RARE Antique Victorian Mourning Brooch – Circa 1870’s.
Bohemian Czech Jet Glass | Gothic Elegance | Historical Piece.
A striking and atmospheric survivor from the height of the Victorian mourning jewellery era, this circa 1870’s brooch is crafted in dramatic black Bohemian jet glass — the very material that defined 19th-century mourning fashion.
The design is bold yet intricate: a layered, floral/starburst composition of faceted jet-black glass segments radiating from a central domed stone, all mounted onto a beautifully pierced metal wirework backing. That openwork structure gives the brooch surprising lightness while adding depth, shadow and architectural detail — very typical of Bohemian production of the period.
Historical significance:
During the Victorian era — especially after Queen Victoria entered prolonged mourning following Prince Albert’s death in 1861 — black jewellery became both a symbol of remembrance and a major fashion movement.
While true Whitby jet (fossilised wood) was highly prized, demand quickly outpaced supply. This led to the rise of Bohemian “jet” glass production in the Jablonec region of what is now the Czech Republic, beginning in the 1860s.
• The nearby town of Smržovka became a key production centre.
• Pieces were made using pressed black glass stones.
• Stones were bonded to metal bases using resin.
• Designs often featured faceted, geometric and floral forms.
• Jewellery included brooches, buttons, combs, pins, and hair ornaments.
This brooch is a beautiful example of that industry — accessible mourning jewellery that allowed more people to participate in Victorian remembrance traditions.
Measurements : The brooch measures 4.5cm in diameter.The brooch with a weight of 9.4 grams.
