mourn·ing jew·el·ry | ˈmȯr-niŋ jü-əl-rē
noun
Jewelry worn to commemorate the death of a loved one, usually in the form of a ring, brooch, or necklace
Mourning jewelry is worn to specifically commemorate and memorialize the death of a loved one. The most common forms of mourning jewelry are rings, necklaces, and brooches. While mourning jewelry as a concept has been around for centuries, it was popularized during the Victorian era after Prince Albert died and Queen Victoria remained in a perpetual state of mourning until her own death. Mourning jewelry may include a way to specifically remember the lost loved one - an inscription, the inclusion of their initials on the pieces, a memento in the form of a lock of hair or another item, or a silhouette or image that is associated with that individual on the piece.
