Jewellery often ends up representing much more than what meets the eye: it can hold a message, bring someone to mind or mark an important moment and, as the years go by, become part of a family's story.
The Lembrança Collection by Arneiro 1969 is built on exactly this idea: creating small pieces that give shape to words, symbols and affection. In this guide, we explore some of their meanings, explain how to choose a medal as a gift and share a few tips on caring for a piece that can be passed down through generations.
Why we associate medals with memories and important moments
Medals hold a special place in Portuguese jewellery. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they can represent names, dates, symbols, beliefs or relationships. When given at an important moment, the memory of that occasion also becomes part of the piece.
The format itself strengthens this bond. A pendant can be worn every day, paired with different chains or joined by other medals over the course of a lifetime. Unlike other jewellery whose size is tied directly to the wearer, it can also be passed from one generation to the next more easily.
That is why we find pendants linked to so many moments in life, from baptisms and communions to birthdays, family celebrations or simply the wish to say something important through a piece of jewellery.
The Lembrança Collection: the meanings behind the medals
The Lembrança Collection starts from a simple idea: every medal should say something.
The giver can begin with the message they want to convey. Love, protection, happiness, faith, closeness or identity are some of the meanings expressed across the collection's different pieces.
Amor de Mãe (A Mother's Love)
A medal designed to celebrate the bond between a mother and her children. It can mark Mother's Day or a birthday, or simply turn that bond into a message that stays with the wearer every day.
See the 19.2K gold medal here.
Adoro-te Querida (I Adore You, Darling)
A short, heartfelt declaration of affection. It can be given to a partner, a daughter or another special person when the aim is to leave a personal message in a piece that can be worn every day.
Discover the 19.2K gold medal, in the small size, here.
Longe da Vista, Perto do Coração (Out of Sight, Close to the Heart)
A message especially suited to times when two people are physically apart. It can take on meaning when someone moves to another city or country, during a long trip, or at any moment when you want to remember that distance does not change emotional closeness.
See the 925 silver medal here, or, if you prefer it in 19.2K gold, you can buy it here.
There is also a ring bearing the same message as the medal, available here (in 925 silver).
Sê Feliz (Be Happy)
It marks a specific occasion and works as a wish for whatever comes next. It can accompany a birthday, an important change or the start of a new chapter.
Buy the 19.2K gold medal in the small size here, and in the large size here.
Deus te Guie (May God Guide You)
A message of faith and protection, which can take on special meaning at religious celebrations or in times of transition.
The 19.2K gold medal in the small size is available to buy here.
Letter Medals
An initial turns the medal into a piece instantly associated with a person. It can be worn on its own or combined with other medals and symbols on the same chain.
See the available letters here.
Other available sayings: “Amor” (Love), “Amor de Pais” (Parents' Love), “Amo-te” (I Love You), “Gosto de ti” (I Like You), “Deus te Proteja” (May God Protect You), “Lembrança de Amigos” (A Keepsake from Friends), “Nunca te esquecerei” (I Will Never Forget You), “Por bem” (For Good), “Não me Beijes na Boca” (Don't Kiss Me on the Lips), “Lembrança do Batismo” (Baptism Keepsake), “Lembrança da Primeira Comunhão” (First Communion Keepsake), “Lembrança do Crisma” (Confirmation Keepsake), “Lembrança Profissão de Fé” (Profession of Faith Keepsake), “Lembrança da Madrinha” (A Keepsake from Your Godmother), “Lembrança do Padrinho” (A Keepsake from Your Godfather), “Lembrança dos Padrinhos” (A Keepsake from Your Godparents), “Lembrança dos Avós” (A Keepsake from Your Grandparents), “Lembrança do Namorado” (A Keepsake from Your Boyfriend), “Lembrança da Namorada” (A Keepsake from Your Girlfriend) and “Lembrança de Portugal” (A Keepsake from Portugal).
See more medals and details of the Lembrança Collection here.
How to choose a medal as a gift
With so many different messages and symbols, the best place to start is not necessarily the design. Think first about the person and the meaning you want to convey.
1. Start with the message
Ask yourself what you would like the person to remember every time they wear the medal. Do you want to express love, protection, happiness, faith or closeness? The answer can narrow down the options straight away.
2. Think about the moment
A medal given at a baptism may carry a different meaning from one chosen for Mother's Day, a birthday or an important change. The occasion helps put the message in context, but it does not have to limit it.
3. Consider how the person wears jewellery
Notice whether they prefer discreet pieces or bolder ones, whether they usually wear silver or gold tones, and whether they already wear medals or chains every day.
If you plan to add a medal to a chain the person already wears, also check the size of the piece and that it is compatible with the chain.
4. Personalise it when it makes sense
A date, an initial or a short inscription can add a second layer of meaning to the message the medal already carries.
Contact us to find out about personalisation options.
Which medal to give for each occasion
The occasion can be a good starting point when you are torn between different messages.
- Mother's Day: a medal dedicated to the bond between a mother and her children can turn the occasion into a keepsake that lasts well beyond the day itself;
- Baptism: symbols of protection, faith or identity can reflect the religious and family significance of the celebration;
- First Communion or Confirmation: medals with Christian symbolism can mark these moments in a lasting way;
- Birthday or a new chapter: messages such as “Sê Feliz” (Be Happy) can accompany a change, an achievement or simply another year of life;
- Distance: “Longe da Vista, Perto do Coração” (Out of Sight, Close to the Heart) can represent the bond between two people when a move or a journey keeps them physically apart;
- Christmas: a medal with a personal message lets you choose a gift not just for the piece itself, but for what you want to say to the person receiving it.
Materials: 925 Silver and 19.2K Gold
925 sterling silver contains 92.5% silver. In gold-plated silver pieces, the silver base is given a gold finish, creating a different look while keeping silver as the base material.
The collection also includes selected pieces in other materials, such as the 19.2K gold range.
Rather than ranking materials, the choice should take into account the taste of the person who will wear the medal, the other jewellery they wear and the available budget.
Personalisation: when an engraving adds a new memory
Where the piece allows it, an engraving can make the medal even more personal. A name, a date, initials or a short message can tie the jewellery to a specific moment and help preserve that story over time.
Before deciding, it is important to consider the space available on the medal and how legible the engraving will be. Not every message works equally well on every size of piece, so advice at the time of choosing can help you find a balanced solution.
How to care for a medal over time
A piece designed to accompany different moments deserves regular care. A few simple habits help preserve its appearance:
- Avoid direct contact with perfumes, cosmetics and chemicals;
- Gently clean the piece after wearing, when needed;
- Store it separately from other jewellery, in a dry, protected place;
- Regularly check the condition of the medal, the chain and the clasp;
- Seek professional advice when the piece needs a deeper clean or repair.
For gold-plated silver, care is particularly important, as the surface finish may wear over time with use.
Arneiro and the Lembrança Collection
The Lembrança Collection reflects a simple idea: a piece of jewellery can hold far more than the value of the material it is made from.
Words, symbols and small messages turn each medal into a way of honouring the relationships and moments we want to keep. And it is precisely this personal dimension that allows a piece chosen today to keep telling a story many years from now.
Discover the Lembrança Collection here
