AuctionsOct 18, 2024
Piece of the Week: Babe Paley’s Clip-Brooch NecklaceCollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry
The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
Halloween is the time of year to celebrate all things macabre and there is nothing darker and more haunting than an antique piece of mourning jewelry.
This pendant, circa the late 1700s, has a low-karat gold frame surrounding a sepia ink depiction of an urn resting atop a pillar that reads, “Safe will I keep these dear remains.”
On the right side of the image a woman is resting her arm on the pillar, while the left side shows an angel cutting a rose, a reference to the idiom, “nip’d in the bud.”
An oval-shaped piece of bone serves as the canvas for this piece of mourning jewelry.
It’s likely this pendant was commissioned after the death of a young person because of the symbolism stemming from the rose, which was cut before it had the chance to fully grow, KIL N.Y.C. CEO Konstantinos I. Leoussis explained in an email to National Jeweler.
The antique piece, which originally was a clasp before being turned into a pendant, comes from the Georgian era, when mourning jewelry was common.
Pieces were created as tributes to deceased loved ones as a way to honor their memory and cushion the loss.
Urns were often depicted in these pieces as a symbol of the soul’s departure from the body. Skulls and weeping willows were frequently seen in mourning jewelry as well.
Portraits typically were painted on ivory or enamel and encased in silver or gold, like this pendant, and occasionally surrounded by pearls to symbolize tears.
In the Victorian period, human hair was incorporated into mourning jewelry as a way to hold on to a physical piece of the deceased while symbols were used less, replaced by portraits of the deceased.
This mourning pendant is available for $1,800 at KIL N.Y.C.
To view more antique mourning jewelry, visit KIL N.Y.C.’s website.
Related stories will be right here …
This pendant, circa the late 1700s, has a low-karat gold frame surrounding a sepia ink depiction of an urn resting atop a pillar that reads, “Safe will I keep these dear remains.”
On the right side of the image a woman is resting her arm on the pillar, while the left side shows an angel cutting a rose, a reference to the idiom, “nip’d in the bud.”
An oval-shaped piece of bone serves as the canvas for this piece of mourning jewelry.
It’s likely this pendant was commissioned after the death of a young person because of the symbolism stemming from the rose, which was cut before it had the chance to fully grow, KIL N.Y.C. CEO Konstantinos I. Leoussis explained in an email to National Jeweler.
The antique piece, which originally was a clasp before being turned into a pendant, comes from the Georgian era, when mourning jewelry was common.
Pieces were created as tributes to deceased loved ones as a way to honor their memory and cushion the loss.
Urns were often depicted in these pieces as a symbol of the soul’s departure from the body. Skulls and weeping willows were frequently seen in mourning jewelry as well.
Portraits typically were painted on ivory or enamel and encased in silver or gold, like this pendant, and occasionally surrounded by pearls to symbolize tears.
In the Victorian period, human hair was incorporated into mourning jewelry as a way to hold on to a physical piece of the deceased while symbols were used less, replaced by portraits of the deceased.
This mourning pendant is available for $1,800 at KIL N.Y.C.
To view more antique mourning jewelry, visit KIL N.Y.C.’s website.
More on Collections
The Latest
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam PharmaThe diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’sThe private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEOClaudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers LineThe new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ TenderThe miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires AlorThe California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.
