Late Victorian Onyx & Split Pearl Memorial Pendant
c. 1870–1890
A beautiful and evocative piece of late Victorian mourning jewellery, crafted in polished black onyx and embellished with a delicate silver floral spray set with tiny split pearls — the classic “forget-me-not”, a poignant emblem of eternal love and remembrance. The reverse features an oval glazed panel which can be lifted to add a memento or photograph.
The oval pendant, measuring 6.2cm in height (including its bail) and 3.6cm across, carries the quiet dignity typical of memorial adornment from the period. Its smooth onyx field provides a lustrous contrast to the engraved silver ribbon that sweeps gracefully across the front, adding dimension and movement to an otherwise still surface. The craftsmanship is impeccable — light plays softly across the satin of the silverwork, the petals glowing subtly with the iridescence of natural seed pearls.
Mourning jewellery such as this was not merely ornamental; it was deeply symbolic. Black onyx signified grief and steadfastness, while the forget-me-not flower recalled cherished memory and enduring affection. Pieces like this can be worn close to the heart, suspended from a black ribbon, heavy gold chain, or a strand of pearls.
Though originally a token of remembrance, this pendant retains a timeless, quietly luxurious appeal today. It can be worn as an elegant statement piece — bold and striking against modern attire — or cherished as a meaningful keepsake, a vessel of history and sentiment that honours love surviving beyond loss.