Pensee Lace Pins ~ Sentimental & Mourning Jewelry

Three little lace pins sharing a communality with one another.  They each shoulder two important responsibilities. The first ~ to hold lace in place on a lady's bodice or at her throat. The second comes from the fact that they are all pansies, and this symbolism communicates an important message to a loved one.   The pansy's name is derived from the French word pensée: a thought.  The message given:  When this you see, pray think of me. Ophelia spoke it through the pen of Shakespeare: “There’s pansies, that’s for thoughts...” she said.  These three pins are being sold separately.  

The largest lace pin is vulcanite and measures 1 5/8" tall; 1 1/8 wide.  A gracefully molded piece, it dates to ca 1865-1870s, when the Civil War caused America to mourn.   The simplicity of this pin is what makes it outstanding.  Its outline is bold and exact, despite its small size.  Unmarked, the back tests for 9-10kt rose gold. The back is really quite lovely.  The condition of this early pin is very good.  One petal has a small edge chip which is visible under magnification. The c-clasp at back is original.  The pin shaft, though slightly crooked, works well.  $78.00

The solid 14kt yellow gold double pansy pin shown in the middle in our first photo is from the Art Nouveau era, c1900-1910.  Each of the two tiny pansies has a tiny seed pearl at its center.  A charming piece, its presence is surprisingly strong in a pin so small. The original c-clasp at back is in working order. The pin shaft itself has a bit of a bend to it which has no effect on the strength, stability and wearability of the piece. Wear it as often as you like with complete confidence.  1 1/8" X 1/2". $200.00

The smallest lace pin is the lovely enamel and pearl pensee piece dating to c1890.  Solid 14kt gold pansy with petals delicately hand painted in enamel.  The petals are creamy white with meticulously painted green veins and a charming, perfect seed pearl set at the center.  1 1/16” long.  Flower head is 7/8” X less than ½” wide. Tiny, perfect and enchanting.  $175.00