The Mystery of Anne Boleyn’s Missing Initial Pendant Inspires Modern Jewelry Trends
The story of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated queen of England from 1533 until her execution in 1536, has captivated historians and romantics alike for centuries. One of the enduring mysteries surrounding her is the disappearance of a gold “B” pendant that she famously wore on a strand of pearls around her neck. Speculation has abounded over the years, with some suggesting that it was given to her niece, the future Queen Elizabeth I.
In recent decades, this missing piece of jewelry has inspired designers and brands to create their own versions, continuing a long tradition of adorning ourselves with initials and symbols of our loved ones. Danish jeweler Sophie Bille Brahe, for example, released a collection of diamond-adorned rings and pendants resembling fluid cursive initials, which she wears daily to symbolize her own name and those of her family members.
Paris-based jewelry designer Charlotte Chesnais also pays homage to her loved ones with a gold chain strung with the initials of her three children, herself, and her partner. Her Alphajoaillerie collection features delicate, abstracted letters in gold-vermeil and diamond pendants, designed in collaboration with the branding agency M/M Paris.
Meanwhile, Beth Hutchens, the founder of New York-based jewelry brand Foundrae, creates customizable pieces inspired by the symbolism of letters. She wears oversize clover-shaped medallions with diamond-set initials representing her own name, her children, and her girlfriend, as well as a gold pinkie ring with a diamond-set initial for her full name, Elizabeth.
“People want to create a piece that memorializes the experiences that build their life,” says Hutchens. The trend of wearing initial-shaped pendants as a personal and meaningful accessory continues to be popular, allowing individuals to carry a piece of their identity and loved ones with them wherever they go.
