Bidspirit auction | Victorian Oval Mourning Brooch with

Victorian Oval Mourning Brooch with Central Coiled Hairwork Seed Pearl and Black Stone Border - This Victorian-era mourning brooch is of oval form and features a central lock of blonde hair arranged in a coiled nest motif. The hairwork is preserved under a domed glass cover. The central compartment is framed by a double-row border of alternating small seed pearls and faceted black stones, which appear to be jet or French jet. The brooch is constructed from a yellow metal and features a textured stippled finish on the reverse. The back is fitted with a period-correct long straight pin mechanism that extends beyond the frame, secured by a tube hinge and a simple C-clasp. No hallmarks, maker marks, or inscriptions are visible on the metal surfaces. Length: 1 inch. The brooch is in antique condition. There are approximately three seed pearls and at least one black faceted stone missing from the outer border (photo 1, photo 4). The remaining seed pearls exhibit surface wear and a loss of original luster (photo 4). The yellow metal displays tarnish and patina consistent with age (photo 3). The protective glass cover shows light surface scratching (photo 2). The central hairwork remains well-preserved and intact within the housing.