Historical information

Black has for centuries been associated with mourning but it rose to new heights during the Victorian times with Queen Victoria wearing black from the time of her husband’s death in 1861 until her death in 1901. There were different stages of mourning from the severe plain black clothing of the first period to items of decoration or adornment such as this collar with other items such as brooches, hair and dress adornments which were used at the later stages of mourning. This second stage often went for extended periods especially for widows who often remained in mourning until or if they remarried. Other colours such as dark greys and purples were also acceptable as mourning clothes. Such was the practice in England that jet from Whitby was used extensively by the more well to do. Later on black glass was used which was cheaper.

Significance

An item which relates to customs which were prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th century

Physical description

Black beaded collar with seven lengths of beads coming from a section which joins at the back with a hook and eye. The seed beads are stitched to a dark cotton backing. The neckline is square. It also has a number of larger flatter beads across the yoke and down the centre of each of the seven lengths of beads.