Definitely not junk jewelry

Last summer,  a friend passed on a big bag

full of older items she wanted my help with.

Included in it was a little nondescript cardboard jewelry box.

There were bits of broken black plastic in it,

so I thought they were damaged pieces of junk.

Everything sat in a plastic bin under my work table

until I got to it just this week. Upon closer inspection,

and with a some research, this jewelry is anything but junk.

These two plain, faceted pieces are "mourning brooches,"

popular after Queen Victorian lost her beloved Prince Albert

in 1861 and subsequently wore all-black attire for decades.

The next two, much more ornate brooches would be newer --

Art Deco period but before 1940 based on their C-clasp closures.

Beautifully detailed jet black pieces with rhinestones.

I hope to learn more about all of the brooches

after I talk to a jeweler about them. Stay tuned....

If you have anything to share, please do!