Antique Whitby Jet Victorian Mourning Brooch- English-Pinchbeck 1.40” (1860-1880) hotsell

Queen Victoria made black jewelry fashionable after the death of Prince Albert in 1861.
When Albert passed, the Queen and the members of her court not only attended the funeral but created a trend setting moment, black Mourning Jewelry became the must have accessory for fashionable women. Black mourning clothing had to have matching mourning Jewelry. This trend continued for decades following Alberts funeral.

This is a traditional Victorian mourning pin, it was crafted sometime between 1860-80. At it's center is a lovely natural seed pearl accented by golden leaves. To the Victorian's, pearls represented the tears of heaven. The Pearl has been placed atop a rich black Whitby Jet cabochon. Encircling this stone are finely cut and polished tear shaped Jet. The Victorians often used jewelry to convey a message so the use of the color black in this piece is also quite significant. Black symbolized the lack of light, the lack hotsell of life.
So...to the Victorians this pin set a clear message farewell to a loved one. This pin is classic Victorian, filled with meaning and ultimately a bit macabre.

The reverse side exhibits construction elements typical to the period, a working C-clasp, and a smooth polished finish. The brooch is also composed of Pinchbeck confirming its extreme age. There no hallmarks to indicate it's origins however given the composition and construction it was certainly crafted in England.

The pin is in good antique condition after 135+ years (See Photos). It measures 1.40”.

What is Jet?
Jet is a type of lignite, the lowest rank of coal, and is a gemstone. Unlike many gemstones, jet is not a mineral, but is rather a mineraloid. It is derived from wood that has changed under extreme pressure.

About Whitby Jet Jewelry:
Jet as a gemstone became fashionable during the reign of Queen Victoria. It originally became fashionable in the 1850s after the queen wore a necklace of Jet as part of mourning attire for Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. When her consort Prince Albert died the Queen wore Whitby Jet.
Jet use was at its height of popularity in the early 1870s and from there it slowly declined. From 1000 workers in the Jet cabochon trade, Whitby Jet artisans were down to 300 by 1884.

About Pinchbeck:
Often referred to as Victorian Bronze, Pinchbeck used to replicate gold during, before and sometime after the California Gold Rush (1848-1855). This gold rush alleviated the gold shortage in Britain, lower karats, gold plating, rolled gold and Pinchbeck (83% copper and 17% zinc) were common jewelry design elements during the Victorian period.

Please review the photos carefully and email with any questions you may have prior to making a purchase.

Enjoy.