Victorian Mourning Brooch • Hair Work Under Crystal • Onyx & Pearl • 14K T Charm
$1,250.00
This rare Victorian mourning brooch features intricately woven family hairwork preserved beneath its original clear crystal cover. The hair work includes multiple colors, indicating this piece was created to honor more than one loved one, a deeply meaningful feature prized in sentiment jewelry of the era.
Framing the crystal is a classic halo of black onyx and genuine seed pearls, a mourning combination frequently seen in the mid-1800s. Despite one missing onyx stone and one missing pearl, the overall presentation remains striking, and the brooch has been priced accordingly.
One of the most exceptional details is the articulated capital letter T charm, suspended from its original gold chain. The charm contains carefully woven hair set inside the vertical shaft—a highly unusual and desirable Victorian feature. The safety pin attachment shows a twisted shaft, another hallmark of 19th-century craftsmanship.
The reverse is engraved “A.G. Trafton,” adding genealogy and historical character. Trafton families were well documented in Maine and New Hampshire throughout the 1800s, including references to an A.G. Trafton in Alfred, Maine. Named mourning pieces with intact hairwork are particularly sought-after by collectors.
The brooch mount is gold-filled, which is typical for mid-Victorian mourning jewelry, while the chain, T charm, and the head of the pin test as solid 14k and 18k gold. Everything functions smoothly, the crystal is intact, and the hair work remains well preserved.
This piece is ideal for collectors of mourning jewelry, lovers of gothic or dark academia aesthetics, and those who appreciate 19th-century jewels with deep personal history. Beautifully presented in a ribbon-wrapped jewelry box, ready for gifting or for your own collection.
To ensure your shopping experience is smooth, please review our shop policies and FAQ regarding returns before purchase. We want you to shop with confidence.
Era
Mid-Victorian, circa 1850s
Materials
Gold-filled brooch mount (typical of the era)
14k gold chain and T charm
18k gold head of pin
Black onyx
Seed pearls
Crystal cover
Steel pin mechanism
Woven family hairwork (multiple individuals)
Markings
Engraved: A.G. Trafton
Professionally tested
(As is typical for Victorian pieces, no purity marks)
Measurements
Brooch: 34.70mm x 27.78mm
T charm: 16.03mm x 16.17mm
Onyx: 3.5mm
Seed pearls: 1.5mm
Condition
Good antique condition
One missing onyx stone, one missing seed pearl
Crystal intact
Hairwork preserved
Clasp and hinge functioning well
Inspected by a GIA gemologist
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 3 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Privacy policy
Gallivant Collective will never use or sell your personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Returns
We want you to shop with confidence and love your piece.
If you need to make a return, please notify us within 3 business days of delivery
Returns must be shipped back within 7 calendar days and in the same condition with all original packaging.
Buyer is responsible for return shipping, insurance, and tracking; uninsured items lost or damaged in transit cannot be refunded.
Layaway, sale, and discounted items are final sale.
Refunds are issued once the item is received in original condition, minus original shipping.
Layaway
LAYAWAY TERMS
We’re happy to offer interest-free layaway on pieces over $200.
A 25% non-refundable deposit reserves your item, and the remaining balance may be paid over up to 90 days.
Because each piece is one-of-a-kind, timely payments are important. Missed payments without prior arrangement may void the layaway and forfeit the deposit. If we don’t hear from you within 7 days of a due date, the layaway will be considered abandoned.
All layaway purchases are final sale with no returns or exchanges.
By starting a layaway, buyers agree to these terms.
Sizing details
We do not offer in-house sizing at this time.
Because each ring is unique in its age and construction, the ability to size varies by design and stone setting. Many pieces can be adjusted within two sizes, though this is only a general guideline.
We recommend having any sizing done by a trusted local jeweler, ideally one who uses a laser welder, as antique gold and historical settings often require specialized care.
If you’d like us to help coordinate third-party sizing for an additional fee, please reach out before purchasing.
Please note that all sizing performed by any jeweler or third party is at the buyer’s discretion and is non-refundable.
Appraisals and Descriptions
We are not GIA-certified gemologists, but we bring more than 25 years of combined experience in antique and fine jewelry, supported by ongoing study in gemstones, materials, and design. Every piece is examined carefully and described with accuracy and transparency.
When an item has been reviewed by our local GIA Graduate Gemologist, that assessment will be clearly noted in the listing.
Our goal is to provide information you can trust and to help you shop with confidence.
Packaging and Shipping Part 1
Domestic shipping within the U.S. is complimentary and includes full insurance.
Orders over $250 automatically upgrade to USPS Priority Mail, insured at no additional cost.
International orders over $250 USD are shipped via UPS Expedited International with full insurance for added security.
Please note that any customs duties, taxes, or import fees are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges are collected by your local postal or customs authority and are not refundable by our shop.
Packaging and Shipping Part 2
Every piece arrives in a Gallivant Collective gift box, finished with ribbon and ready for presentation. Packaging may vary slightly by item, but the final photo in each listing reflects how your piece will be received.
Orders are shipped in a discreet bubble mailer or secure box, depending on the size and protection needed. All shipments are fully insured, and we’re always here to assist if any transit delays or issues occur.
In accordance with Etsy policy, once a package is marked as delivered, responsibility transfers to the buyer.