Featured Mourning Jewelry

Hi Folks,
I have some mourning jewelry that I need help with - I'll spread them out in 2 posts. Any information appreciated.
thanks for looking.
I haven't had many pieces before, and they were pieces with the hair under glass. The 2 black pieces I believe are watch fobs (around 6"L), the one has a bone piece on the end. To me they seemed like they were coated with something as they looked almost plastic - not sure if that would be how they were made.

 

Next are 2 rings.
#1 ring is missing the glass on the front - better to sell as is or look at getting a piece of glass put it? Maybe gold plated? The last photo shows a chip on the edge - maybe chip isn't the correct term but I'm not sure what to call it.

#2 ring is woven/braided hair - looks more natural than the black pieces but has something on the hair in areas

 

Yep, watch chains!
But not necessarily mourning of a dear one... They are made of horsehair

These are from an old Etsy listing, Victorian Horsehair Lorgnette Muff Guard Mourning by petitbrocante

 

Cool piece!
That looks like some thick hair - could be horse hair, maybe?

 

I love, and collected, mourning jewelry and hair work related to it, the more macabre the best

I'd sell as is, the hair is already damaged on the first one, and a custom made glass (curved and bevelled) may cost you more than the selling price
The second one shows the seal wax used to hold the braided hair in the mount (the black parts) and throughout the band the now powdering gum which was used to coat/prepare hair for breading.

 

Exactly! You were writing while I replied

 

another horsehair watch chain
https://www.etsy.com/fr/listing/530..._query=victorian horse hair&ref=sr_gallery_19

 

Thank-you Kyratango and quirkygirl, I had no idea horse hair was used!

 

Thanks again Kyratango Yes, the hair on the first one has glue or wax on it. Shame about the missing glass, I believe you are right on the cost of replacing it being more than the selling price.

 

I concur. It looks like a gold-filled ring, and having custom glass made could cost a packet.

 

I have a chiffon 2nd stage mourning bonnet decorated with horse hair and sequence. I can dig it out and take a photo if anyone is interested

 

yes please I love looking at stuff!

 

Sorry, took me a while to pull it out


Front


Closeup of the horsehair and sequence decoration

 

Woooh! So delicate, how do you store that beauty?
This is the first sequined horsehair appliqué I see, very interesting, thank you for showing!

 

Thanks for showing this Marie, it is fantastic I've never seen one before.

 

I have it in a bin wrapped in acid free tissue.