Ideas
Monograms - A Lasting Tradition
Originally, monograms were used as Royal signatures - generally one initial, like H for Henry VIII of England. The Romans and Greeks used coins with letters to identify their rulers. In the Middle Ages, many artists used their monogram as their signature.
Martha Washington designed china for the White House with her initials, not those of President George Washington. The Victorian Age (1837-1901) saw a dramatic rise in the popularity of all items monogrammed, table linens, bed linens, stationery, sterling silver and dinnerware. It was seen as a reflection of one's status. A symbol of identity.
Traditionally, a 3 letter monogram for a woman would use the first letter of her first name on the left, her last name in the center and her middle name on the right. When she married, she would continue to use the 3 letter monogram on bed linens and table linens - items in "her" domain. Instead of using her middle name on the right, she would use her maiden name. A man's 3 letter monogram was traditionally 3 initials, first, middle and last, all the same size.
Designer monograms appear everywhere today, handbags, shirts, ties, sweaters, scarves. These monograms reflect the quality and importance of the designer.
The beauty of a personal monogram is that it is....personal. It reflects you, your family, your commitments. Today, the traditional "rules" of monogram simply do not fit the new variety of names and living arrangements..hyphenated names before marriage, hyphenated names after marriage, life partners with no marriage. The old rules have given way to monograms that make sense to you - you create your own symbol with entwined initials of those who wish to be joined. Sometimes it just takes common sense. Sometimes it just takes "design" sense!
Julian Mejia has designed several exquisite monograms for his European linen napkins. His designs are modern, elegant and incorporate tradition with the three letter monogram. Julian Mejia also offers a one initial monogram, just like those originally used for Royals. The backdrop for these monograms is the finest European linen napkin, available in over 100 colors. Choose a picot edging or a plain edging. You choose the design to enjoy and share with your family and friends.
Monogrammed sterling silver has long been a traditional family heirloom. Today, the skills and methods of hand forging sterling silver are still employed by the craftsmen at Old Newbury Crafters. As your guarantee that Old Newbury silver is genuinely handmade, each piece is personally signed by the skilled craftsman who made it. No other silver has this unique reassurance.
Options include custom color and beautiful monogrammed. Create a family heirloom.
Tournesol offers fine table linens, distinctive dinnerware and gifts for the home from around the world.
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