Mourning earrings Archive

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Fun Things

Basic black. Often used to represent darkness – it is the complete absorption of light. The symbolic color of authority, it is often worn by judges, magistrates and clergy. For hundreds of years, black has been the characteristic color for funerals and mourning. This was never more apparent than during Victoria’s 40-yearlong bereavement after the death of her soulmate and husband, Albert. Not only did she dawn dark dresses, veils and accessories – she decreed that her subjects must do the same. Even her jewelry reflected the depths of her grief – every piece was made of gold, black enamel and gemstones like onyx like these earrings.

Made from 14-karat yellow gold, the style of these Victorian chandelier earrings is just as relevant today as it was in the late 19th century. A perfectly round bezel set onyx center is wreathed by a series of matching parallelogram-shaped onyx. Each stone is encased within a golden frame. The top edge of the metal features a delicate beaded edge called milgrain. Resembling a starburst or sunflower, this portion of the earring is suspended from softly rounded kidney-shaped wires. A pair of tiny round links have been utilized to attach a small garland to the base of the circular spray. It’s hinged, allowing for ease of movement.

Seven additional lozenge-shaped onyx form the crescent moon-shaped swag. These opaque gems graduate slightly in size, with the largest one in the middle. Small beads of gold are situated between each one, mimicking the design of the top. The final detail is a singular elongated kite-shaped onyx that dangles from the center of the garland. Swaying gently with every turn of your head, these mourning earrings offer face-framing elegance at its finest. User-friendly, these beauties are easy to wear and measure just under two inches from top to bottom. Distinctly Victorian, but perfect for 2023 – these ever-chic earrings are available on our website for just $975.00.

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Onyx Things

In recent years, we have noticed a strong trend of sentimentality returning to jewelry. Customers don’t simply want jewelry that’s pretty… they long for something with meaning. The options have expanded far beyond a mother’s ring with a birthstone representing each of her children or grandchildren. Photos can be etched onto precious metals, fingerprints are engraved onto pendants and rings, you can even forever preserve the handwriting of a loved on a bracelet or charm. The inclination has gone a step further, reviving antique mourning jewelry. Cremation urn necklaces and memorial lockets are often requested.

This trend is hardly new. In fact, it’s a centuries old tradition. In 1861, a great love story came to a tragic end… Prince Albert died, leaving Victoria a grieving widow. Her bereavement was so deep, she commanded that the entire country mourn with her. Draped in black from head to toe, even Victoria’s jewelry was black. Although the concept of mourning jewelry wasn’t invented by Victoria, she definitely took it to a new level.

Fashion embraced death. Mourning jewelry was the height of style during the late 1800’s. These earrings are a classic example. Made from 14 karat yellow gold, the chandelier style is bold, dramatic and distinctly Victorian. Beginning with a pair of kidney-shaped wires, these beauties are over two inches in length. With multiple joints, they swing and sway with face-framing geometric glory.

A perfectly round bead crowns a triangular piece of faceted onyx. Coming to a crisp peak, this symmetrical shape is set with a milgrain-edged bezel. Hanging from the base of the equilateral triangle is a trio of glossy black drops. Each one features a smooth polished gold cap. A delicate cable chain loops between them, adding a hint of flair to the otherwise simplistic design. One small golden flower decorates the middle of each earring. The various shapes dangle elegantly, with light reflecting off the surface of every high polished stone.

Memorialize someone you love with these Victorian mourning earrings made in the 1890’s… available now for just $1,150.00.

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Glorious Geometric Gleem

Baubles, Bling and Fun Things

Back in Black

Baubles, Bling and Onyx Things

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