The Jean Jean "Happy Ballerina" Cachet is in Italian with double-sided images and text as follows:

side 1 ∙ A female dancer/performer in costume, one hand raised and the Italian "Sempre Allegra" - "Always happy (when I am dancing)!"
side 2 ∙ A tree bending, perhaps about to break, with the wind with the Italian, "Meglio rompersi che piegare" - "Better to break than to bend." Most likely, this was supposed to read the opposite, "Better to bend than to break," as the image of the bent tree suggests. Perhaps this is an example of a Victorian typo?!

A lovely ballerina/dancer appears on stage - perhaps mid-step, perhaps ready to take her bow - arm raised in graceful triumph with the Italian "Sempre Allegra," which we may translate to mean "I am always happy when I am dancing." Whatever makes you most joyful, this is a reminder of the happiness that comes when we are doing what we love best. The other side of the seal shows a strong tree, bent quite savagely by a stiff - perhaps constant - wind. The Italian is a bit confusing here and might represent a Victorian typo. Literally, it reads "Better to break than to bend," but resources tell us that it is supposed to read "Better to bend than to break." So, it is up to you to choose which translation to abide by. Either way, the tree is a symbol of strain under pressure and the resilience required to withstand the biggest challenges.

Metalways in 1st photo, left to right: 10K yellow gold, sterling silver, brass.

Measurements: 11 x 13mm
10K: 2.7 grams
14K: 2.9 grams
STER: 2.4 grams

NOTE: each piece and bail are made and finished by hand. Please allow for some small variability in gram weight piece to piece.

Era: These are replicas of Regency Era (1820s-1830s) wax letter seals
Markings: gold karat will be stamped on the bail

A few things . . .

STYLE: You may order this charm as a pendant or a handsome signet ring in brass, sterling silver, 10K, or 14K. White gold, 18K gold, and platinum are also available: please message us for pricing.

FINISHES + EXTRAS: We can add a sweet little gemstone to your pendant or ring! Please browse our suggestions in the personalization menu and make a selection. Don't see the gemstone you are hoping for? Want to double check on a color or placement? Just send us a message.

CHAINS: Our sterling silver pendants come with sterling silver chains. Our brass and gold pendants ship (default) with 14K gold fill chains. 14K solid gold chains are available for a bit more. Please select this option from the drop down menu if you wish! All chains are cable link and 18". Other chain fineness, styles and lengths are readily available upon request.

RINGS: Please leave us a note at check out with your desired size. It's OK if you forget. We'll follow up with you!

THE COLLECTION // The Cachet Collection - a captivating range of reversible, antique wax seal jewelry - is my serenade to Victoriana.

The Victorians used wax seals to stamp all of their correspondence and the choice of which seal to use was intensely personal and powerful. The seal was the first thing that the reader would see - a preview to what was written inside. News of a death required a somber seal with a phrase of comfort, a "billet doux" to a lover something tender or playful, and a business contract perhaps just stamped with the day of the week.

With the Cachet Collection, antique wax seals become wearable "objets d'art": small reminders of the big sentiments that rule us all. The messages and images on the seals are timeless, carrying just as much meaning for the modern woman as they did for the Victorians almost two centuries ago. Cast from early 19th century artifacts, hand-finished with love in Michigan, and designed to be worn every day.