Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, crafted in high-carat gold with original celluloid keepsake compartment.

Rare 19th Century Antique Mourning Brooch in Gold with Fern Motif

$1,025.00
$1,025.00
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Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, crafted in high-carat gold with original celluloid keepsake compartment.
  • Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, crafted in high-carat gold with original celluloid keepsake compartment.
  • Rare 19th Century Antique Mourning Brooch in Gold with Fern Motif
  • Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, crafted in high-carat gold with original celluloid keepsake compartment.
  • Georgian gold mourning brooch with ferns
  • Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, crafted in high-carat gold with original celluloid keepsake compartment.
  • Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, crafted in high-carat gold with original celluloid keepsake compartment.
  • Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, crafted in high-carat gold with original celluloid keepsake compartment.
  • Rare 19th century antique mourning brooch with sculptural fern motif, likely gold filled or rolled gold, with celluloid back compartment to hold a lock of hair.
Rare 19th Century Antique Mourning Brooch in Gold with Fern Motif

Rare 19th Century Antique Mourning Brooch in Gold with Fern Motif

$1,025.00
$1,025.00
Details

A rare and deeply evocative 19th century mourning brooch/pendant, beautifully modeled with layered fern fronds in warm gold. The fern — symbol of remembrance, endurance, and quiet devotion — is designed here with striking dimensionality and fine period detail. The brooch is 18 gold, consistent with well-made mourning jewelry of the era, and displays a rich, mellow surface that has aged gracefully over time. The reverse retains its original faceted glass-covered compartment, traditionally intended to hold a lock of hair or a small photograph — a poignant reminder of the intensely personal nature of mourning jewels. 

Refined, symbolic, and emotionally resonant, this piece was created not merely as ornament, but as a private keepsake meant to be worn close to the heart. Its survival, condition, and subject matter make it an exceptional example of 19th century sentimental jewelry. No repairs, no missing fronds. Can be worn as a pin or as a pendant. A rare and quietly powerful antique, ideal for the discerning collector. 

  • Measures 1-1/2" in diameter.

 
Shipping

Shipping & Delivery

Each order is carefully prepared, wrapped, and packed in-house with attention to detail to ensure a safe and beautiful arrival. Fragile antiques and decorative items receive additional care in preparation and packaging. Multiple-item orders may ship separately. Packages are sent via UPS or USPS Priority Mail, selected based on the size and weight of each order.

Shipping is calculated as follows:

$0 – $45.00 = $9.00
$45.01 – $65.00 = $12.00
$65.01 – $90.00 = $15.00
$90.01 – $125.00 = $18.00
$125.01 – $149.00 = $24.00

Complimentary shipping is included on all U.S. orders over $150.

Please note: We are unable to ship to P.O. Boxes.
Collector’s Notes.

Mourning jewelry featuring fern motifs is notably less common than floral or ivy designs, and pieces retaining their original hair or photo compartment covers are increasingly scarce. This brooch’s sculptural depth, restrained symbolism, and survival in such honest condition make it particularly desirable to collectors of 19th century sentimental jewelry. 

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