| Item: |
Description: Victorian Mourning
Jewelry Victorian Mourning Jewelry Victorian |
Price: |

MJ093 |
HOPE FROM HEAVEN ( Georgian Mourning Jewelry Locket / Pendant ):
A haunting and prevalent image from the late 18th & early 19th Centuries
is that of a woman with an anchor. Dressed in idealized attire of the
Grecian style, far from pathetic, she is a female Atlas, bearing a world
of grief on her slim shoulders. In this polychrome, painted on ivory,
Georgian Locket the woman is leaning on a blue anchor and points up to
heaven. (c. 1790) In the background a ship at sea bravely sports a long
red pennant and a blue banner waving from the masts tops, along with a
large red flag flying from the aft pole. Though nautical in theme, the
loss of this loved one may have been from a number of causes. The anchor
theme always represents “Hope and Salvation”. Standing on a rocky
promontory, this image appears to be beseeching heaven above to return
her loved one from the dangers of the sea. I love her little bright
yellow shoes and deep blue cloak. The color is so bright that it could
have been painted yesterday. This Georgian Antique Locket / Pendant is
set in 15KT gold with the original glass covers on both sides. The
locket opens from the back and presently has a background of fabric. You
could put a photo or a lock of hair under the back cover. The bale
swivels from side to side. (The chain is not included.) Most Georgian
polychrome painted pieces are pins, so it is refreshing to have a
pendant in sturdy, wearable condition. This Antique Mourning Locket /
Pendant is a tangible touchstone from the past – an age where grief and
remembrance were an integral part of life.
Condition: Excellent. Over 200 years have produced some surface
scratches and two spots of flaked polychrome at 6 & 8 o’clock. The price
reflects these tiny imperfections.
Size: Locket and bale 1 7/8” high, 1 1/4” wide, 1/4” deep.
|
$825.00 |

MJ092 |
BLACK & WHITE / JET & PEARLS ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Jet & Pearl
Locket / Pendant ): When Queen Victoria lost her beloved Prince
Albert and plunged all of her vast realm into mourning, black jewelry
was the only jewelry allowed at court. The sympathy of her loyal
subjects set a fashion for jet jewelry that lasted for decades. Jet is a
form of fossilized coal, the best of which was mined in the seaside town
of Whitby. Throughout the middle of the 19th Century, when fashion
demanded large jewelry pieces, this hand carved Antique Whitby Jet
Locket / Pendant would have been the very height of chic. (c. 1870-80)
Intricately carved with a looped scroll surround and a twisted rope
edging, the center of the front features an applied silver with a gold
wash wreath set with lustrous natural pearls. The pearls, symbolizing
tears, are all original and the hand carved work is just wonderful. An
easily accessed glazed locket compartment on the back currently holds a
piece of fabric, but would be meant for hair, a photo or even a dried
flower. The large original fitted bale is attached to the locket with a
black metal ring. This is an eye-catching, wearable and extremely
collectible Whitby Jet Pendant. A regal piece with style and substance,
Jet is always elegant and sophisticated – fit for a Queen!
Condition: Excellent. The pearl necklace is not included. Slight signs
of wear on bale. A tiny nibble to the back – not visible to the naked
eye.
Size: Pendant with bale 3” long. Pendant drop alone 2” high, 2 3/4”
wide, 5/8” deep.
|
$500.00 |

MJ094 |
DAINTY BASKETWEAVE KEEPSAKE ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Hair Ring ):
“Few things in this weary world are so delightful as keepsakes. How
slight a memorial saves a beloved one from oblivion.” (A Victorian poem
A Lock of Hair, author unknown.) This beautiful dainty Victorian
Mourning Ring was originally a memorial pin/brooch. The back of the pin
is dated “1846”. (The “846” are easily seen in photo. The rest of the
inscription can not be read.) At some point in its history this delicate
antique lace pin was made into a ring. A jeweler worked the design on
the shoulders of the ring band - marked “750” (18KT) - to match the
original gold setting motif of leaf, scroll and ball surrounding the
hair compartment. I am certain that this was an early alteration since
the mark “750” hasn’t been used since the 1800’s. Very light brown,
perhaps ash blonde hair has been woven and placed under glass. Currently
a ring size 7 ¼, this ring could be made larger, but the proportions are
perfect as it is. This is a pretty and petite ring to wear, reminding us
of a time when “I have a piece of thee” provided loving comfort.
Condition: Excellent. The basketweave hairwork is in perfect order.
Difficult to photograph because the glass makes the hair appear
distorted.
Size: Setting 1 1/8” high, 5/8” wide, 1/4” deep. Ring band is 1/4” wide
and is a ring size 7 ¼.
|
ON LAYAWAY! |

