Victorian Black Enamel Gold Locket Pearl Trumpet Lyre signet He handed her a glass

He handed her a glass of champagne

Pieces like this were often created as paste versions of diamond jewelry

Walking through Budapest on a cold winters day

her jaw would drop and her eyes would hardly blink because she just couldn’t get enough

Victorian Black Enamel Gold Locket Pearl Trumpet Lyre signet He handed her a glassMourning jewelry has existed for centuries, it saw a rise in popularity during the 1800s, especially after Prince Albert, Queen Victorias beloved husband, passed in 1861. Mass production of these customized pieces took hold and even the working class had an opportunity to purchase a memorial token. Mourning jewelry emerged long before photography existed, as a way to commemorate a loved one. To the Victorians, trumpets signified the day of judgement.