Victorian Memento Mori Jet or Charcoal Skull with Rose Cut Diamond Eyes
Victorian Memento Mori Jet or Charcoal Skull with Rose Cut Diamond Eyes
Victorian Memento Mori Jet or Charcoal Skull with Rose Cut Diamond Eyes
Victorian Memento Mori Jet or Charcoal Skull with Rose Cut Diamond Eyes
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Samuel Phillip & Co.

Victorian Memento Mori Jet or Charcoal Skull with Rose Cut Diamond Eyes

$2,310.00 USD Sold
This striking vintage skull pendant is a captivating piece of jewelry that blends gothic charm with classic elegance. The pendant is skillfully carved from what appears to be jet or charcoal, providing a deep, matte contrast to the gleaming gold-tone bail that attaches it to a chain.

During the 19th century, jet was established as a gemstone for mourning, and demand for mourning jewelry during the Victorian era led to extensive excavations of jet in Whitby. Victorian Whitby Jet jewelry often featured symbolic images carved into beads, bracelets, and earrings. Some pieces were intricately carved, while others were smooth or facetted. Lockets that could hold a picture or lock of hair from a deceased loved one were also popular. 

Whitby Jet and French Jet are two of the most popular materials used in Victorian accessories. Jet was used long before the Victorian era, but it became highly associated with the 19th century, particularly during the Grand Period (1861-1880). This was due to Queen Victoria's 40 years of mourning after the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, which ended only with her own death in 1901. During this time, it was customary for loved ones to wear black for at least two years.

At the heart of its appeal are the two glittering rose cut diamonds set into the eye sockets. These diamonds catch the light with every movement, their facets reminiscent of the petal-like layers found in roses, hence the term 'rose cut'. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with fine detailing along the jawline and teeth of the skull adding to the realism and allure of the piece. Perfect for those with a penchant for the unique and antique, this pendant is sure to be a conversation starter and a treasured addition to any collection. Embrace the timeless trend of skull motifs in jewelry with this distinctive and sophisticated accessory.

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Product information

Dive into the enchanting world of antique jewelry! See below for some delightful insights behind some of these timeless pieces.

Georgian Era (1714-1837)

  • Secret Lovers' Messages: Georgian jewelry often contained hidden compartments for locks of hair or miniature portraits, serving as secret tokens of affection. The intricate designs allowed for personal mementos to be kept close, discreetly.

Victorian Era (1837-1901)

  • Romantic Symbolism: Beyond flowers and hearts, Victorian jewelry was rich in symbolism. Snakes, for example, represented eternity and love, inspired by Queen Victoria’s engagement ring, which was in the shape of a serpent.

Edwardian Era (1901-1915)

  • Lace in Metal: The Edwardian era is famed for its use of platinum to create delicate, lace-like designs in jewelry. The metal's strength allowed for finer, more intricate work that mimicked the appearance of the finest lace.

Art Nouveau (1890-1910)

  • Nature Comes Alive: Art Nouveau jewelry often featured fantastical interpretations of natural elements, with animals and mythical creatures rendered in sinuous, flowing forms that seemed almost alive.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)

  • Architectural Influence: The bold, geometric patterns of Art Deco jewelry were directly inspired by the contemporary architectural marvels of the time, including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, mirroring their linear forms and stylized motifs.

Retro (1935-1950)

  • Hollywood Glamour: Retro jewelry mirrored the opulence and escapism of Hollywood's Golden Age, with oversized, dramatic pieces that were meant to be seen and admired, embodying the glitz and glam of cinema stars.

Modernist (1950s-Present)

  • Art as Jewelry: Modernist jewelers viewed their creations as wearable art, prioritizing form and artistic expression over traditional gemstone value. Pieces often featured abstract designs and unconventional materials, reflecting the era's broader artistic movements.

Victorian Hair Jewelry: 

In the Victorian era, it was not uncommon for jewelry to be made from the hair of a loved one. These pieces ranged from simple lockets with a lock of hair inside to elaborate bracelets, necklaces, and even wreaths, serving as sentimental tokens of affection or memorials to the deceased.

The Language of Gems: 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, acrostic jewelry became popular. These pieces spelled out secret messages with the first letter of each gemstone. For example, a piece might use Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Topaz to spell out "DEAREST."

Memento Mori Jewelry: 

This type of jewelry served as a reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. Popular from the 16th to the 18th century, memento mori pieces often featured skulls, coffins, and skeletons, crafted with a surprising elegance and detail.

SHIPPING

We offer free shipping for all orders. After you place an order, it typically takes three to five business days for us to prepare and send out your purchase. Your order will be shipped priority overnight with full insurance coverage. Once dispatched, the arrival time for your item is usually within two business days. Please note, unforeseen delays beyond our control may occasionally occur, affecting delivery times. We will require ‘Direct Signature’ under the label meaning only someone from that address can sign for the package. In any event, a sales representative will call you to establish the safest, most secure measures.

RETURNS

You can initiate a no hassle return within 7 days of receiving your item, provided it remains in its original condition. To start a return, simply click contact us here, and someone from our team will guide you through our easy return process.

Regular inspection and maintenance of your fine jewelry is crucial. We recommend having a professional jeweler check and clean your pieces every six months. For at-home care, a jewelry cloth can be used to gently remove dirt and tarnish. Although ultrasonic cleaners are widely used for many modern jewelry items, they are not suitable for cleaning antique pieces.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance!