Forget-Me-Not Jewellery — Meaning, History & Why It Makes the Perfect Gift
There are very few flowers that carry as much meaning as the forget-me-not.
Small, delicate, and intensely blue — they are easy to overlook in a garden. But in the language of flowers, in literature, in history, and in the hearts of people who have loved and lost, forget-me-nots carry a weight that belies their size. They say something that is almost impossible to say in words: I will not forget you. Please don't forget me.
At Lovely Oxford, I preserve real forget-me-nots inside handcrafted glass lockets — and craft memorial keepsakes featuring forget-me-not designs in sterling silver and 9ct gold. In this guide I want to share the history and meaning behind these extraordinary little flowers, and explain why forget-me-not jewellery makes one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.
The History of Forget-Me-Nots
The Legend of the Name
The most famous story behind the forget-me-not's name comes from medieval Germany. According to legend, a knight was walking along a riverbank with his beloved when he spotted a cluster of small blue flowers growing at the water's edge. He reached down to pick them for her — but the weight of his armour caused him to lose his footing, and he fell into the river. As the current carried him away, he threw the flowers to her and called out: "Vergiss mein nicht" — forget me not.
Whether or not the legend is true, it captures something essential about the flower's meaning: the desperate, tender wish to be remembered by someone you love, even when you are separated.
Forget-Me-Nots in Victorian Floriography
The Victorians were passionate about the language of flowers — a system of communication in which different blooms carried specific meanings. In Victorian floriography, the forget-me-not meant: true love, faithful memory, and do not forget me. It was given between lovers who were parting, between friends who were separated, and between people who wanted to say: you matter to me. I will carry you with me.
It was also deeply associated with mourning and remembrance — worn or carried by those who had lost someone, as a quiet declaration that the person they loved would not be forgotten.
Forget-Me-Nots in Royal History
Forget-me-nots have appeared throughout royal history as symbols of remembrance and loyalty. King Henry IV of England adopted the forget-me-not as his personal emblem. They are also the official flower of the Alzheimer's Society — chosen because of their association with memory, and worn to show support for those living with dementia and their families.
Forget-Me-Nots as a September Birth Flower
Forget-me-nots are one of the birth flowers for September — making them a particularly meaningful gift for anyone born in that month. A piece of forget-me-not jewellery given to a September birthday is both beautiful and deeply personal.
What Forget-Me-Nots Mean Today
Between friends who are parting — a friend moving abroad, a colleague leaving, a child going to university. The forget-me-not says: wherever you go, I will not forget you.
In long-distance relationships — a forget-me-not locket worn close to the heart is a daily reminder of someone who is far away but not forgotten.
In grief and remembrance — a gentle, wearable memorial. It's simply a beautiful flower. Only the wearer knows what it means.
For September birthdays — as a birth flower gift that is both personal and beautiful.
As a symbol of support — for those affected by dementia or Alzheimer's. A forget-me-not piece says: I see you. I remember. I will not forget.
Forget-Me-Not Jewellery at Lovely Oxford
At Lovely Oxford, I work with real forget-me-nots — carefully dried and preserved before being placed inside handcrafted glass lockets. I also craft memorial keepsake jewellery featuring forget-me-not designs in sterling silver and 9ct gold, each with a resin inclusion of ashes, hair, fur, or flowers. Every piece is made by hand in my South Oxfordshire studio.
Forget-Me-Not Glass Locket Necklace — £35
Forget-Me-Not Glass Locket Necklace — £35
A made-to-order 30mm glass locket necklace containing real forget-me-not flowers on an 18-inch gold-filled chain. The flowers are visible through the glass dome — tiny, perfect, and intensely blue. This is the piece I most often recommend for a long-distance friendship, a parting gift, or a gentle memorial.
Forget-Me-Not Glass Locket Bracelet — £22.22
Forget-Me-Not Glass Locket Bracelet — £22.22
The same real forget-me-not flowers in a stainless steel glass locket bracelet. Hypoallergenic and extremely durable — ideal for everyday wear. Pairs beautifully with the necklace for a gift set.
Forget-Me-Not Memorial Pendant — Sterling Silver
Forget-Me-Not Flower Pendant — 925 Sterling Silver
A beautiful 5-petal forget-me-not flower pendant in solid 925 sterling silver, with a resin inclusion of your choice — ashes, hair, fur, or flowers. 20mm, handcrafted in South Oxfordshire. A deeply personal memorial piece that carries both the symbolism of the forget-me-not and the memory of your loved one.
→ Shop Forget-Me-Not Flower Pendant
Forget-Me-Not CZ Memorial Pendant — Sterling Silver
Forget-Me-Not CZ Pendant — 925 Sterling Silver, 12mm
A delicate 12mm forget-me-not pendant in sterling silver with a sparkling CZ centre and a resin inclusion of ashes, hair, fur, or flowers. A subtle, elegant everyday memorial piece.
→ Shop Forget-Me-Not CZ Pendant
Forget-Me-Not Memorial Stud Earrings — Sterling Silver
Forget-Me-Not Memorial Stud Earrings — 925 Sterling Silver
A brand new addition to the Lovely Oxford collection — forget-me-not floral stud earrings in solid 925 sterling silver, each with a resin inclusion of ashes, hair, fur, or flowers. A subtle, beautiful way to carry your loved one's memory every day. Perfect paired with the forget-me-not pendant for a matching set.
