Images(2)

I.M.O. Mourning Brooch

DateLate 19th century

Object NameBrooch

Mediumjet, seed pearls, gold metal

ClassificationsJewellery

Dimensions1.4 × 4cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1985 by Mr H Martin.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS011336

Keywords

About MeThis mourning brooch is made from jet and has details of seed pearls and gold. The letters 'I.M.O.' are an abbreviation for the phrase 'In Memory Of', rather than the initials of a particular individual.

Jet mourning brooches became extremely popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. Jet is a hard, fossilised wood and has been used in jewellery and decoration for thousands of years. Most of the jet used to make jewellery in the nineteenth century came from Whitby in North Yorkshire.

Jet was perfectly versatile, not only because of its colour but also because it was easily carved and manipulated to suit the needs of each stage of mourning. It can be left dull and unpolished; suitable for the deepest mourning stage where any hint of gaiety would be apprehended, but equally it could be cut and polished into a many facetted, sparkling jewel; suitable months, or years, after the death to symbolise acceptance.