It is crafted in rich 15ct gold with a inky black Onyx cabochon to the front, this is mounted with a pretty ivy leaf set with creamy cultured seed pearls. The Onyx is mounted into the gold frame and this has a fine milgrain border with black enamel. Like most Victorian jewellery mourning jewellery has a whole language of its own, black was said to represent death, whilst pearls were said to represent tears.Ivy has great symbolism in antique jewellery and represents amongst other things eternity or forever being an evergreen.
To the verso the brooch has an fish hook clasp A very beautiful and well made piece.
Unmarked, electronically tests as 15ct gold, Victorian era, C1880s. Good used condition overall, surface wear commensurate with age and use, no damaged. 1 1/8" x 3/4" 3.0g