Mortality And Jewelry During The Victorian Era

Mortality is something all humans must come to terms with. Many people come to terms with their own mortality by experiencing the loss of people they care about. Throughout history, many cultures have handled death and mourning for a loved one differently. Some say funerals aren’t really for the dead but instead they exist as a part of the healing process for the living. This seems to ring true because the way someone memorializes the loss of someone that was near and dear to them, may be an attempt for them to remember and honor that person while healing themselves. Some cultures have had tombs to remember those who have passed on, other cultures do wakes: celebrations of a person’s life, and some commemorate people with headstones. The Victorian culture mourned their losses with jewelry, and their mourning rituals were strict. Victorian mourning jewelry was a status symbol, a fashion statement, a way to remember a loved one, and a reminder of one’s own mortality. Death happened rapidly during the Victorian era due to diseases, war, harsh living environment, and many issues during childbirth. Many people died at a young age during this era. Due to such
The first known piece of mourning jewelry is a ring with a skull and a worm, and inscribed with the name "Iohes Godefray". The skull or “Death Head” was a symbol used commonly in mourning jewelry until about the 18th century. During the 17th and 18th centuries, mourning jewelry was a status symbol. Many people had mourning jewelry budgeted into their wills to be handed out to friends and family after their death. The mourning jewelry was usually handed out at the funeral. The deceased would also have instructions in their will as to how they wanted the jewelry to be made. In the 18th century the motifs of the jewelry changed. It consisted of imagery like serpents, coffins, and urns. Mourning jewelry peaked in popularity in the 19th century after the death of Prince