Mourning Buckle

Jewels commemorating the dead were widely worn throughout the 17th and 18th century.  The design and construction of the buckle varied, corresponding with the economic status of the deceased (those pictured above very likely came from wealthy families, dating from 1698, 1725, and 1728).  The buckles nearly always incorporated some of the loved one’s hair in the design, and if the family could afford it, gold thread was used for script which would provide information simular to what would appear on their tombstone.  In the 19th century this tradition evolved into jewelry worn in the mourner’s hair which were made and worn exclusively by women.

found at Victoria and Albert (this website rules!)