As an expert in the field of historical jewelry, I am delighted to delve into the fascinating subject of Victorian mourning jewelry. The Victorian era, which spanned the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, was a time of great change and development in many areas, including the fashioning of jewelry. Mourning jewelry, in particular, became a significant aspect of Victorian culture, reflecting the deep sense of loss and the desire to honor the deceased.

**Victorian Mourning Jewelry: A Reflection of Grief and Elegance**

Mourning jewelry, also known as memorial jewelry, was created to commemorate the deceased and serve as a tangible connection to the loved one who had passed. It was a way for the bereaved to express their grief and to keep the memory of their loved ones alive. The tradition of wearing mourning jewelry was deeply rooted in the social customs and etiquette of the time, with a set of rules governing the duration and style of mourning attire and accessories.

The Influence of Queen Victoria

The practice of wearing mourning jewelry gained immense popularity during the Victorian era, largely due to the influence of Queen Victoria herself. When her beloved husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861, the Queen went into deep mourning and wore mourning attire and jewelry for the rest of her life. This set a precedent for the rest of society, and soon, wearing mourning jewelry became a fashionable and socially acceptable way to express one's sorrow and pay tribute to the deceased.

**Types and Materials of Victorian Mourning Jewelry**

Victorian mourning jewelry came in various forms, including lockets, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and brooches. The materials used were often reflective of the period's mourning customs and the social status of the wearer. Common materials included jet, a black gemstone that was highly valued for its dark, somber appearance, as well as glass, enamel, and precious metals such as silver and gold.

Jet Jewelry

Jet was particularly popular for mourning jewelry because of its association with mourning and the fact that it was abundant in Whitby, a town in Yorkshire, England. Jet jewelry was often intricately carved and adorned with motifs such as weeping willows, urns, and death's heads, all of which symbolized the finality of death and the hope of an afterlife.

Inscriptions and Hairwork

Another common feature of Victorian mourning jewelry was the inclusion of inscriptions, which could be heartfelt messages, names, or dates. These inscriptions served as a personal touch, making each piece unique and deeply meaningful to the wearer.

Hairwork was also a significant aspect of mourning jewelry. It involved incorporating a lock of the deceased's hair into the piece, often behind a glass window in a locket or woven into a bracelet or ring. This practice was a way of preserving a physical reminder of the loved one and was considered a poignant expression of love and remembrance.

Social Significance and Etiquette

The social significance of mourning jewelry cannot be understated. It was not only a personal expression of grief but also a public display of one's adherence to the social norms and expectations of the time. There were strict rules regarding the duration of mourning periods, which were often divided into stages such as immediate mourning, full mourning, and half mourning. Each stage had its own set of guidelines for the types of jewelry and materials that were appropriate to wear.

Conclusion

Victorian mourning jewelry is a poignant and intricate part of history that reflects the deep sense of loss and the desire to honor the deceased. It is a testament to the cultural and social practices of the time, offering a glimpse into the lives and emotions of people during the Victorian era. The jewelry itself, with its intricate designs, personal inscriptions, and inclusion of hairwork, serves as a beautiful and somber reminder of those who have passed, encapsulating the essence of love, loss, and remembrance.

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Antique Jewelry: Mourning Jewelry of the Victorian Era. ... As Queen Victoria set the example for her court and was an admired public figure, wearing mourning jewelry became fashionable. Aristocrats and the wealthy commissioned lockets, bracelets, necklaces, and rings to memorialize their loved ones.Mar 7, 2016read more >>