MJ089 |
MEMORIES IN MOTHER-OF-PEARL ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch ):
I am delighted to pass on to you this captivating Victorian Mourning
Brooch from my personal collection. What can I add to the splendid
photos of this incredibly exquisite piece of memorial jewelry? (c.
1860-80) The background is Mother-of-Pearl and shimmers and glints in
pink and green as it is moved (impossible to capture in photos). The
palette-work hair displays a border of light brown leaves encircling the
most breathtaking initials delicately rendered in black hair. Be sure to
notice the tiny black dots that surround the initials. Each “dot” is
made from the black hair. (I am not certain what the initials are –
possibly “JGB” – the “B” in the middle is generally the last name.) The
combination of black and light brown hair against the M-O-P is striking
and elegant. There is an almost lacy appearance to the hair work. The
beaded 14KT gold frame is a luscious red gold. This color is achieved by
adding a touch of copper to the gold. The C clasp pin back is original.
This brooch is a masterpiece of skilled work and superb in every
respect. Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 5/8” high, 1 3/8” wide. |
SOLD! |

MJ090 |
PROMISE OF IMMORTALITY ( Georgian Jewelry Mourning Brooch ): While
Heaven was the understood goal of life’s journey, there was a
passionate, often repeated, desire not to be forgotten. Women wanted to
leave something tangible behind. Hairwork mementos offered the promise
of immortality in a very mortal world. This diminutive 14KT gold
Georgian hair lace pin tells a story all its own. (c. 1830) The
Grecian-style neo-classic frame features a Greek key design executed in
black and white enamel. White enamel was used to indicate mourning for a
child or a virgin maiden. The brown, tightly plaited hair is set under
beveled glass with a raised embellished bezel setting providing a
luxurious touch of gold. The back has its original C clasp closure.
Georgian jewelry tended to be smaller than Victorian. Much rarer than
black enamel, the white enamel provides a dainty and feminine beauty to
this petite, delicate brooch. This Antique Mourning Brooch serves as an
eternal memorial and is a way to keep precious memories alive.
Condition: Excellent. Size: 1” wide, 3/4” high, 1/8” deep. |
$435.00 |

MJ088 |
SWEET & DAINTY FLORAL TRIBUTE ( Victorian Jewelry Mourning /
Sentimental Brooch ): It is a pleasure to offer you this lovely
Victorian Sentimental Brooch featuring a smooth chalcedony background
stone. (c. 1870-80) Chalcedony is a family of minerals that is milky
white to bluish in color. On top of the milky white stone, sits a
hand-carved green agate Hardstone Cameo of a single Forget-Me-Not. The
flower is framed by an extravagantly embellished 10KT gold oval setting.
A three tiered brooch of enduring appeal, the engraved outer decorative
frame tests as 10 KT gold as well. On the back you can see the round
rivets that affix the Cameo to the chalcedony. The pin stem is a
replacement and there is a tiny ring for a safety chain. Note that the
pin stem has the closure at the top if you wear the flower straight up.
In the trans-illuminated photos you can see the lovely milkish swirls in
the stone. Sweetly feminine, this dainty Antique Sentimental Brooch
exhibits a refined timeless appeal that makes it as wearable today as it
was a century and a half ago. Condition: Excellent. No flaw to the
flower carving. It was origionally carved that way. Size: 1 3/4” high, 1
5/8” wide, 3/8” deep. Floral Cameo & setting is 3/4” high, 5/8” wide. |
$275.00 |

MJ091 |
BONNIE PRINCE CHARLES II ( Mourning Jewelry Vulcanite & Jet Brooch ):
What a striking brooch this is! It is made of Vulcanite with a Jet
setting. Vulcanite is an early form of moldable plastic patented in 1864
by Charles Goodyear. (Yes, tires!) Vulcanite is light weight and a deep
black that could be highly polished as well as molded. It was used as a
substitute for Jet, but also used with Jet as in this lovely piece. (You
can feel the Jet setting is cooler against your cheek than the Vulcanite
centerpiece.) The back retains its original pin closure and C clasp. The
motif of this unusual themed brooch is what drew me to it. The
centerpiece is a complex mixture of Oak Leaves, Acorns & Acorn Caps. (c.
1870-80) Oak leaves and acorns are traditional symbols of power,
strength, honor and endurance. They are often seen on military tombs to
represent victory. A much more interesting fact is that oak leaves
symbolize King Charles II. In exile from England, Bonnie Prince Charles
climbed into an oak tree and lay hidden among the branches. Some of
Cromwell’s soldiers rode directly under the tree. They were so close
that he could hear them talking. For a whole day he lay in the oak tree
while his pursuers searched fruitlessly for him. Originally a sign of
deep mourning, black also became, and remains, “high fashion” jewelry.
Don’t pass this Antique story brooch up – it is both historic and
dramatic. Condition: Excellent. On minute leaf tip possibly missing.
Size: 2” high, 1 ¾” wide, ½” deep. |
$350.00 |

