We're counting-down the days to Mother's Day with an assortment of thoughtful gifts for the important women in our lives. Order early and be sure to request gift boxing, if you'd like it. We can also ship directly to your mother, possibly saving a few days in-transit. (Please be sure to specify your desired greeting for an enclosure card to accompany your gift.)
After Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria still had four decades left on the British throne. The Queen remained in-mourning throughout that long period, modifying her dress and adornment to suit her situation as a grieving widow. The Queen was also an important role model and taste-maker for the nation; her choices inevitably affected the mood, dress and comportment of her people. While not every piece of jewelry made during that time period could be called "mourning jewelry," simple, handsome and serious design remained popular through the end of the Nineteenth Century (and the Queen's lifetime). Frivolity was out. Sober was in. Luckily for me, I am fond of such heavy and handsome jewelry. And many of my female customers feel likewise. Some women prefer bold and strong looks—especially when wearing tailored business attire.
The Victorian silver brooch, shown above, was made in the 1880's or 1890's. It manages to be simultaneously pretty and solemn. At center, we find engraved foliate decoration, surrounded by a radiant, Aesthetic Movement graphic border. It would provide handsome punctuation on any business suit jacket or winter coat. Even some men, especially those with more adventurous sartorial inclinations, might find it appropriate on their lapel, too. This piece hits the sweet spot of mourning jewelry: appropriately reserved without becoming funeral—and just right for modern, streamlined tastes. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
More nice Mother's Day gifts tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248