to speak gently, when words themselves feel too much, or not quite enough.

Our coin charms are made with real flowers in sterling silver, using the traditional technique of lost wax casting. Each piece is carefully boxed, with our seasonal scented posy, and a Victorian puzzle purse holds the meanings and folklore behind your flowers. The story there, when it's opened.

Charms will arrive strung on a ribbon or attached to your chosen accessory, along with the option of an Albert swivel clasp. First used on Victorian watch chains, it allows your charm to move between chain and bracelet, a small detail that makes a big difference.

The snowdrop is one of the most loved flowers throughout the world and has been a universal symbol of hope for many cultures throughout history. Snowdrop’s Latin name Galanthus, translates as Milk Flower but it's also known as the ‘Fair Maid of February,’ for the joy it brings at the back end of the bleak Winter months. According to German folklore, snowdrops were the only flower willing to lend their colour to the snow, and overwhelmed with gratitude the snow granted snowdrops the protection from the bitter cold and icy conditions, to be able to flower when the others can’t. Snowdrops were incredibly important to the Victorians who believed that taking the flower into the house could bring ill-fortune, turn milk sour and spoil eggs. This superstition was not for everyone though, the good folks of Shropshire and Herefordshire would carry a snowdrop inside as part of a house blessing ceremony. Believed to have been brought to the UK by Italian monks in the 15th Century, many Victorians embraced planting snowdrops on the graves of loved ones which is why you will often find them there today.