Image of Twelve Silver Trees Jewellery sterling silver daffodil flower stud earring finished in yellow and rose gold vermeil on an antique wooden table surrounded by vibrant real daffodil cut flowers by a window

The Herbarium Collection - Jewellery with a Language of its Own

Sterling silver handmade snowdrop earrings displayed on a soft cotton pad in a light and airy room

The Herbarium Collection – Jewellery with a Language of Its Own

For centuries, flowers have carried meanings far beyond their beauty. They’ve whispered messages of love, hope, remembrance, and even secret desires. Our Herbarium Collection takes inspiration from this timeless tradition, transforming the delicate language of flowers into wearable art – jewellery that speaks without words.

Image of The Tudor pendant, displayed in an antique jewellery box from the Heritage Collection

The History of Flower Symbolism

The idea that flowers hold meaning stretches back to ancient civilizations. In Ancient Egypt, lotus blossoms represented rebirth and the sun’s eternal cycle. The Greeks linked roses to Aphrodite, goddess of love, while in Rome, violets were offered to honour the departed.

But perhaps the richest period of flower symbolism came during the Victorian era, when flowers became a subtle means of communication. Known as floriography – the “language of flowers” – bouquets could express feelings that were considered too delicate or improper to say aloud. A red rose whispered passion, a sprig of rosemary signified remembrance, and the humble daisy stood for innocence.

A handmade sterling silver calla Lily statement necklace with 18 carat gold accents displayed on a cream vintage style mannequin

The Language of Flowers

Each bloom has its own story, carrying layers of meaning shaped by folklore, literature, and cultural traditions. Wearing flower-inspired jewellery is like carrying a personal message, whether it’s one of resilience, joy, or new beginnings.

  • Snowdrops: Symbols of hope and renewal, often the first flowers to push through winter frost. (Snowdrop Blog)
  • Buttercups: Represent joy, youth, and light-hearted energy.
  • Fuchsias: With their vibrant colours and graceful shape, they stand for elegance, confiding love, and good taste. (Fuchsia Blog)
  • Daffodils: A sign of rebirth and new beginnings, as they bloom in early spring. (Daffodil Blog
  • Cow Parsley: Delicate and wild, evoking a sense of freedom, natural beauty, and fleeting summer days. Read the Cow Parsley Blog 

By choosing a flower, you’re not just selecting a design – you’re choosing a story, a sentiment, a secret message.

Handmade sterling silver daffodil link bracelet with 18 carat gold accents displayed on a country style antique table

Fascinating Flower Facts

  • Secret codes: Victorians had entire handbooks decoding the meaning of flowers – some even carried little dictionaries to interpret bouquets.
  • Global meanings: In Japan, hanakotoba (the Japanese language of flowers) still thrives today. For example, the camellia (tsubaki) can mean admiration, while the chrysanthemum represents longevity.
  • Literary blossoms: Shakespeare often wove floral symbolism into his plays. Ophelia in Hamlet famously handed out flowers, each with symbolic meaning – from rosemary for remembrance to pansies for thoughts.
  • Immortal blooms: Ancient artists preserved flowers in mosaics, jewellery, and textiles. By wearing a flower-inspired piece, you’re joining a tradition that stretches across millennia.
Image of handmade sterling and 18 carat gold buttercup stud earrings displayed on a hand drawn picture of a flower

The Herbarium Collection – A Modern Take on Timeless Tradition

Our Herbarium Collection captures this deep-rooted symbolism in sterling silver and gold accents, with designs that are both elegant and meaningful. Every piece is carefully crafted to reflect the delicate form of each flower – from the unfurling of a petal to the shimmer of natural gemstones that bring them to life.

Whether you’re drawn to the protective spirit of the fuchsia, the hopeful snowdrop, or the joyful buttercup, the Herbarium Collection allows you to wear a symbol that resonates with your story. Each piece becomes more than jewellery – it’s a token, a talisman, and a timeless reminder of nature’s beauty and meaning.

Which flower tells your story? Tell us what flower speaks to you — connect with us on Facebook, we love hearing from you.

Art Inspired Enamel Sunflower Brooch - Twelve Silver Trees

✨ Explore the Herbarium Collection today and discover the perfect flower to express your story – or browse our wider collections, from symbolic animals to celestial designs, for jewellery with meaning and soul.

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