Happy Halloween - Mourning Jewelry Treats
This Halloween we have treats instead of tricks as we share our reserve of antique mourning jewelry!
Victorians loved meaningful and symbolic forms of art. Through this practice, they manifested their views on life and love.
Mourning jewelry evolved from the profound acceptance of death with the motto ‘memento mori’ Latin for “remember death”.
Pieces were glossed with black enamel or accented with carefully cut onyx.
Sparkling bright diamonds were often paired with these darker elements to facilitate a visual representation of the highs and lows of life. Victorians learned to appreciate the balance that both can bring.
Cross imagery was another common aspect of mourning jewelry. This icon was a requiem for the devoutly religious. It served as an emblem of faith and reminder of the rewards of a pious lifestyle.
Mourning jewelry was a unique and artful conversation on life and death, and its brusque sentiment continues to intrigue collectors to this day.
