Victorian Mourning Customs & Jewelry

Victorian mourning jewelry dates back centuries. These days, mourning jewelry can be considered macabre, with its themes of skeletons, gravediggers, coffins, and the use of the dearly departed’s hair to construct each piece. However, the mourning jewelry of the Victorian era was meant to remind others of death’s inevitability, otherwise known as a memento mori. This style of jewelry reminded people to live life to the fullest.

Join us at Elmwood in the Chapel on Feb. 15th, 2026, at 2 pm, when Memphis-based mourning jewelry expert Virginia Shelton will share her personal archive with us. Her pieces incorporate jet, vulcanite, white enamel, and other precious stones. Rings, brooches, lockets, necklaces, and even death photography will be displayed. She will give a 40-minute presentation on the history of mourning jewelry and decode the meaning of her favorite pieces. Her collection has been exhibited previously at Davies Plantation and the Woodruff-Fontaine House.

The cost is $15 per person.