The Elegance of Mourning Jewellery
Dark, romantic, and steeped in emotion — mourning jewellery represents one of the most hauntingly beautiful traditions in jewellery history. Popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras, these sombre yet exquisite pieces were created to honour loved ones who had passed. Today, their gothic charm makes them both meaningful heirlooms and strikingly elegant accessories — perfect for the Halloween season.
How Did Mourning Jewellery Begin?
The origins of mourning jewellery can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when rings and lockets were commissioned to commemorate family members or monarchs. By the Georgian era, these sentimental pieces became deeply personal, featuring hairwork, initials, and miniature portraits. The custom reached new heights during the reign of Queen Victoria, who famously wore mourning attire — including black enamel jewellery — for decades following Prince Albert’s death in 1861.
The Iconic Symbols of Mourning Rings
Each element of mourning jewellery carried symbolic meaning. Pearls often represented tears; white enamel symbolised purity and the mourning of a child or unmarried person; while black enamel stood for eternal sorrow. Many pieces also included urns, willows, skulls, and angels — symbols of remembrance and hope beyond grief. These tiny details tell stories of love, devotion, and the human desire to remember.
Materials That Defined the Style
Jet, a deep black gemstone formed from fossilised wood, became the quintessential material for mourning jewellery in the 19th century. Found mainly in Whitby, England, it was lightweight, highly polished, and perfectly suited to sombre fashion. Other materials such as onyx and human hair were also used to create rings, brooches, and pendants with extraordinary sentimental value.
Mourning Rings as Personal Tributes
Unlike many modern pieces, mourning rings were not only ornamental — they were deeply symbolic keepsakes. Inscriptions such as “In Memory Of” or the initials of the deceased were often engraved inside the band. Some Georgian and Victorian rings even contained tiny compartments holding a lock of hair, a miniature painting, or a piece of fabric. Today, these details make antique mourning rings fascinating artefacts that connect us to the personal histories of the past.
Why Mourning Jewellery Still Captivates Collectors
Beyond their dark beauty, mourning rings and jewellery pieces hold an enduring allure. They embody sentimentality, craftsmanship, and a sense of timeless romance that modern jewellery rarely achieves. With their gothic elegance and powerful symbolism, these pieces make captivating additions to any collection — or even distinctive Halloween gifts for those who appreciate jewellery with a story to tell.
Discover Your Own Piece of History
Our collection of antique and vintage rings includes beautiful examples of Georgian and Victorian mourning jewellery — each a tangible reminder of love and remembrance. Whether you’re seeking a gift for a loved one or a hauntingly elegant accessory for the season, an antique mourning ring offers both beauty and history in equal measure.