Featured Mourning brooch, gold, diamond, pearls & agate?

Hi,
I was always taught when I was little. That all black was mourning for the first year, then pearls were added for the second year. Then diamonds were added for the third year.
greg

 

I love that site and often spend an hour or two digging through it!

I didn't realize that the flower depicted on OP's brooch was a forget-me-not. That, combined with the black ground does seem to indicate sorrow/mourning.
I fully agree that not all black/hair/photo jewelry pieces are an expression of sorrow. Many hair/photo pieces are simply and expression of love and affection for the (living) subject.

 

No, not mine. Currently available you-know-where.

 

Whoa!

 

I'm starting to believe that these were not typically cut by someone who did cameos more widely:



On the other hand, starting to believe that some of what gave me pause about OP's brooch is due to camera angles & lighting effects & that the cameo is agate.

 

Cut by someone who could hold a pocket knife?

 

With a blunt blade for safety, like snub nose scissors.

 

Or maybe one of these:

 

Why would this one mention being happy?

 

I could make things up, but I'm out of touch with the sentiments of that time. May we be happy when we all meet in heaven? May this time of grief pass & may we find happiness again? It certainly is styled like a mourning piece on all other ways.

 

Very cool site, @Bronwen

What a fancy guy!!!

I tried to look up US appearances (you can see him in New York in January!) but couldn't find a full calendar.

Maybe we'd get lucky and see him in Los Angeles...

 

Oooh, I may need a post-Christmas trip to NYC!

 

Maybe the deceased was a nasty person.

 

Link to a thread with info on black jewelry:

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/whitby-jet-vulcanite-bog-oak-gutta-percha-french-jet-etc.39152/