Rare Victorian Vulcanite Cameo Pendant

This Very Rare Antique Victorian Mourning Cameo pendant is in pristine condition. What makes her so rare is the elaborate twisted design frame and original bale. I have yet to come across a Vulcanite Mourning cameo pendant like this. This piece is for the serious collector as for the simple lover of fine and rare Antiques.
Mourning jewelry has been around since at least the 16th century, but it is widely associated with the Victorian Era. Mourning jewelry of the late Victorian era (1860s – 1880s) became immensely popular after the loss and grief of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert. The heartbroken Queen went into Mourning for 2 decades and made Black jewelry fashionable. The beautiful black jewelry that was all the rage at this time became a trend that would last for decades.
Often called ‘ebonite’, vulcanite was the mass-produced rival to actual jet. It had the ability to be moulded, however the original mold was carved by the artist and then the Vulcanite was poured into the mold. Made from the sap of Malaysian Ficus and Euphorbia rubber trees.
Vulcanite jewelry is very rare and highly collectable. British Origin Circa 1860.