Antique Gutta Percha Mourning Cross Pendant (OC1)

Quantity: 1 Unit Per Color - (Sold Individually)

Material: Gutta Percha

Dimensions:
2.5” (64mm) - Height
1.4” (35mm) - Width

Hand carved in good condition. Very rare!

Gutta-percha, a tropical tree that produces a dark sap, was commonly used in jewelry. Because of its dark color and easily malleable properties, gutta-percha sap could be molded into beads and other shapes, as well as carved to create elaborate designs.

The popularity of mourning jewelry reached its peak during the Victorian era (1837-1901). Queen Victoria was deeply in love with her husband, Prince Albert, and when he died in 1861, she fell into a long depression. Queen Victoria spent much of the next four decades wearing black crepe dresses and mourning jewelry.