Mourning Jewellery: Timeless Tokens of Love and Loss

Long before photographs and digital memories, people found other ways to keep their loved ones close. Mourning jewellery—delicate brooches, lockets, rings, and pendants—served as both a personal keepsake and a public expression of grief.

The tradition of mourning jewellery dates back centuries, but it reached its height during the Victorian era, especially after Queen Victoria famously wore black and commissioned mourning pieces following the death of Prince Albert. Crafted in materials like jet, onyx, enamel, and even woven human hair, these sentimental treasures often featured initials, miniature portraits, or symbolic motifs like weeping willows, urns, and forget-me-nots.

Today, mourning jewellery is not only treasured for its beauty and emotional significance but is also highly sought-after by collectors. Certain pieces, detailed with gold, or featuring intricate hairwork, can command impressive valuations.

We specialise in the careful valuation of antiques and jewellery, including these historic pieces. If you believe you may own a piece of mourning or memorial jewellery, or if you’re simply curious about a family heirloom, we would be delighted to offer our expertise. Whether it’s for insurance, probate, or simply for your own knowledge, a professional valuation can reveal just how special, and sometimes how valuable, these sentimental treasures truly are.