Vulcanite Hand and Basket Mourning Brooch Antique Victorian

In 1844 Charles Goodyear patented a process by which sulphur and India rubber could be mixed and heated for several hours. The result of this process was a light, hard, black or dark brown material called Vulcanite. This material was cheaper and somewhat softer than jet and was commonly used in the Victorian era to make mourning jewelry. This brooch is a fabulous example of Vulcanite jewelry.

This wonderful brooch is a great example of Vulcanite jewelry, a hand and a flower basket symbolizing love and grief. The brooch was hand made from molded Vulcanite in about 1860, it has a brass pin stem as is typical for these pieces. This wonderful piece measures 28.6 mm north to south and 55.7 mm across, it is 9 mm thick and weighs 7 grams.

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ITEM ID: BH1021109V