Victorian Mourning Brooch — Jet & Seed Pearl

The Story

Found tucked inside a velvet-lined writing box at an estate sale in upstate New York — the seller's great-grandmother's, unworn for a century. Mourning jewelry from this era was worn in loving memory; the pearl represents a single tear.

Notes on the piece

• Hand-carved jet with seed-pearl teardrop
• Original C-clasp pin mechanism (functional)
• No chips; gentle surface patina consistent with age