Judy Jay's Time Dances By jjay@timedancesby.com
	Phone: 210-690-8454
	--Last Updated: 11/09/2009 --

Item:	Description:	Price:
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
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
VJ107	A PROMISE OF HOPE ( Victorian Jewelry Jet Brooch / Pin ): Anchors were popular as a mourning motif, sometimes representing a loved one lost at sea or referring to the three symbols of Christianity: Faith, Hope & Love, with the anchor representative of Hope. In this gleaming large scale carved Victorian Whitby Jet Brooch the anchor becomes an unforgettable example of Victorian Jewelry at its best. (c. 1850-1860) The shiny jet is jointed to form this design. The stem of the anchor fits into the top and bottom pieces. The twisted "rope" surrounding the Anchor is jeweler tested Sterling Silver. The original C clasp and extended pin stem are still in place. This Antique Brooch is as wearable today as it was over a century and a half ago. Jet is always elegant and sophisticated – fit for a Queen! Condition: Excellent. Some old adhesive at the joints on the back. Size: 3 5/8” high, 2 1/4” wide, 1/4” deep.	$275.00
VJ021	BUCKLED UP BEAUTY ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch ): Terrific, low carat gold, Victorian swivel brooch. The basket weave hair design contains two colors of light hair woven to perfection. The twisted wire setting is accented by four sets of "buckles". The back of the swivel contains black fabric. The C-clasp appears original, but I think that the pin is a replacement piece. The glass is in excellent condition - this is a real beauty for your collection or a great buy for a new collector. Condition: Excellent. A few solder repairs on back. The entire piece is 2" high by 1 3/4" wide. The hair swivel portion is 1 1/2" by 1 1/4".	SOLD!
MJ051	BLACK BRANCHES OF GRIEF ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Jet Brooch ): Jet, as a material with memorial symbolism and one having the power to ward off evil, dates back to the 7th Century. “Tis black and shining, smooth and even light.” The intensity of the black color made jet the perfect stone to reflect the deepest grief. This stunning hand carved Whitby Jet Victorian Mourning Brooch (c. 1850) brings together all of the most prominent symbols of grief. The finest Whitby Jet has been carved in the “broken branch” foliage theme that was favored by the Victorians. There are six tiny pearl “tears” resting on the jet leaves. The central glass oval contains a lock of pale blond hair set in an engraved low carat gold frame. With its C clasp closure and extended pin stem, this is a brooch that delivers the essence of fine Mourning Jewelry that was – and still is – so highly prized. Condition: Excellent. Note: Some of the pearls are probably replacements that match the originals. The tip of one leaf was chipped long ago. Size: 2” wide, 1 1/2” high, 5/8” deep. Hair compartment is 3/4” wide, 5/8” high.	$400.00
MJ042	SILKEN STRANDS OF SENTIMENT ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Hair Earrings ): These delicate and lacy Victorian table-worked earrings are in pristine condition. (c. 1860 - 1870) Each earring is made up of 3 tapered and elongated woven brown hair pieces attached to an elaborately engraved 18KT gold plaque. The hair drops are suspended in 2 layers which makes them appear extremely dimensional. The gold findings and pierced ear wires are all original. These earrings may well have been a sentimental token of love and affection, rather than mourning pieces. The rage for sentimental jewelry had risen dramatically after 1850 and was considered by many to be superior to the wearing of metallic jewelry. These are outstanding Victorian hairwork earrings in a very unusual and visually pleasing style. (A pair of earrings something like these appears on page 143 in Jeanenne Bell’s book "Hairwork Jewelry".) Condition: Excellent. Hair drops are large and fully rounded. Size: 2" long from the top of the wire, 3/4" wide.	SOLD!
MJ026	TRUE BLUE ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch ): Enamel dominates this striking Mid-Victorian Hair Brooch (1840 - 1860). With such a vibrant cobalt blue guilloche engraved design under the translucent enamel, I would say that this brooch is more likely to be a Sentimental piece, rather than a Mourning Jewelry Memento. A lovely chased high embossed gold scroll mounting surrounds the enamel. Delicate chasing decorates the framed center oval containing braided ash blonde hair under beveled glass. These pieces were most frequently gold-filled or low carat gold. The flat back of this Antique Hair Brooch retains its original C clasp and elongated pin stem. Jewel tone blue is the perfect compliment to your contemporary wardrobe. Something old, something new and remember to add something blue! Condition: Excellent. No enamel damage and no surface cracks or chips to the glass. Small spot of wear on the back side. Size: Total brooch 1 3/4” wide, 1 1/2” high. Hair compartment 1” wide, 5/8” high.	$325.00
MJ019	GREEK KEY CLASSIC ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch ): Black enamel delineates the Greek Key border of this elegant Victorian Mourning Brooch. Dating from 1870 to 1890, an exceptionally thick braided knot of brown hair rests under the celluloid covered compartment. A simple wire twist edge surrounds the hair and then the gold-filled bold Greek Key design completes the striking setting. This large neo-classic design is eye catching. The brooch bears its original C clasp and extended pin closure with a ring for a safety chain. Condition: Excellent. A few tiny dots of enamel loss. The hair has a few white dots from age. Size: 2 1/4" wide, 1 7/8" high.	$350.00
MJ036	A SPIRITUAL MEMORIAL OF DEVOTION ( Victorian Mourning Hair Cross Pin / Pendant): With the swell of spiritual fervor influencing the Victorian view of life, the inevitability of death and the philosophy of dust to dust, only one’s hair would last beyond the grave. Keeping a memorial made of hair was the natural extension of the act of caring. This exceptional Antique Hair Cross (c. 1860 - 1880) is made of brown table worked hair tightly woven over a hard core. The ends are finished with beautifully etched jeweler tested 14KT gold caps. The center band has a 14KT gold plaque where initials could be added. The safety catch pin back was perhaps a total addition to what I think was probably originally a pendant only. Now it does it all. An exceptionally fine hair cross. Condition: Excellent. No hair loss or damage. Pristine! Size: 2 1/2” high, 1 3/4” wide, 1/4” thick.	SOLD!
