We are listing a selection of truly special pieces from our collection of antique mourning jewelry. These wonderful brooches are incredible tokens of love and sentiment that have come down to us through history. This is the perfect opportunity to add a genuinely unique jewel to your collection.

This Victorian locket brooch is delightful. On one side a lightning whelk seashell has been reverse painted on glass in tones of cream, grey and vivd pink. Victorians loved seashells and all things related to the natural sciences. This (most likely) amateur painting is not only utterly charming but also quite accurate. The other side of the locket preserves a curling tress of strawberry blonde hair under glass. The central locket is held in a bezel and surrounded by a gold filled frame, it swivels so you may wear either the painting or the hair facing front. The painting and hair work were most likely done in the home by a woman. It was common at this time for women to save the hair of friends and family to be used, eventually, for this purpose. Circa 1840.

The Victorians held great meaning in symbolism and that is reflected in the use of colors and gems in mourning pieces. The black paint on this brooch represents the deep love and grief felt for the deceased. What an extraordinary and beautiful piece of history.

Details.....The brooch measures 1.93" by 1.58". In Very Good Antique condition, it shows some wear to the gold filled metal. You should always expect some wear on vintage and antique pieces, we consider it part of the charm.

Item number p2362.