Vintage Green Enamel Ladybug Charm

A large vintage 14k gold ladybug charm, enameled emerald-green with black accents. Known as a "ladybird" in England, and "coccinelle" in France, the ladybug is traditionally considered a symbol of luck and hope. Some consider it to be a harbinger of love to come, and believe if a ladybug lands within your sight, true love will soon follow. 

Details: Measuring approximately 3/4" north to south, not including the bail or jumpring, and 3/4" east to west including the little nubbin feet. Marked on the back for 14k, Made in Italy, weighs 2.7 grams.

Condition: In excellent condition with a light patina but no obvious chips or scratches. There are some light marks on the back and a shallow little crease near the rear end.

A little History: Used by gardeners the world over as a natural deterent to crop eating insects, the folk name "Ladybird" (Ladybug for us Yanks) stems from a legend that goes back to the Middle Ages; according to European lore a supplicant prayer to the Virgin Mary brought an avenging charge of ladybugs to battle a voracious horde of crop-eating insects that had descended on the farmlands. The little beetles ate all the invading insects and ultimately the crops were saved; hence they became commonly known in Europe as "Our Lady's birds", "ladybirds", in some regions "marybeetle" or "ladybeetle"..and in the U.S. "ladybugs".