Let Me Call You Sweetheart

The last time I went to visit my Mom,  she sent me home with several totes full of vintage goodies.  One of the items she passed on to me was this precious heart-shaped locket that my Grandpa had sent to my Grandma while he was stationed in the Pacific during WWII...also known as Sweetheart Jewelry.

It is made of silver, with a pretty mother-of pearl heart in the center and surrounded by marcasite.  My Mom said that my Grandma wore it "all the time while Daddy was away in the war".

On the back he engraved their initials... E-V-B ( Esther & Virgil)

Until my Mom gave me this locket, I had never heard of Sweetheart Jewelry.  It was a tradition that had started in WWI , but really took off during WWII.

Sweetheart Jewelry was personalized for the different branches of the Armed Services.  Wearing a special piece that represented the service of your sweetheart, husband, son or brother was a way to keep them close as well as show your pride and patriotism.

My Grandfather was  a rifleman in the Army's 31st Infantry Division--stationed in the Pacific.  Hence the two crossed rifles on the front of the locket...

There are also bracelets, pins and watches in the Sweetheart Jewelry category.

I especially enjoy the locket because of the sentimental meaning behind it.  My Grandparents were not the PDA type.  While I never doubted their love for each other,  they were not particularly romantic or cuddly with each other.  So, it is meaningful for me to have something that illustrates a time in their lives when they were like that.  Him...away from his wife and children...missing them very much and carrying them in his heart.  Her...home with the children..trying to raise them without their father...missing him and carrying him in her heart.  

There are other "sweetheart collectibles" in addition to the jewelry.  My other Grandpa was in the Navy Sea Bees.  While he was away he sent my Grandma mementos from the places he visited.

She gave me one of them...

You see a lot of these satin pillow covers out there. Some have "Mother" on them, or poetry verses, etc... This one is a souvenir from a stop in NYC.  My Grandma kept it put away for all those years so the colors are still vibrant. 

 These little tokens of  love and remembrance mean so much to me.  I am proud of my Grandpas' service in WWII.  And my Grandmas' too ...they did their part at home but it was a group effort nonetheless.

Thanks for stopping by..

Stacy