About this Piece
| Length | 6 1/4” (can adjust to 7") |
| Width | 2” |
| Material | Natural Jet and stones, textile |
| Weight | 14 grams |
| Mark | No mark |
| Era | Victorian |
Why You’ll Love it
A depiction not commonly seen in Pietra Dura jewelry, the spectacular monochromatic white floral bouquet in this Victorian mourning bracelet is a rare find. The crisp and meticulously cut natural stones are carefully arranged to bring the inset motif to life, similar to that of a painting. Take a closer look and note the different varietals of flowers and leaves depicted with charming and jaw-dropping detail. The three panels are inset within thickly cut and faceted natural jet links that shimmer brilliantly. The surface of this antique piece makes this one-of-a-kind work of art a treat for the senses: smooth and tactile to the touch and visually stunning.
Condition and Quality
| ● | Fresh look, crisp faceting, and no chips on the jet. |
| ● | The pietra dura panels are intact without any chipping or surface wear. |
| ● | Stretch bracelet is firm however it was retrung at some point and gold stretch is not original. |
Collector Note
On Floriography. Floriography, or the language of flowers, is rooted in the Victorian era. It refers to the assignment of special emotional meanings to certain flowers. Including those flowers in jewelry was a way to slyly convey one's feelings in a society that discouraged showing your emotions. For example, red roses were (and still are today) associated with romantic love and passion, while forget-me-nots symbolized remembrance.
On Mourning Jewelry. Mourning jewelry from the Georgian and Victorian eras were special, custom pieces designed in the memory of a deceased loved one. While many mourning pieces used dark materials like natural onyx or jet to convey grief, they were often surprisingly hopeful, as the majority of the western world believed they would one day be reunited with their loved one in the afterlife. Pieces incorporated symbols that represented this hope or the characteristics of their loved one, as well as locks of hair or small portraits. Today, collecting and wearing antique mourning jewelry is to honor the memory of a real person and appreciate the sentimentality of a bygone era.