Antique Banded agate mourning brooch, 9ct gold, hairwork, Black and White enamel, Victorian

A beautiful, fine antique Victorian mourning brooch.

Crafted in 9ct gold with a rich aged patina and a bloomed gold centre setting, the brooch is an oval shape with beading and engraving.

The centre is set with a chunky banded agate cabochon, a slim white band running around the base of the black / brown stone, bezel set into that gorgeous rich bloomed gold setting.

The brooch is finely engraved and decorated with black and white enamel featuring tiny forget me not flowers alternating in the two colours.

Black enamel was commonly used on mourning jewellery and is said to represent death.

White enamel was used less often and is highly sought after, at one time it symbolised the death of a young loved one, a child or a female that died unmarried or a virgin, the white representing purity and innocence.

To the verso the brooch has an enclosed lock of tightly woven black brown hair under glazing.

It fastens with an old c type clasp and pin fastener.

Unmarked, tests as 9ct gold, Victorian era, C1860s.

Condition:
Good used condition overall, surface wear and tiny dings commensurate with age and use, some very minor enamel loss.

Approx measurements:
1.40" width
1.20" height

Weighs approx 11.97 grams

Any questions or queries please contact us.

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