Antique Compass Fob Sphere - Is this Mourning Jewelry?

[sarawgodwin]

Hi There,

I think I've found the perfect gift for my boyfriend to carry on his missions in Afghanistan, here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390610132714?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649..

However... it appears to look a lot like the mourning jewelry that I found when I googled it. For example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ANTIQUE-15CT-GOLD-COMPASS-FOB-MOURNING-LOCKET-BALL-PENDANT-/200925925951?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_VintageFineJewellery_CA&hash=item2ec81e523f and http://www.trademarklondon.com/Compass-Shop/#payloom-detail36..

If it is mourning jewelry, then I'm a bit too superstitious to send this to him as a keepsake. If not, then I think it would be the perfect good luck token. Could it just be 'sentimental' or keepsake jewelry?

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks so much in advance!

Sara

 

[Groucho]

Hi Sara --- The "mourning" piece was a compass that included a piece of hairwork. Hairwork is often incorporated into mourning pieces, so the seller described the piece as mourning jewelry. The piece you are looking at now is just a compass, which I wouldn't associate with mourning at all. In fact, I think this is a wonderful sentimental keepsake for your loved one. Cheers!

 

[sarawgodwin]

Hi Groucho,

Thanks so much for the info and the quick reply! Just to confirm, there is no way that there used to be a piece of glass on the other side with hair or other personal items in it? I didn't know if these types of jewelry were always used for mourning, or if they were possibly also used for keepsakes, etc. or some were produced without the glass on the other side?

Sorry to be such a worrier, but, as I mentioned given that he does development work in a war zone, I'm a bit concerned about sending him something that might have been associated with death.

Thanks for understanding!

Sara

 

[Groucho]

Hi Sara,

I think it is unlikely that the piece you are looking at contained a piece of glass for a keepsake. However, even if it did, this wouldn't make your item a piece of mourning jewelry. In my experience, older pieces of jewelry often combined some sort of practical function, like a compass, sewing aid, etc., with a place to keep the likeness of a loved one. Usually, the loved one was a (living) sweetheart or family member.

Cheers,

Groucho

 

[sarawgodwin]

Thanks so much!! I think that I will purchase this for him, and I'm sure that he will love it. Really appreciate the timely and informative response.

Take care,

Sara

 

[Groucho]

Sara --- I think this is such a lovely gesture. He'll love it. Cheers to you both, Groucho