Antique late 1800s Victorian vulcanite brooch featuring a bas relief lily of the valley floral display.

Lily of the valley is the birth flower for May. This pretty lily is also said to represent purity and good fortune - over in France, Charles IX began a tradition of giving the flowers each May Day for luck. Whilst in Britain during the 1800s, sentimental jewellery became fashionable and designs often featured flora and fauna - lily of the valley symbolised a return to happiness and is often used in wedding bouquets. Brooches of this style are often referred to as mourning brooches but the Victorians wore dark and black jewellery as fashion accessories as well as for mourning purposes.

This beautiful brooch is over 100 years' old and is in solid condition. To the reverse is a brass plaque and c catch. Vulcanite was generally moulded and you can see the fine detail achieved here with each flowing leaf and hanging bell shaped flowers. The main flower design is a deep chocolate whilst the frame. or plaque, has a warm brown hue.

Box shown is for display only.

Size: 4.7 x 5.8 cm

Condition: very good, see all images.

Vulcanite is sometimes mistaken for jet but its brown overtones gives it away and it is in fact a type of rubber. Dating to the Victorian age, Vulcanite was often used to replicate the black jewellery that was the fashion at the time. Jewellery made from Whitby jet, French jet and also gutta percha was popular and used in both fashionable and mourning jewellery - chiefly influenced by the period of mourning Queen Victoria entered on the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Over time vulcanite loses its blackness and turns a warm brown colour.

Important: Please keep all beads, sharp and small items of jewellery away from young children as they could present a choking hazard.

All vintage items have been pre-used, unless stated otherwise, and may have gentle signs of wear.

Delivery:
UK delivery is included.
International buyers, please see the shipping calculator at checkout and ensure you select the tracking option if you require it or contact me prior to purchase.
Please contact me prior to purchase if you need your item for a specific date.

For antique and vintage clothing, jewellery & accessories:
Website: www.hurdyburdy.com

Instagram @hurdyburdyvintage
Facebook @hurdyburdyvintage

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Antique late 1800s Victorian vulcanite brooch featuring a bas relief lily of the valley floral display.

Lily of the valley is the birth flower for May. This pretty lily is also said to represent purity and good fortune - over in France, Charles IX began a tradition of giving the flowers each May Day for luck. Whilst in Britain during the 1800s, sentimental jewellery became fashionable and designs often featured flora and fauna - lily of the valley symbolised a return to happiness and is often used in wedding bouquets. Brooches of this style are often referred to as mourning brooches but the Victorians wore dark and black jewellery as fashion accessories as well as for mourning purposes.

This beautiful brooch is over 100 years' old and is in solid condition. To the reverse is a brass plaque and c catch. Vulcanite was generally moulded and you can see the fine detail achieved here with each flowing leaf and hanging bell shaped flowers. The main flower design is a deep chocolate whilst the frame. or plaque, has a warm brown hue.

Box shown is for display only.

Size: 4.7 x 5.8 cm

Condition: very good, see all images.

Vulcanite is sometimes mistaken for jet but its brown overtones gives it away and it is in fact a type of rubber. Dating to the Victorian age, Vulcanite was often used to replicate the black jewellery that was the fashion at the time. Jewellery made from Whitby jet, French jet and also gutta percha was popular and used in both fashionable and mourning jewellery - chiefly influenced by the period of mourning Queen Victoria entered on the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Over time vulcanite loses its blackness and turns a warm brown colour.

Important: Please keep all beads, sharp and small items of jewellery away from young children as they could present a choking hazard.

All vintage items have been pre-used, unless stated otherwise, and may have gentle signs of wear.

Delivery:
UK delivery is included.
International buyers, please see the shipping calculator at checkout and ensure you select the tracking option if you require it or contact me prior to purchase.
Please contact me prior to purchase if you need your item for a specific date.

For antique and vintage clothing, jewellery & accessories:
Website: www.hurdyburdy.com

Instagram @hurdyburdyvintage
Facebook @hurdyburdyvintage

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