Victorian Onyx Seed Pearl 14k Rose Gold Mourning Remembrance Brooch

This Victorian treasure is in remarkable condition with a perfectly clean unmarred surface to this period perfect piece. Running down the length of this brooch/pin are 11 original matched seed pearls. The largest are the three pearls found in the center set in a decorative bezel. Then the two end pearls resting in a three prong setting and placed in the center of an elaborate gold embellishment. Finally coming to the 6 smallest pearls placed into a narrow gold rectangle and set with two prongs separating each pearl. The onyx has been hand-cut with two lovely half shell etched shapes on either side. Brooch measures 3 inches in length by over a 5/8 inches in width and weighs a total of 17.94 grams.

When examining the back of this brooch you will notice the perfect example of a Victorian hinge and ‘C’ clasp closure. In the center is a hook that you may attach that perfect charm or perhaps use it to hang your pocket watch. All metal has been tested, with the body of this brooch testing at 14k rose gold and the pin testing at 10k. This is often the case with antique pieces as 10k gold is much stronger and sturdier than 14k and were often used for the stick part of the closures.

A perfect example of a handmade mourning piece from this genre and one to certainly pass on to future generations.

Symbolism: Seed pearls symbolized purity and innocence and in the Victorian Era were used quite extensively to represent ‘tears’.