13 Victorian Mourning Jewelry Pieces Worth Serious Money

In the Victorian era, mourning jewelry was more than just a fashion statement, it was a heartfelt tribute to those who had passed. These pieces were designed to reflect both the grief of loss and the hope of eternal remembrance. With materials such as black onyx, jet, and sometimes even woven hair, each piece held sentimental value far beyond its appearance. These mourning pieces were often worn by family members or close friends as a way to honor the memory of the deceased. The designs ranged from somber and simple to ornate and detailed, with each one telling a unique story.

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Victorian 15 ct Mourning Locket

This 15 ct gold mourning locket is a poignant representation of the Victorian era’s traditions surrounding grief and memory. It would have been worn close to the heart as a reminder of a loved one lost, typically holding a lock of hair or sometimes a miniature portrait of the deceased.

Mourning lockets were an emotional keepsake that allowed the wearer to carry a piece of their loved one with them, keeping them close in memory. The value of such a locket would range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on its condition, the presence of a portrait or hairwork, and the quality of the gold.

Victorian Diamond Mourning Ring (1879)

This Victorian mourning ring, crafted in 1879, showcases the contrast of sparkling diamonds with the somber nature of a memorial piece. The diamonds likely symbolize purity and eternal love, common symbols used to commemorate a life lost.

In addition to the diamonds, it would typically feature a small inscription, often the name or initials of the deceased along with a date. The combination of diamonds with personal engraving makes this ring highly desirable, with a value ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, influenced by the diamonds’ quality and the clarity of the inscription.

Antique Victorian Rose Gold Mourning Brooch

Crafted from rose gold, this mourning brooch is an example of how Victorians often chose different materials to reflect both beauty and grief. Rose gold, with its pinkish hue, was considered a warmer alternative to the more common yellow gold, making this piece stand out.

It would have been worn during mourning periods, likely engraved with a symbol such as an urn or a simple initials engraving. The value of a well-preserved rose gold brooch like this is typically between $500 to $1,000, with the price influenced by the quality of the gold and the presence of any intricate engravings or enamel.

Mourning Ring Victorian Gold 15 ct

A 15 ct gold mourning ring, such as this one, was a staple piece in Victorian mourning jewelry. It would have been worn by someone in deep mourning, featuring an inscription or symbols of remembrance like a weeping willow or urn, with black enamel or onyx typically added for contrast.

The simplicity of its design, combined with the personal inscription, made it both a daily reminder of loss and a symbol of respect for the deceased. This type of ring typically falls within a price range of $600 to $1,200, with higher values for rings with clear inscriptions or notable provenance.

Diamond and Seed Pearl Victorian Mourning Ring

This mourning ring features both diamonds and seed pearls, combining the timeless elegance of diamonds with the delicate beauty of pearls. The diamonds symbolize the enduring nature of love, while the seed pearls often represent tears or mourning.

Such rings were likely worn by family members or close friends to remember a loved one, offering a blend of sentimental value and precious materials. A piece like this would typically be valued at $1,000 to $2,000, though the price can vary based on the quality of the diamonds and the pearls, as well as the condition of the ring.

Victorian Whitby Jet ‘IMO’ Brooch

Carved from Whitby jet, this brooch bears the engraving “IMO,” meaning “In Memory Of,” which would have been worn as a personal tribute to the deceased. Whitby jet was prized during the Victorian period for its deep black color, which made it a perfect material for mourning jewelry.

The brooch likely features symbols of mourning, such as an urn or weeping willow, carved directly into the jet. This piece is valued between $700 to $1,500, depending on the condition of the jet and the complexity of the carving.

Antique Victorian Hair Mourning Bracelet

This mourning bracelet incorporates intricately braided human hair, often woven into an elegant design to represent the bond between the wearer and the deceased. The gold or gold-filled clasp, which often featured an engraving, would have secured the bracelet on the wrist.

Hairwork jewelry like this was a deeply personal item, representing a cherished memory of the lost loved one. Such bracelets can be valued at $500 to $1,200, with the final value depending on the size of the braid, the quality of the gold clasp, and the preservation of the hairwork.

Victorian Whitby Jet Carved Brooch

This brooch is another fine example of Victorian mourning jewelry, carved from Whitby jet, a popular material during the era. The jet would likely feature mourning symbols like urns, crosses, or weeping willows, representing grief and remembrance.

The brooch’s carved design is what makes it especially collectible, and the deep black hue of the jet is a constant reminder of the mourning period. Market value for this piece ranges from $600 to $1,300, with higher values for pieces with elaborate carvings or additional enamel details.

Antique Victorian Large Jet Black Mourning Glass Pin/Brooch

Made from mourning glass, which mimics the look of jet, this large brooch would have been worn during a period of mourning. The brooch was likely an accessory to formal attire, symbolizing respect for the deceased and the emotional toll of loss.

Though mourning glass is less valuable than genuine jet, its market still holds considerable interest for collectors of mourning jewelry. The value for a brooch like this is typically $400 to $900, with price variations based on the size, condition, and material authenticity.

Brooch with 14 ct Gold, Black Enamel, and Onyx

This mourning brooch combines elegant black enamel and onyx with 14 ct gold, making it a refined tribute piece. The black enamel represents mourning, while the onyx adds an additional layer of somber elegance.

Such brooches were often worn as a quiet, personal expression of grief. The market value for this type of brooch is between $2,500 to $3,500, with the value being influenced by the condition of the enamel, the clarity of the onyx, and the quality of the gold.

14 ct Gold Onyx & Mourning Hair Octagonal Pin

This octagonal mourning pin, made from 14 ct gold and featuring both onyx and braided human hair, represents a more intricate form of memorial jewelry. The inclusion of hairwork makes it a deeply personal piece, while the onyx provides a striking contrast.

This unique design is relatively rare, making it highly desirable among collectors of mourning jewelry. The estimated value of such a pin ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the quality of the onyx and the preservation of the hair.

Mourning Locket with Hairwork and Photograph

A mourning locket featuring both hairwork and a photograph of the deceased is one of the most personal forms of Victorian mourning jewelry. The locket serves as a small keepsake, allowing the wearer to carry a piece of their loved one close.

Such lockets were often passed down through generations, further increasing their historical value. Depending on the condition and the presence of a photograph, the value could range from $1,200 to $2,500.

Onyx Bezel Mourning Brooch in 14 ct Gold

This mourning brooch, featuring an onyx bezel set in 14 ct gold, combines the elegance of gold with the somber nature of onyx. The onyx is often engraved with symbols of mourning, such as a weeping willow or urn, while the gold bezel adds a refined touch.

Brooches like these were commonly worn during mourning periods, particularly by those in more formal mourning situations. This type of brooch can be valued at $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the quality of the onyx and the craftsmanship of the gold setting.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.