Spoon Lore:
This sterling silver necklace is made from the Heraldic pattern designed by the Gorham Co. in 1880. Finished with an 18 or 20 inch Italian sterling silver chain.
24 inch chain upgrade available here.
30 inch chain upgrade available here.
In the 1880s, America was in the midst of building and establishing pride for its developing cultural identity. With one foot rooted in the rich European histories and genealogies, and the other foot set to blaze a trail to creating their new identity in the new world.
This led artists of all mediums to create pieces that were deeply steeped in old world iconography, while also being geared towards collectors and art enthusiast of the New World.
The Heraldic pattern is not just a design, it’s narrative silver. Social symbolism. It offers us a small glimpse into the hearts and minds of the people of the late 1800s, and ideals they held to. People long for roots in a rapidly changing world, and designs like these allowed them to display their heritage, even if newly created.
While there is no surviving record of who designed this set, it’s widely agreed upon that the Heraldic pattern was the brain child of Gorham’s chief designer George Wilkinson, who designed and oversaw other patterns with deeply symbolic design work, like the Hizen, the Greecian, the Corinthian, and the Medallion patterns.
Oh, If Spoons Could Talk
I love spoon jewelry. And I love hunting for the most beautiful spoons to make it! Spoon jewelry is a little wearable piece of history allowing the story and beauty of the pattern to be displayed and treasured, rather than being forgotten in a drawer or melted down as many of these antique beauties are.
All the pieces I make are from the original antique spoons - none are copies or casts - and I make each by hand, giving care and though to how each pattern is best shaped and displayed.
Using the original sterling silverware means each piece is not only beautiful in design, but full of indications that it has lived life. Maybe a faded monogram or little wear spots - I enjoy thinking about the places they have been and who might have held them 100 years ago. Each piece is, therefore, truly unique. I have discovered more than one of some of these spoon patterns, so each piece will come with its own character and story, varying slightly on little wear spots and marks - There will not be two that are exactly the same!
I hope the piece you choose resonates with your own story and will be a piece you treasure for generations.
Spoon Lore:
This sterling silver necklace is made from the Heraldic pattern designed by the Gorham Co. in 1880. Finished with an 18 or 20 inch Italian sterling silver chain.
24 inch chain upgrade available here.
30 inch chain upgrade available here.
In the 1880s, America was in the midst of building and establishing pride for its developing cultural identity. With one foot rooted in the rich European histories and genealogies, and the other foot set to blaze a trail to creating their new identity in the new world.
This led artists of all mediums to create pieces that were deeply steeped in old world iconography, while also being geared towards collectors and art enthusiast of the New World.
The Heraldic pattern is not just a design, it’s narrative silver. Social symbolism. It offers us a small glimpse into the hearts and minds of the people of the late 1800s, and ideals they held to. People long for roots in a rapidly changing world, and designs like these allowed them to display their heritage, even if newly created.
While there is no surviving record of who designed this set, it’s widely agreed upon that the Heraldic pattern was the brain child of Gorham’s chief designer George Wilkinson, who designed and oversaw other patterns with deeply symbolic design work, like the Hizen, the Greecian, the Corinthian, and the Medallion patterns.
Oh, If Spoons Could Talk
I love spoon jewelry. And I love hunting for the most beautiful spoons to make it! Spoon jewelry is a little wearable piece of history allowing the story and beauty of the pattern to be displayed and treasured, rather than being forgotten in a drawer or melted down as many of these antique beauties are.
All the pieces I make are from the original antique spoons - none are copies or casts - and I make each by hand, giving care and though to how each pattern is best shaped and displayed.
Using the original sterling silverware means each piece is not only beautiful in design, but full of indications that it has lived life. Maybe a faded monogram or little wear spots - I enjoy thinking about the places they have been and who might have held them 100 years ago. Each piece is, therefore, truly unique. I have discovered more than one of some of these spoon patterns, so each piece will come with its own character and story, varying slightly on little wear spots and marks - There will not be two that are exactly the same!
I hope the piece you choose resonates with your own story and will be a piece you treasure for generations.