→ Shop Forget-Me-Not Stud Earrings
9ct Gold Forget-Me-Not CZ Pendant — Made to Order
9ct Gold Forget-Me-Not CZ Pendant — Rose, Yellow or White Gold
For a truly heirloom piece — a forget-me-not CZ pendant in solid 9ct gold, available in rose, yellow, or white gold. Made to order with a resin inclusion of your ashes, hair, fur, or flowers. Hallmarked and crafted to last a lifetime.
→ Shop 9ct Gold Forget-Me-Not Pendant
Rose Gold Heather Glass Locket Necklace — £66.66
Rose Gold Filled Heather Glass Locket Necklace — £66.66
Not forget-me-nots, but heather — another flower with deep symbolism. Heather means good luck, admiration, and protection. In a rose gold setting, it is simply stunning. A beautiful alternative for someone who loves the idea of a real flower locket but prefers the warmth of rose gold.
The Perfect Occasions for Forget-Me-Not Jewellery
As a Friendship Gift
A forget-me-not locket between friends is one of the most timeless gestures in the language of flowers. It says: I value what we have. I won't forget you. Please don't forget me.
For a Long-Distance Relationship
A forget-me-not locket worn close to the heart is a daily, wearable reminder that someone is thinking of you — that even across miles, you are not forgotten.
As a September Birthday Gift
Forget-me-nots are a September birth flower, making them a wonderfully personal birthday gift for anyone born in that month.
As a Memorial or Sympathy Gift
In grief, forget-me-nots carry a particular power. They say: I remember them too. They will not be forgotten. A forget-me-not locket is a gentle, wearable memorial — one that doesn't announce itself to the world, but is always there, always close. Read our guide to gifting memorial jewellery for more ideas on giving thoughtfully in times of grief.
For a more bespoke memorial piece — made with ashes, hair, or other inclusions — browse our full memorial jewellery collection.
For Someone Affected by Dementia or Alzheimer's
The forget-me-not is the official flower of the Alzheimer's Society. A forget-me-not locket given to someone caring for a loved one with dementia carries a profound and tender message: I see you. I remember. You are not forgotten.
As a Self-Gift
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we give ourselves. A forget-me-not locket worn as a personal memorial, a reminder of someone loved, or simply because you find the flower beautiful — is a completely valid and lovely reason to own one.
How to Care for Your Forget-Me-Not Jewellery
Your forget-me-not piece is a precious keepsake — and with the right care, it will remain beautiful for a lifetime. The resin or glass enclosure is the most important element to protect.
❌ What to avoid — these can damage the resin or glass:
- Perfume & aftershave — always apply before putting on your jewellery, never spray directly onto the piece
- Hand cream & body lotion — oils can build up and cause cloudiness over time
- Swimming pools, hot tubs & the sea — chlorine and saltwater are damaging
- Baths & showers — remove before bathing; soap and shampoo affect the resin
- The gym & exercise — sweat contains salts and acids that can dull the surface
- Sunscreen & fake tan — chemicals can stain or discolour
- Prolonged direct sunlight — UV exposure can cause yellowing over time
- Household chemicals & cleaning products — always remove jewellery before cleaning
- Ultrasonic or steam cleaners — never use on resin jewellery
✅ How to clean safely:
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after wearing
- If needed, use a very slightly damp cloth (plain water only) and dry immediately
- Never soak or submerge in water
- Store in the box or pouch it came in, away from direct sunlight
→ Read our full jewellery care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the forget-me-nots real?
Yes — always. Every forget-me-not in every Lovely Oxford locket is a real, dried botanical flower. We never use artificial or silk flowers.
Will the flowers fade?
Properly dried and sealed flowers can last for many years — often decades — without significant fading. Keeping your locket out of direct sunlight and away from moisture will help preserve the colour.
Can I get a forget-me-not piece with ashes or hair inside?
Yes — our sterling silver and 9ct gold forget-me-not pendants and earrings are all made with a resin inclusion of your ashes, hair, fur, or flowers. Browse the memorial pieces above or get in touch to discuss a bespoke commission.
Is the locket self-fillable?
Our forget-me-not glass lockets are pre-filled and sealed to protect the flowers. If you'd like a self-fillable locket, contact us to discuss options.
Do you ship internationally?
We ship within the UK. All orders are sent via Royal Mail tracked delivery and typically arrive within 2–3 working days.
A Note From Me
I chose to work with forget-me-nots because I find them genuinely moving. There's something about a flower so small carrying a message so large — don't forget me — that feels deeply human. We all want to be remembered. We all want the people we love to know that we carry them with us.
I know grief intimately. I lost my father at 28 and my mother at 34. I have experienced multiple miscarriages, and the loss of beloved pets throughout my life. Every piece I make, I make with a full understanding of what it means to lose someone irreplaceable. The forget-me-not, more than almost any other flower, captures that feeling perfectly.
If you'd like to order a forget-me-not piece, or if you have questions about a bespoke commission, please get in touch. I'd be honoured to make something for you.
You can also browse our full flower keepsakes collection or our memorial jewellery collection.
Lovely Oxford is a handcrafted jewellery studio in South Oxfordshire, UK. All pieces are made by hand by Olja. Get in touch with any questions — we're always happy to help.