Victorian Mourning Pin with Floral Seed Pearl Design
COMPOSITION: 14k Yellow Gold, acid tested
GEMSTONE: Jet, Seed Pearls
CONDITION: Estate Item, Excellent (minimal wear)
MEASUREMENT: 2-5/8″ X 1/2″
WEIGHT: 16.7 Grams
MARKS: None
Victorian era handcrafted brooch depicting Lily of the Valley made of 14k yellow gold accented with luminescent tiny seed pearls set against Jet gemstone background. The price has a pin back as well as a hook, it could easily be worn as a pendant. Pictured as received from a local estate. Cleaning and polishing are available by request t no additional cost.
In 1819, Louise Cortambert, under the pseudonym Madame Charlotte de la Tour, published what was likely the first dictionary of floral meanings, entitled Le Language des Fleurs. The book was translated into English in 1820 and, by the early Victorian era, sourcebooks and illustrated dictionaries were also published, with the floral language taking hold in flower jewellery for every aspect of life. A Lily of the Valley symbolised a return to happiness.