Description
A resurrected and repurposed antique heirloom, this gold and black enamel pendant dates back to the Victorian period when jewelry was often nature inspired and sentimental in meaning. Designed as a mourning brooch to be worn in memory of a lost loved one, this gold fill oval is textured with a black enamel wreath of leaves carved into the center. This style of enameling began in France during the Renaissance period and is called Taille d’Epargne. It had a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era and was produced in England, starting in the 1850s.
I have removed the pin from the back, making use of a small watch hook on the inside of the brooch to hang the piece from hand strung black glass beads and sections of rolled gold watch chain. The 18 inch necklace is finished with an antique swivel dog clip clasp.
This delicate heirloom piece holds a history we can only imagine. Made to last well beyond the years of the original woman who adorned herself with it, it is revived to be worn again and hold new stories of the one who chooses it.
