Antique Victorian Mourning Brooch Gold Enamel IN MEMORY OF Memento Mori (7351)

Antique Victorian sentimental Mourning Brooch. 10k gold, hair and black enamel. Made in England, United Kingdom, 19th century.
Unisex - can be worn by a man or a woman.

Measurements: Weight is 5.87 grams. A little under 1 inch (2.3cm) in length.

Description : Classic rectangle, with rounded corners. Gold borders around a black enamelled ground with gold lettering that reads IN MEMORY OF. Within is a bevelled glass compartment with a braided lock of blond hair of the deceased. Simple c-clasp with hinged pin.
Memento Mori jewelry was worn in an era when death was very much a part of life as life expectancy was much shorter than it is today. Mourning a loved one had strict rules of etiquette and what was allowed and expected to be worn. Naturally, black was the only color allowed for deep mourning and a whole industry arose creating jewelry for that occasion.
This brooch which has all of the classic features of a mourning brooch, or Memento Mori jewelry, is in remarkably good shape, expecially considering its age. The gold on black is extremely elegant and the strong shape makes a bold statement.

Marks and Metal: No marks. Gold is approximately 10k, except pin, which is not gold.

Condition: Appears to be in good condition, but louping the very bottom, I see a fault in the enamel, (mentioned only for the sake of accuracy as it does not impinge on the appearance of the brooch). Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.