RARE Antique Victorian Vulcanite Cameo

Vulcanite, sometimes called ebonite, is a type of vulcanized rubber formed by combining sulfur with rubber from Malaysian Ficus trees. Invented in 1843 by Charles Goodyear, vulcanite can be black, brown, and even white. This hard substance was often used to imitate tortoiseshell and jet, as dark pieces became more popular with the prevalence of mourning jewelry.
Like jet, it's lightweight and warm to the touch. Most vulcanite pieces are molded, as opposed to carved, and are more espresso-colored than black. (Although the frame on this piece appears to be carved, not exactly the same on both sides) unlike the cameo. Vulcanite turns brown over time with exposure to sunlight.
Very unusual and quite rare is this piece with it’s elaborate gothic frame. There are black onyx beads riveted into the fancy pierced edge. So detailed is this lady facing left with with 2 Ivy leaves and a single stalk of wheat in her hair. Both Ivy and wheat were very prevalent in mourning jewelry. Ivy represents everlasting love and wheat- an expression of eternal life.
Mourning jewelry dates back to ancient civilizations and gained significant popularity during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, especially in England, where it became an integral part of mourning customs. My lady here is 3.25 inches long and will come with silky black cord. Circa 1860