An incredible and sizeable Victorian jet and seed pearl mourning locket with reverse compartment (this can be opened). This is presented on a long silver and cultured pearl chain. Seed pearls set in 9ct gold on the front. The surrounding of the reverse compartment is a copper alloy. 

Excellent antique condition.

Locket size - 4cm x 5cm

Chain length 62cm

The use of jet for mourning jewellery became widespread after Queen Victoria lost her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. She wore black for the rest of her life, and jet jewellery became a symbol of grief and remembrance. Jet was favoured not only for its dark, glossy appearance but also because it was relatively lightweight and easy to carve into delicate designs, often reflecting symbols of mourning. In mourning jewellery seed pearls were sometimes arranged around a central compartment that could hold a loved one’s hair, a photograph, or other small keepsakes. The pearls represented the tears shed for the deceased, and the locket itself served as a personal and private way to remember someone who had passed away. Mourning lockets with seed pearls were cherished items, worn close to the heart, both as a tribute to lost loved ones and as a way to keep their memory alive.