Victorian Whitby Jet cheapest Mourning Brooch

Victorian Whitby Jet Mourning Brooch

Here is a gorgeous original Victorian era carved Whitby Jet mourning brooch, with carving of a lovely large rose flower. Brooch measures 1 3/4" in width, and is 1 1/2" in length. With period correct tube hinge and "c" clasp closure. cheapest In good condition - there are a couple tiny nibbles to the outside rim of the brooch and one larger and several smaller chips on the backside and it is priced accordingly. Very high relief of over 1" - quite a substantial piece. Dates from the mid-Victorian era of 1860 - 1880.

During the reign of Queen Victoria protocol dictated that only Jet jewelry could be worn at court during periods of official mourning. This royal endorsement confirmed the status of Jet as the material of choice for mourning jewelry and fueled the expansion of the Jet industry in the late 1800's. Never was this more so than in the period following the death of Victoria's husband Prince Albert from typhoid fever in December 1861. The finest jet in the world comes from Whitby, England. Sadly, the Victorians completely mined it all out, which makes pieces like this even more collectible.

Symbolism was extremely important to the Victorians. Highly romantic, they found hidden meaning in the colors, shapes, and textures of the jewelry they wore. Flowers afforded them a silent language that allowed them to communicate many sentiments that the propriety of the times would not normally allow. As today, the Rose for the Victorians also meant love, and on a mourning brooch such as this, represented sadness and farewell.

Take a look at my other original Victorian brooches! http://www.etsy.com/shop/victoriansentiments?section_id=7179660