Lockets and Pendants From Early Modern to Today
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In the same fashion as rings, lockets and pendants are important in their evolution and personal importance.
As relevant as rings, mourning and sentimental lockets and pendants can trace their roots back to the 16th Century and beyond. For the purposes of this website, the focus will be on post 15th Century jewellery, as it is the birth of the style which has become identifiable today.
A remarkably unique portrait of Charles I on mica in a heart-shaped locket. Note the use of mica and the stylistic interpretation of the face.
A locket, being hidden is one of the most important devices in the growth of mourning jewellery. Despite the 16th Century use of the jewellery as more of a status symbol, lockets could be hidden and worn close to the heart.
Pieces with the portrait of Charles I from 1649 and during the restoration period kept the loyal movement at the forefront of the wearer’s mind during the period, and as the lockets were closed, loyalty was quite private.
Below are a series of articles which delve into the initialisation of the mourning industry, which had its catalyst with jewels such as these. Between the fashion and dogma of court decree as well as higher levels of social mobility which could now afford and wear tokens of love and sentimentality, the jewels of the late 17th century began a new standard of personal statements of affection that is the standard for which many of the pieces on Art of Mourning owe their inception.
Further Reading
> How Society Entered Mourning: c.1680-1700 Memento Mori Mourning Ring
> Spotlight On: Ribbon Slides
> Charles I Enamel Locket
> Charles II Silver Locket
> Queen Mary II Memento Mori Slide
> Revisiting A Charles II Pendant
> An Historical Charles I Ring
Courtesy: Barbara Robbins
Country: England
Dedication: Charles I
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