MJ085 |
HAIR PLAITS OF REMEMBRANCE (Victorian Mourning Jewelry Hair Brooch /
Pin): Tokens of hair were intimate and personal. “If I should from
this world depart / You could still remember me.” Enclosed under beveled
glass is a plait of light brown and golden hair in beautiful condition.
(c. 1860-80) The ornate gold plated mounting is embellished with black
enamel creating the effect of a picture frame for the plaited hair. On
the reverse there are three sets of initials – difficult to read the
script, but they appear to be “J.J.”, “E.A. J.” & “J.J.”. The hinge and
pin stem look like early replacements, but the C clasp closure is
original. A lovely example of the passion for Victorian mourning
jewelry. This Antique Hair Brooch is large enough to wear alone and the
beautiful harmony of the elements declares that you are a knowledgeable
collector. Condition: Excellent. There are some fine scratches, but they
are antique, too. The plating shows wear on the back, but the front is
just lovely. Size: 2” wide, 1 ½” high, ¼” deep. |
$300.00 |
MJ004 |
GOLDEN LOCKS ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch ): This brooch is so pristine that it appears to be waiting for
its owner to arrive. It looks like it was made only yesterday! This
beautiful Victorian piece has blonde palette-worked hair curls on an
ivory backing. It is accented with gold wire and delicate turquoise. The
use of turquoise instead of pearls is very unusual and the touch of
color is so feminine. The brooch is ca 1850 - 80 and set in a mounting
of interlocking pinchbeck (gold filled) rings. The gold is very yellow,
almost a gilt look. There is a fabric backing and an extended pin with a
C clasp. Condition: Excellent. 2" wide, 1 3/4" high, 1/4"
deep.
|
$325.00
|

MJ081 |
MYSTIC PLUMES OF MEMORY ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch / Pin ):
From my personal collection I am offering this exceptionally fine and
large Victorian Mourning Brooch inscribed “Richard Moiser. Died Feb..y
28, 1859. Aged 73 Years.”. A ttrue example of the “Grand Period” of
Victorian jewelry styles this antique hair worked brooch has all of the
“bells & whistles”! Consisting of four layers of embellishment, each
layer is raised above the other. Executed in jeweler tested 14KT Gold,
the bottom layer is raised gold scroll work with black enamel. Above
that is another series of four elaborate raised entwined gold motifs
that surround the oval of 33 large natural pearls, symbolic of sorrow.
At the top under a covered oval are 5 palette-worked “Prince of Wales”
hair plumes, joined together with seed pearls and gold wires. The plumes
of blonde and brunette are set on a milk glass background. The domed
back of the brooch retains its original C clasp and elongated pin stem.
(the small ring is for a safety chain.) You can feel the pulse of the
19th Century in this regal and extravagant dimensional brooch.
Condition: Excellent. All of the pearls encircling the oval appear
original. One of the tiny seed pearls inside is missing. Light dust
under the cover – of no consequence in a piece of this age. Size: 2 3/8”
wide, 2” high, 1/2” deep. Hair compartment is 1” wide, 7/8” high. |
$850.00 |

MJ080 |
A CHERISHED GIFT ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch / Pin ):
This striated agate Victorian Mourning Brooch is jest perfect for the
fashionable brown and green colors favored by fashion this year. The
beveled rust colored agate stone is a beautiful contrast for the deep
blonde braided hair under the glass cover. (c. 1850-70) The gold plated
rim setting features applied decorative motifs at all four compass
points. The elongated pin stem and C clasp closure are original to the
piece. You can see the rivets that hold the hair compartment from the
back. A richly colored and truly lovely Antique Brooch that will look
chic on a suit at the office or great on denim. Designer Ralph Lauren
has been featuring Scottish and Agate jewelry with his clothing
recently. This brooch would make a dazzling duo with MJ077, the milky
white brooch of similar design. Condition: Excellent. A tiny ding at
4:00, noted for accuracy. Not visible to the naked eye. Size: 1 ¾” high,
2 ¼” wide. Hair compartment ½” high, 1” wide. |
$250.00 |

