Mid to late Victorian gold filled Bookchain necklace with Vulcanite Mourning Locket j-nlvc543

Mid to late Victorian gold filled book-chain necklace with Vulcanite Mourning Locket and original photograph inside. The hinged top of the locket features a hand holding a wreath. Lift the wreath and see a photograph of a beloved mother or grandmother from years ago. You can imagine the wearer keeping the image close to her heart. The gold filled book-chain measures 19" long and 13/32" wide. The locket is 2 3/8" long by 1-1/2" wide. The locket and chains are in excellent condition. No cracks, breaks or chips are found on the locket. Death was a constant in Victorian era. The average lifespan was 40 – 45 years with high infant mortality rate. Mourning jewelry brought some solace to the survivors. Black mourning jewelry became fashionable when Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, died in 1861 and for the remainder of her reign, Victoria wore black dresses and mourning jewelry.