SUITE OF ANTIQUE ENAMEL AND ONYX MOURNING JEWELRY

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SUITE OF ANTIQUE ENAMEL AND ONYX MOURNING JEWELRY
Comprising a brooch, designed with a carved modified rectangular onyx tablet, suspending graduated onyx drops attached by geometric black enameled links, mounted in yellow gold; and a pair of ear pendants en suite (2)
See illustration (2)
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Please note that this jewelry is not mourning jewelry, but "Black Jewelry"
In 1837, when Queen Victoria came to the throne, England was experiencing a Romantic Revival. The movement is characterized by the use of jet, black enamel and black onyx and is reffered to as "Black Jewelry." This sentimental style was worn by the public as decoration for all occasions. Even the Queen claimed she wore jewelry as an expression of love and devotion for Prince Albert. It was only after his death in 1861 that Queen Victoria plunged into a deep state of mourning and "Black Jewelry" took on a new meaning, "Mourning Jewelry." The country followed suit by wearing mourning jewels until the Silver Jubilee in 1887 when the severity relaxed. By the end of the century women were tired of wearing black and mouring jewelry and had turned their attention elsewhere.

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