“Mary” French Antique WW1 Naval Button Charm

A symbol of strength and resilience

There are some symbols that have carried meaning for thousands of years, and the anchor is one of them.

This beautiful French First World War naval uniform button features a traditional anchor, a symbol of stability, strength, security and resilience. An anchor does not stop the sea from becoming rough. It simply gives you something solid to hold onto when the waters around you are changing.

And perhaps that is what makes the anchor such a powerful symbol to carry with you.

Life rarely follows a perfectly steady course. We change, we grow, we face unexpected challenges and sometimes we find ourselves navigating waters we never imagined entering. Through all of it, an anchor can be a reminder to stay grounded in who you are.

A symbol to make your own

To me, this is not about being the person who keeps everyone else steady. It is about knowing that you have your own strength to draw upon.

It represents resilience. The ability to weather difficult seasons and keep going.

It represents courage. The willingness to face uncertain waters without allowing them to carry you away.

It represents security. Not because life will always be safe or predictable, but because you know where you stand.

And perhaps most importantly, it represents knowing your own worth and being proud of the woman you have become.

Wear it as a personal talisman. A reminder that being grounded does not mean standing still. It means knowing who you are, even when everything around you is changing.

A little piece of history

This button was once part of a French naval uniform during the First World War.

I find myself wondering where it travelled and what it witnessed. Perhaps it was worn by someone who left France for distant waters. Perhaps it saw long days at sea, moments of danger, moments of relief and eventually a return home.

We will never know its complete story.

What we do know is that this tiny piece of brass survived more than a century of change before finding its way to me.

I have given it a new life as jewellery, allowing its story to continue rather than disappear with the passing of time.

Designed to be worn your way

I have set the original antique brass button into solid sterling silver and added a sterling silver carabiner clasp, making it wonderfully versatile.

It is small enough to sit comfortably from a bracelet as a meaningful little charm, but can just as easily be clipped onto a silver or gold chain and worn as a smaller pendant.

I love that you can change the way you wear it depending on the day, the occasion or simply what feels right to you.

A symbol worth carrying

The Anchor is for the woman who has weathered storms.

For the woman who has changed direction, started again, faced uncertainty and discovered that she is stronger than she once realised.

A little piece of history to remind you that whatever waters lie ahead, you know how to find your footing.

Summary

Button Origin: French First World War naval uniform button

Materials: Antique brass button set in solid sterling silver with a sterling silver carabiner clasp

Available Colours: Antique brass and silver

Wear It As: Bracelet charm or smaller pendant

Handcrafted in: The French Alps  Porsha Bella Atelier

Your jewellery journey begins with a piece of hand crafted wearable history, by Porsha Bella Jewellery.

Now for the legal stuff:-

Please note, all buttons used in my creations are antique, vintage, or second hand, and will naturally show signs of their previous lives.  Such as gentle surface marks, tiny dents, enamel wear, or soft tarnishing.
Each button is carefully tested and securely set, but as these treasures can be well over a century old, they remain delicate and should be treated with the same care as any fine antique.

While the jewellery itself is professionally handcrafted from solid precious metals using traditional goldsmith techniques, designed to last a lifetime, the historic buttons, pearls, and crystals within these designs are inherently more fragile. Their age and patina are what make them so special.
To preserve your piece, please avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, perfume, or impact. Treat it gently, and it will bring you many years of beauty and admiration.

As each piece is entirely handmade and one of a kind, I’m unable to offer refunds, exchanges, or replacements for changes of mind, or for age related wear such as button cracking, crystal or pearl loss, or plating lift that may occur over time.

If you ever have concerns about caring for your jewellery, please don’t hesitate to contact me for personalised advice.

Designer buttons have no affiliation with the original fashion houses. I take great care to ensure all branded buttons are genuine and sourced from reputable second hand suppliers & fashion historians.  Porsha Bella designer button jewellery is not sold on behalf of, or in connection with, any brand.

Your purchases are shipped via La Poste France using international tracking.
Please note, shipments are not insured against loss or damage unless requested. By completing your purchase, you agree to uninsurable shipping.
If you would prefer insured shipping, please contact me before checkout for a personalised quote.