This is a rare antique Victorian mourning brooch, hand-carved from Irish bog oak, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880s.

This is a rare antique Victorian mourning brooch, hand-carved from Irish bog oak, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880s.

The brooch is oval in shape and features a finely worked ivy leaf and berry motif in high relief. Surrounding the central ivy is a scalloped, radiating carved border, giving the brooch a dimensional and floral-like appearance.

The craftsmanship is meticulous, with the ivy leaf carved to show surface texture and the cluster of berries symbolizing both vitality and remembrance. Its deep black hue is natural to bog oak, a fossilized wood preserved in Ireland’s peat bogs for thousands of years, and a material highly prized for jewelry during the Victorian era.

Bog oak is not true gemstone or jet, but an ancient oak that has been preserved for millennia in Ireland’s bogs under anaerobic conditions. Its hardness allowed it to be carved like jet, but it was lighter in weight and often bore a subtle grain. Irish carvers produced brooches, bracelets, and rosaries for the tourist trade, particularly during the 19th century, when Ireland was a popular stop on the "Grand Tour."

This brooch falls within the Victorian mourning tradition (1837–1901). After Prince Albert’s death in 1861, Queen Victoria went into deep mourning and wore black for the remainder of her life, setting a powerful fashion trend across Britain and beyond. Jet from Whitby, gutta percha, vulcanite, and bog oak became the materials of choice for mourning jewels, as their somber black color aligned with the symbolism of grief.

*Ivy Leaves: Everlasting life, fidelity, and eternal attachment. Unlike many plants, ivy clings steadfastly and remains evergreen, making it a symbol of loyalty and eternal remembrance.

*Berries: Fertility, renewal, and continuation of life, suggesting hope amidst grief.

Measurements : The brooch measures 4.9cm x 4cm.The brooch with a weight of 14grams.