Vintage Augis Love Tokens: A Story of Love and History

I’ve been collecting vintage jewellery for years, but every now and then, I stumble across something that really makes my heart beat faster…

The first time I came across a genuine vintage Augis Love Token, I was smitten. Filled with symbolism and romance, each one is a love story captured in gold.

My own vintage Love Token is a treasured part of my collection, and feels so special and meaningful every time I wear it.

So I just adore being able to share these incredible pieces of jewellery history with you — especially because there’s more to them than meets the eye…

The Meaning Behind the Augis Love Tokens

The quote on these vintage love tokens reads “qu’hier, que demain.”

It’s a beautiful French phrase that translates to “more than yesterday, less than tomorrow”, taken from a 19th century love poem written by Rosemonde Gérard to her husband.

The full quote reads:

For, you see, each day I love you more,
Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

It’s such a quietly beautiful sentiment, isn’t it? Love grows as time passes.

Love tokens were originally gifted in France in the Nineteenth Century, rooted in an even older tradition of treizains, carved wedding coins.

Their popularity continued throughout the twentieth century, and nowadays we see vintage Love Tokens from the early 1900s right through to the 50s and 60s.

The jeweller behind these pieces was French designer Alphonse Augis, with each one originating from the Augis workshop in the heart of Paris, the city of love!

And there's nothing like the originals, so I collect only genuine Augis love tokens for our limited edition drops.

A Collector's Dream...

Their enduring popularity is why we see so many variations on the original design. Over the decades, the styles were refined and updated to reflect changing fashions, so each token tells a story not only of love, but of the era in which it was made.

Most are beautifully crafted in solid 18ct gold — warm in tone, and unmistakably luxurious! They also often feature a tiny diamond ‘plus’ and ruby ‘minus’ symbol, to echo the poem’s meaning.

In recent years, genuine vintage Augis Love Tokens have become sought out amongst the fine and vintage jewellery communities. Because each token is slightly different, there’s a real charm and magic to them.

Some people have one precious piece, others a collection of different styles.

The Love Token Treasure Hunt

Finding genuine vintage and antique Love Tokens isn’t easy these days.

As with all our vintage jewellery, I work personally with specialist dealers who know exactly what to look out for. Each pendant is carefully checked for authenticity and condition before they get to be in one of our drops!

Because they’re sourced one by one, each token has its own different features and little quirks. They’ve already had a life, and now they’re ready for another.

It’s a labour of love pulling together each drop — no pun intended — but Augis token have become one of my favourite pieces to source.

How to Wear a Vintage Augis Love Token Now

These Love Tokens are from decades past, but there’s something just so cool about them — the graphic motifs, the sunray textured finish and the gemstone embellishments. Parfaite!

I love styling these on fine chains, mixed in with charms and birthstones or layered alongside modern pieces. A vintage token nestling next to a contemporary locket? Magnifique! They look great hung from chunky chains too, the contrasting textures creating that perfect vintage-meets-modern mix that I love.

And these days, we don’t just save Love Tokens for romantic love. Everyone’s love story is unique, and Love Tokens celebrate them all. We’ve seen them given between mothers and children, sisters, lifelong friends, and as a personal reminder of someone no longer here.

And of course, we’re all about self-love, too. If you’ve fallen in love with one, that’s enough reason to make it yours!

Perfect for Gifting…

If there was ever a piece that ticks all the gifting boxes, it’s a vintage Augis love token.

Solid gold, sourced with care and steeped in history and sentiment, they really are so luxurious and meaningful.

I’m so excited to have eleven genuine vintage Augis Love Tokens in our December drop, plus a stunning Love Token ring. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind — which makes owning or gifting one feel that little bit more special.