Antique 14k Gold Enamel Maltese Cross Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Mourning Brooch

This exquisite Victorian mourning brooch is a stunning example of sentimental jewelry from the 19th century, designed to commemorate and honor lost loved ones. The piece features a dramatic black enamel dome adorned with a diamond-set Maltese cross, surrounded by delicate golden stars. A halo of old-cut diamonds encircles the design, while lustrous pearls accentuate its celestial elegance.

Mourning jewelry was especially popular in the Victorian era, reflecting the deep emotions and elaborate rituals surrounding grief. These pieces often included symbols of faith, remembrance, and the hope of an afterlife. The Maltese cross, a powerful emblem of devotion and sacrifice, reinforces the wearer’s connection to both their faith and the memory of the departed. The golden stars set against the dark enamel background evoke the heavens, symbolizing the eternal journey of the soul.

Adding to its sentimental nature, this brooch has a cleverly designed bail that folds down, allowing it to be worn as a pendant. The back of the locket contains a compartment with a lock of hair, a deeply personal and cherished tradition in mourning jewelry, keeping a tangible connection to the loved one close to the heart.

With its breathtaking craftsmanship and rich symbolism, this brooch is a truly magnificent testament to Victorian mourning traditions, blending beauty, devotion, and remembrance in a single, extraordinary piece.

BR-1513-020625-11