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.	SOLD!
MJ052	POIGNANT PASSING ( Georgian Mourning Jewelry Pendant ): A story of sadness is evident in this touching mid-Georgian (1782) sepia on ivory pendant. The scene depicts a grief stricken woman in classical dress leaning over an urn and plinth, her shoulders heavy with grief. A delicate veil covers her head but cannot conceal her heartfelt sorrow. A weeping willow tree hangs gently over the mournful scene. Portions of the ground, tree trunk and hanging willow branches are painted with dissolved hair. The image is crisp and clear. The delicate 9KT marquise shaped pendant has a fine gold bead work edging. Inscribed on the back are the words “John Smith, Died August 24, 1782, Aged 54 years”. This pendant was originally a brooch, but has been cleverly converted into a hinged bale pendant at some point in its long history. This is a captivating addition to any collection of mourning jewelry. Condition: Excellent. There are the usual fine surface scratches to the crystal that are not visible to the naked eye. There is a small crack in the crystal at the bottom of the V shape. Since it is over the ground, it does not detract from the piece. The price reflects these tiny signs of age and loving wear. Size: 1 1/2” high (minus bale), 7/8” wide.	SOLD!
MJ047	MEMORY HELD DEAR ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Locket ): This is a lovely example of a mid-19th Century “In Memory Of” pendant locket. (c. 1850-70) Lockets such as these typically feature death motifs – urns, garlands, crosses, etc. – on the outside. The scene on the front of this vermeil (gold wash over silver) locket depicts an obelisk and wreath. Very popular with Georgian and Victorian mourners, the obelisk is a pillar of stone built on a square base with sides that taper like a pyramid to a pointed top. An ancient classical design, it represents memory and eternal life. The surrounding wreath of leaves is symbolic of the victory of the deceased and redemption. A lot of meaning in a small space! The black and white enamel work is beautiful and crisp. There is an elaborately engraved design on the back and a cartouche where you can have initials or a date engraved. The inside contains 2 original photographs. One of the celluloid covers and liner is still in place, the other is missing. The locket closes firmly and retains its original bale. Other IMO lockets like from my collection appear on pages 95 & 96 of Maureen DeLorme’s informative book “Mourning Art and Jewelry”. Condition: Excellent. A few scratches to the enamel, but nothing visible to the naked eye. Size: 1 1/2” long (without bale), 1 1/4” wide, 3/8”deep.	SOLD!
MJ034	FAMILY HISTORY KEEPSAKE ( Victorian Mourning Jewelry Brooch ): "Few things in this weary world are so delightful as keepsakes. How slight a memorial saves a beloved one from oblivion." (Victorian poem A Lock of Hair, author unknown) I have never seen a brooch quite like this before. How contemporary in design and timeless in expression. Enclosed under glass are three different braided colors of hair. (c. 1879 - 1890) Perhaps this is a family history to be passed down from one generation to the next - a valued and sacred heirloom of those gone before. The sleek frame of the brooch is onyx and the window surround and tube hinge pinback are marked 14KT gold. There is a safety slide on the pin stem. Looking at the colors of this hair braid, you can understand why Victorians referred to hairwork as "bright, burnished and glorious". Condition: Excellent. One tiny fleabite to the onyx, not visible to the naked eye. Size: 2 1/2" long, 5/8" high, 1/4" thick.	SOLD!
MJ020	GEORGIAN LEAVES OF CORAL ( Georgian Mourning Jewelry Pin ): This little pin is a museum quality example of late Georgian (1810 - 1830) sentimental jewelry. The perfect white basketweave hair has a rock crystal cover framed by cabochon cut coral. This miniature oblong pin has 10 prong set exquisitely carved coral leaves - each leaf carved by hand. The language of stones attributed curative and protective powers to coral. These beautiful little pins look wonderful in a group of 3. Setting of low carat gold with the original C clasp and extended pinstem. Tiny in size, large in history. Condition: Excellent. A very slight dent on the back. Size: 3/4" wide, 5/8" high.	SOLD!
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.	SOLD!
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