In the vast realm of jewelry making history, there are pieces that not only adorn but also narrate stories of a bygone era. The Charlotte is one such intriguing artifact a peculiar yet fascinating jewelry trend that emerged during the Victorian era
Over the years, I became very intrigued by the story of the Frozen Charlotte. There are so many assumptions and "facts" to be found but the basis is all the same. I have made many one of a kind creations with parts of these dolls. My particular purchases are small pipe clay soft porcelain heads which were found while digging in a factory yard in Limbach in Thuringia Germany. Back then, if a doll was broken or not perfect, it was discarded and buried in the ground at the factory. These were excavated at the said factory, I purchased a large lot of them, and had them shipped overseas to their new home in Canada. These doll parts are from 1860 and well kept.
Imperfections are normal and do not in the least detract from their value. Because of their rare nature, especially ones in well kept condition, these little doll parts are of great value and have become extremely popular for jewelry making.Join me as I delve into the depths of history to uncover the secrets behind the Frozen Charlotte phenomenon ...but first let us revisit the story of this little girl...
The Legend of Frozen Charlotte:
Legend has it that in the early 19th century, a tragic event unfolded in a small town along the frost-laden banks of the Hudson River in New York. It was a bitter winter's night, the kind that chilled bones and froze the breath upon the air. In the heart of this wintry landscape, a young girl named Charlotte resided with her family in a modest cottage nestled among the snow-laden trees.
Charlotte, known for her spirited nature and stubborn resolve, had been eagerly anticipating the grand ball held in honour of the winter solstice. Clad in her finest dress, she eagerly prepared for the festivities, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. But as the night descended and the cold tightened its icy grip, Charlotte's mother grew increasingly concerned.
"Charlotte, my dear," her mother implored, "You must wear your coat. The night is bitter and unforgiving."
But Charlotte, headstrong and determined, waved away her mother's concerns with a dismissive laugh. "Nonsense, mother! A coat would only mar the beauty of my gown. I shall not be swayed by the chill of the night."
And so, against her mother's wishes, Charlotte , along with her suitor, Charlie, embarked on the journey to the ball, her laughter echoing through the frost-laden air. But fate, as cruel as the winter wind, had other plans in store.
As Charlotte's sleigh traversed the snowy landscape, the biting cold pierced through her delicate attire, sending shivers down her spine. Despite Charlie's caring pleas to use a horse blanket to keep warm, and the beauty of the winter night, a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air. And then, as if in a cruel twist of fate, tragedy struck.
As the couple arrived at their destination, Charlotte was found, her once vibrant spirit silenced by the icy hand of death. Clad in her finest gown, she lay frozen upon the sleigh, her fingers still clutching the remnants of her vanity.
The news of Charlotte's untimely demise spread like wildfire, casting a shadow over the once-celebratory town. And thus, the legend of Frozen Charlotte, and how she ignored the words of her parents, was born—a haunting tale of youth, beauty, and the unforgiving embrace of winter's icy grasp.
As the years passed, the legend of Frozen Charlotte faded into the mists of time, yet the memory of the tragic girl and her porcelain likeness endured. Today, Frozen Charlottes serve as tangible links to a bygone era—a haunting reminder of the fleeting nature of existence and the enduring power of storytelling.
The Frozen Charlotte Phenomenon: During the mid-19th century, Victorian society was captivated by the macabre and the sentimental. It was in this era that the trend of Frozen Charlotte jewelry emerged, inspired by the haunting tale that you read above.
It is said that the poem of Charlotte originated in 1841 called “A Corpse Going to a Ball” by Seba Smith. It was supposedly inspired by an actual event said to have occurred in upstate New York and published in the New York Observer, Feb. 8, 1840. Whereas the real names of the couple were not available, the tale substituted Charlotte and Charlie as their names. (Over the years, several songwriters created ballads based on this story as well)
Origin uses: Frozen Charlotte is a name used to describe these tiny china dolls (also made from bisque and porcelain) that were manufactured from c.1850 to c.1920. These dolls were made in the form of a standing figure, moulded in one piece. (no moving parts). They were usually made white/beige in color but also came in tinted pink and in rare occasions painted black.They were also referred to as pillar dolls, solid chinas, bathing babies or penny dolls (being they were sold for one cent) They ranged from under one inch to over 18 inches. They were mostly female, but did come in male versions which were called Frozen Charlies.
The smallest versions of the doll were sometimes used as prizes in Christmas pudding and birthday cakes, but the most popular uses were for doll houses and in baths. The bath versions were glazed in the front and not glazed in the back enabling them to float in the bath. It is also said that they were frozen and put in cups to cool the afternoon tea.
Very few dolls have identifying marks. Some have numbers on the back, while larger dolls sometimes have numbers on their back or feet.
The Frozen Charlotte Jewelry: In the wake of this tragic tale, jewelry designers began crafting miniature porcelain dolls resembling Charlotte, which were then incorporated into various jewelry pieces. These dolls, with their immobile limbs and sombre expressions, became known as Frozen Charlottes, serving as poignant reminders of mortality and the fragility of life.
Frozen Charlotte jewelry held deep symbolism within Victorian society. It served as mementos, reminding wearers of the inevitability of death and the transient nature of existence. Despite their morbid associations, Frozen Charlottes were also seen as tokens of love and remembrance, often exchanged between loved ones as symbols of enduring affection.
Over time, the Frozen Charlotte trend evolved, with jewelry makers experimenting with various materials and designs. Frozen Charlottes were adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones, transforming them from sombre reminders of mortality into cherished heirlooms and fashionable accessories.
Legacy and Contemporary Appeal: Though the Victorian era has long passed, the legacy of Frozen Charlotte jewelry endures. These hauntingly beautiful artifacts continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts, serving as tangible links to a bygone era of romance, sentimentality, and melancholy.
In the realm of jewelry history, few artifacts evoke as much intrigue and fascination as the Frozen Charlotte. From its humble origins as a tragic tale to its transformation into a cherished jewelry trend, the Frozen Charlotte remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the timeless allure of Victorian aesthetics. As we unravel the mysteries of the past, let us not forget the poignant tale of Charlotte and the Frozen Charlottes that continue to enchant and inspire us today.