MEMENTO MORI AND ROYALIST JEWELRY

Lately, I've noticed a refocus on memento mori and Charles I Royalist jewelry.  I've long been fascinated with the history associated and their beauty.  Out of all the jewelry I've collected over the years, the Stuart crystal pieces, including many Royalist pieces, are favorites.

The images are mostly from the web and are the most beautiful, in my opinion, of memento mori and Royalist pieces I've come across.  I continue to covet them and so desperately need to win that lottery!  Enjoy the beautiful images!

PS-The last photo shows Elizabeth I's ring encrusted with rubies. Inside, two jeweled portraits, one of herself and one of her mother, Anne Boleyn. (I couldn't resist!)

9 CARAT VICTORIAN PLAITED HAIR LOCKET WATCH KEY

Newest to my collection is this exquisite Victorian plaited hair locket watch key in 9 carat gold.  I'm drawn to these plaited hair lockets and can't seem to get enough of them!

THREE VICTORIAN MOURNING HAIR FOB CHAIN NECKLACES

I was very pleased to find these three Victorian gold filled mourning hair chain necklaces today.  I'm especially fond of the one with the fancy clasp.  I will have it recast into pewter and bronze. 

GEORGIAN OR VICTORIAN LACHRYMATORY TEAR CATCHER

Named after the lacrimal glands which secrete tears, these glass vessels were used as far back as the Greeks and Romans alike to collect the tears of mourners. 

It was established that the mourning period would be the length of time it would take a vessel to fill with tears, or the time it took for those tears to evaporate.

This Georgian or Victorian lachrymatory vessel is intricately detailed in gold gilt.  It measures approximately 7" tall.  Soon to be listed to Metal Corset II. 

VICTORIAN HAIR MEMORIAL BLUE ENAMEL LOCKET PENDANT BROOCH

Newly listed to Metal Corset II is this stunning blue enamel locket pendant brooch with a glazed glass hair compartment beneath.

Check it out!

WAXING POETIC II

As I viewed my blog, I noticed one creation that missed dedication, or the honorable mention it deserved.  It is Waxing Poetic II.  One of my newer assemblage creations listed to Metal Corset.

This necklace is a combination of a sterling silver Nun's cross dated 1869, antique 1800s bisque doll and an antique sterling silver Immaculate Heart Of Mary reliquary.

These three relics suspend from a chain made from Art Deco cut steel beads salvaged from a damaged French Art Deco cut steel beaded purse.

Check it out now!

GEORGIAN OR EARLY VICTORIAN STERLING SILVER PLAITED HAIR MEMORIAL LOCKET DOVE BROOCH

This is one of the most incredible brooches I've seen in a long time.  It is a 3-dimensional Georgian or early Victorian sterling silver dove with an amazing plaited hair memorial under glass.  The pin back is comprised of a tube hinged back fastener and "C" clasp.  This dove is religious in nature as it holds an olive branch in its beak.  Measures 1.75" beak to tail.  An absolutely stunning piece.  Soon to be listed to Metal Corset II, so keep a weather eye.