Gutta Percha Mourning Cross
The Victorians were notorious for having sentiment and using symbolism. Take for instance this Gutta Percha cross which is latex produced from the sap of certain trees. The roses are signifying the person being mourned was a loved one and older as the flower is in full bloom. The person was someone who had been with the wearer of the cross for some time as the daisies have a meaning of youth and innocence. It's kind of like reading a book.
Now I used to think that hair jewelry was gross! The thought of braiding someone's hair and turning it into a bracelet, necklace, brooch or watch chain to wear was...well...just plain weird. But then I realized that even in today's time, we save locks of hair. When our dear Collie died a year or two ago, my husband cut a lock of his fur and placed it in his wallet. He's carried it ever since and occasionally pulls it out and smiles at the memory. We save our child's lock of hair after their first hair cut or put a snip of hair in a locket with a picture of a loved one. The list goes on and on.
I like to think that we all want a slower paced time where we can appreciate sentimentality and revel in nostalgia. I know...I'm just a idealistic, sentimental old fool but I think there's one in just about everybody.
Alicia
xoxo
Boylerpf Antique & Vintage Jewelry