MJ077 |
PLEDGE OF REMEMBRANCE ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Pin / Brooch ):
It is a pleasure to offer you this lovely mourning/sentimental Victorian
brooch featuring a smooth chalcedony background stone. (c. 1870-80)
Chalcedony is a family of minerals that are milky white to bluish in
color. The soft radiance and glow of this stone made it suitable for
half-mourning. This translucent milky stone makes a beautiful background
for the elaborate gold plated center plaque containing finely woven dark
brown hair. The hair is bezel set under a beveled celluloid cover.
(Celluloid was invented in 1868.) The gold plated setting features
engraved ribbon motifs at all four compass points. The back of this
Antique Hair Brooch features a C clasp pin back. This is a very feminine
and attractive brooch that truly looks well on all colors and can be
casual or dressy. It goes very nicely with MJ078, a deep rust striated
agate brooch of similar design. Condition: Excellent. A bit of wear to
the gold plating. Of no significance in a piece this old. Size: 2 1/4”
wide, 1 7/8” high, 1/4” deep. Hair oval is 7/8” wide, 1/2” high. |
$335.00 |

MJ074 |
SAVED FROM OBLIVION ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch / Pin ):
“How slight, how small, how tiny a memorial saves a beloved one from
oblivion!” (Line from poem - “A Lock of Hair”) This sumptuous Victorian
Mourning Brooch exhibits an ornate 10KT hollowware setting which acts as
a picture frame for the braided hair memento. The heavily engraved
information on the back of the brooch raises its value and adds
meaningful sentiment to this piece of Victorian history. Obviously, a
brooch of great spiritual worth to its wearer, the delicate script
reads: “James Linney. Obt. 18, February 1812. AET 66”. It continues:
“Ann Linney. Obt. 12 September, 1842. AET 85”. My guess is that this
brooch may have belonged to a daughter of the deceased couple. It would
have been made after 1842, containing the hair of the woman, or possibly
a blend of the two. The celluloid cover (invented in 1868) may be a
replacement for earlier glass or the brooch itself could have been made
after 1868 – not at all uncommon for the Victorian period. Lives
certainly “gone but not forgotten”. Truly a beautiful and impressive
keepsake. The original C clasp and elongated pin stem are still in
place. Condition: Excellent. One slightly darkened area on the gold
frame - of no consequence. Size: 2” wide, 1 5/8” high, 1/4” deep. |
$425.00 |
MJ067 |
GRAND AND GLORIOUS PLUMES ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch ): Grand
in size, glorious in execution, this Victorian revolving (or swivel)
brooch is simply stunning. (c. 1865-1880) Extremely desirable to
collectors, this example of palette-work “Prince of Wales” feathers
on milk glass is perfection. The 2 large plums are ash blonde and soft
brown in color. The elaborate 10 KT setting features delicate engraving.
The quality of this setting indicates that it was a piece made for a
wealthy client. Both the original C clasp and elongated pin stem are
still in place, as well as a tiny ring at the top where a safety chain
could be added. When you revolve the central hair plaque you can see the
black fiber background under a celluloid cover. At one time it probably
held a photo of a loved one. Magnificent in size, the beauty and harmony
of this mourning brooch declares that you are a serious, knowledgeable
collector of fine Victorian jewelry. Condition: Excellent. It carries
150 years of loving history with it. There is a single loose hair, but
it does not diminish the value or beauty of this piece. Size: 3” high,
2 1/2” wide, 1/2” deep.
|
$800.00
|
MJ061 |
THE HOPE OF SALVATION ( Georgian Mourning Jewelry Locket / Pendant
):
A haunting and prevalent image from the late 18th & early
19th Centuries is that of a woman with an anchor. Dressed in
idealized attire of the Grecian style, far from pathetic, she is a
female Atlas, bearing a world of grief on her slim shoulders. In this
polychrome, painted on ivory, Georgian Locket the woman is leaning on a
blue anchor and points up to heaven. (c. 1790) In the background a ship
at sea bravely sports a red flag and red and blue banners wave from the
masts. Though nautical in theme, the loss of this loved one may have
been from a number of causes. The anchor theme always represents “Hope
and Salvation”. The border surrounding the Ivory Miniature is painted
in a technique known as verre églomisé
– reverse painting on glass. In other words you take the piece of
beveled glass, turn it over and paint on the back. Once you turn it to
the front you have an image in reverse. The decorative border is painted
in gold and black enamel with a pale pink surround. The locket opens
from the bottom and contains a piece of purple silk. You could put a
photo or a lock of hair between the fabric and the back cover. The metal
appears to be rose gold plated. The large bale is mounted on a hinge.
This Antique Mourning Locket is a tangible touchstone from the past –
an age where grief and remembrance were an integral part of life.
Condition: Excellent. Over 200 years have produced some surface
scratches and a dot of flaked enamel. There is a scratch on the ground
at the bottom of the woman’s foot. A good sized locket that snaps
closed tightly. Size: 1 1/2” diameter, hangs 2” including the bale.
|
$1100.00
|
| |
(( Previous | 1
| 2 | 3 | Next
))
|
|