What is a sweetheart brooch?
The answer tinow has given is the nearest to being correct. Sweetheart brooches are basically small brooches depicting the regimental or other service crest of a soldier, sailor or airman, and were worn by military wives or girlfriends. Particularly popular around the era of the Great War (1914-1918), they were often given to wives or girlfriends (hence ‘sweetheart’) by servicemen as mementos and reminders of their absent loves. They would be worn by the lady as a token of fealty and regard, and also to show their pride in having a husband or sweetheart who was serving his country. Whilst regimental or other service insignia are generally self-coloured base metals, it is not unusual for sweetheart brooches to be made in precious metals (silver or gold) and colourful enamels.
