The Story Behind Victorian Mourning Jewelry
Nov 28, 2025
by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Victorian mourning jewelry is among the most meaningful pieces of antique jewelry ever created. Designed to honor loved ones and preserve memory, these works carry deep emotional significance alongside their beauty and craftsmanship. From symbolic motifs to carefully chosen materials and inscriptions, each ring or brooch tells a personal story rooted in love, loss, and remembrance. Explore the meaning behind Victorian mourning jewelry to understand why these pieces remain so powerful and cherished today.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- Victorian Mourning Jewelry of the 19th Century
- Mourning Rings and Their Meaning
- Most popular Mourning Ring Designs - Then and Now
- The Lasting Meaning of Victorian Mourning Jewelry
Victorian Mourning Jewelry of the 19th Century
Mourning jewelry became deeply woven into British culture during the Victorian era, shaped largely by Queen Victoria’s public grief following the death of Prince Albert in 1861. As the nation entered a prolonged period of mourning, jewelry became a visible way to express loss, devotion, and remembrance. Rings, brooches, and lockets were often crafted with symbolic motifs, dark materials, and personal inscriptions, transforming jewelry into intimate memorials. These pieces were not simply decorative — they served as lasting tributes, designed to keep the memory of loved ones close and honored.
Although Victorian mourning jewelry began in the 19th century, interest in these meaningful designs has endured over time, leading to later revival pieces and a continued appreciation for both antique and vintage mourning jewelry today.
Mourning Rings and Their Meaning
Mourning rings were a deeply personal form of remembrance jewelry, most commonly worn during the Victorian era to honor the loss of a loved one. While early examples date back to earlier centuries, these rings became especially widespread in the 19th century as mourning customs became more formalized. Often crafted in gold or black-enameled metal, and set with pearls, jet, or hairwork, mourning rings served as daily reminders of devotion, memory, and grief. Many featured engraved names, dates, or the inscription “In Memoriam,” transforming them from simple adornments into private memorials.
More than just sentimental keepsakes, mourning rings carried layered symbolic meaning. They represented eternal love, remembrance, and the enduring bond between the living and the departed. In Victorian culture, these rings were not only personal treasures but also cultural symbols of loyalty, loss, and the importance of honoring those who came before.
Most Popular Mourning Ring Designs - Then and Now
Mourning ring designs have taken many forms throughout history, but they reached their most recognizable expression during the Victorian era. Early mourning rings were often simple gold bands engraved with names, dates, and memorial inscriptions. As mourning customs became more formalized in the 19th century, designs grew more symbolic and detailed, incorporating black enamel, jet, onyx, seed pearls (symbolizing tears), and even braided hairwork of the deceased.
Popular motifs included urns, willow trees, crosses, weeping figures, and forget-me-not flowers — each carrying its own layer of meaning. Some rings featured miniature portraits or glass panels protecting woven hair, creating an incredibly personal connection between the wearer and the departed.
Today, Victorian mourning rings continue to be sought after for both their emotional depth and historical craftsmanship. Modern collectors and jewelry lovers are drawn to their symbolism, hand-engraved details, and the powerful stories they carry. Whether worn as an act of remembrance, historical appreciation, or meaningful self-expression, these rings remain some of the most compelling and soulful pieces of antique jewelry.
The Lasting Meaning of Victorian Mourning Jewelry
Understanding the history behind Victorian mourning jewelry can help you choose a piece that feels deeply personal, not just decorative. These rings and memorial pieces were created to symbolize love, remembrance, and eternal connection, making them far more than simple accessories. Whether you’re drawn to a mourning ring for its symbolism, history, or design, the meaning woven into these pieces gives them lasting emotional and cultural significance that continues to resonate today.
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
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