Initial and monogram accessories are extremely popular and widely available; from jewelry to clothing to bags, you can have your initial(s) placed on anything. But this trend is not new and started over a century ago. 

The Start and Brief History of Monograms

A monogram or the combination of initials of a name to symbolize identity [1] were originally a cipher of one letter, but later evolved into a design of two or more letters intertwined and interlaced [2]. The letters could be that of a town/city or a person's first, middle, and/or last name. Many sources credit ancient Rome and Greece to be the origin of monograms, originally being used on coins to distinguish cities and their rulers [2-4]. Monograms were also used by artists to sign and mark their work [4-6]. Sometimes, these “monograms” were symbols instead of initials. 

The Victorian Era is when monograms started to be viewed as a symbol of socioeconomic class and status. During these times, members of the European aristocracy used bespoke monograms adorned in household items, stationery, and clothing to display their status and wealth [5,6].

The use of monograms and initials has pulled away from symbolizing social-economic class and status, and is used by all entities, including fashion houses and clothing companies. The famous “LV” logo of the Louis Vuitton company is a monogram. 

Picture of the Louis Vuitton monogram logo 

Georges Vuitton, Louis Vuitton's only son, was the creator of this extremely famous and globally recognizable monogram [6]. Much like others in history, the LV monogram was developed and used as a means to prevent and discourage counterfeits [6]. Even the logo for the House of Chanel is a monogram.

The famously elegant double C monogram represents the nickname of designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Said to be founded in the 1920s, the Chanel House double or interlocking C logo is easily the most recognizable symbol of refined style and the epitome of luxury [7].  

There are many sources that have different origin stories about the Chanel logo, but a few agree on some points. Sources agree that a portion of the logo was inspired by the convent CoCo Chanel lived in when she was younger [7]. An orphan, Chanel lived at Aubazine Abbey, which had stained glass windows; it is believed that the style of the logo was inspired by these windows [7-9]. As for the actual idea of the interlocking Cs, it is thought that French Queen Catherine de’ Medici influenced the design [7]. Chanel was rather fond of Queen Medici whose personal monogram featured two outward-facing double Cs that was sometimes interlocked with the letter H, the first initial of her husband, King Henry II [7,10].

Chanel and Catherine de’ Medici's monograms side-by-side

 The monograms of Chanel and Queen Medici are similar so it is plausible that the now famous interlocking Cs have a direct correlation to the French monogram.

Choosing an Initial for Your Personalized Jewelry 

Choosing an initial for your personalized jewelry can be difficult. What is extremely common is to pick the letter of your first name. Many people, including royal members and celebrities, choose their first name as the initial for their monogram pieces. Princess Diana was one of these individuals. 

Since Princess Diana started wearing her initial D necklace after her marriage to Prince Charles some speculated it to be an autonomy symbol, and a matter of declaring self-ownership and maintaining her individuality [11].

Throughout history, using the first letter of your first name was the main way initials for monogram pieces were chosen; however, it wasn't the only way. You could also choose to wear the letter of your surname or last name, much like Anne Boleyn.

Anne Boleyn likely wore the infamous letter B necklace as a sign and symbol of her Boleyn identity [12]. Queen Anne may have been the first public figure to wear an initial necklace as a means to show pride in her family. Initial jewelry bearing the letter from your last name is also a great way to show pride and joy in your heritage. For some, a person's last name is a direct link or lineage to their ancestral backgrounds. Initial and monogram pieces can also be worn for more sentimental purposes. 

Initial jewelry can be worn as a remembrance of a lost loved one rather it be a beloved grandmother or cherished friend. Wearing their initial in the form of a necklace is a simple, yet elegant and stylish way to remember them and carry them with you everyday. 

Some family traditions include using a loved one's first name as the middle name for a newborn. In this way, wearing a necklace with the letter of your middle name can serve multiple purposes - representing yourself, honoring your family's tradition, and remembering a loved one.

Initial and monogram pieces can also be worn, or gifted, as a symbol of love and devotion to a significant other. You can wear a necklace with the initial of your new spouse or gift one with the letter of a bride's or groom's new last name after they are newly married.

How to Wear Our Personalized Necklaces

Personalized necklaces have, and will continue to be, a chic and stylish piece; they are simply timeless classics.They are minimalistic by design, making them extremely versatile. Our personalized pieces can effortlessly be worn by themselves for an understated elegant look or paired with other pieces for a style that is uniquely yours. 

Unlike mass-produced jewelry, initial necklaces offer a unique way to express one's identity. Whether it's the your own initials or those of a loved one, our necklaces become more than just accessories—they become deeply personal statements and can extend beyond mere fashion. These bespoke pieces can serve as a tangible reminder of connections, memories, and aspirations. For some, it's a subtle tribute to cherished relationships or a daily affirmation of self-love and empowerment. In a world where individuality is celebrated, initial necklaces stand as a timeless and elegant jewelry piece.

Final Thoughts

From their early start, personalized initial jewelry was used to show class and status, and we love to keep this tradition while making it for modern-day. Accentuating your style with our personalized initial necklaces is an easy way to add a touch of personalized style to any outfit, whether you are dressing up or down.  

-MM

References 

1. “Monogram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monogram. Accessed 18 Nov. 2023.
2. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "monogram". Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Apr. 2016, https://www.britannica.com/topic/monogram-calligraphy. Accessed 18 November 2023.
3. https://madamedelamaison.com/blogs/putting-it-all-on-the-table/let-s-talk-about-a-brief-history-of-monograms
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/raquellaneri/2010/11/30/is-monogramming-classy-or-tacky/
5. https://www.lakeshoremag.com/a-brief-history-of-monograms/
6. https://www.markandgraham.com/pages/monogram-guide/monogram-history.html
7. https://editorialist.com/fashion/chanel-logo-history/
8. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coco_Chanelfounder
9. https://www.chanel.com/us/about-chanel/the-/
10. https://www.vogue.com/article/chanel-metiers-d-art-collection-2021
11. https://graziamagazine.com/us/articles/history-initial-necklace-anne-boleyn-bella-hadid/
12. https://www.tatler.com/article/famous-necklace-anne-boleyn-portrait-golden-b-pendant