Victorian 2" 14K Yellow Gold, Marcasite, & Polished Onyx Convertible Mourning Brooch/Pendant - This beautiful piece is a Victorian mourning brooch. The piece contains a 2" polished onyx oval, mounted on solid 14k yellow gold. The onyx is adorned with genuine marcasite set in silver, in the form of a floral crest. The back of the piece has a clear window and a hinged, locket style opening, as these pieces were used to mourn the death of a loved one, and would usually contain a piece of their hair. The brooch has a single straight pin, and also has a hinged bale that can be flipped up so that the piece can be worn as a pendant on a chain. Mourning jewelry has been around since the 1600s, and saw a massive rise in popularity in the 1800s. Before photography, this was a way for people to remember their loved ones after they had passed. The brooch measures 2"L x 1.5"W, and is in beautiful condition. (WEIGHT: 24.2 grams)