Mourning jewelry dates back to the Middle Ages, peaking in the Victorian era. It seems it has been out of favor since the mid 20th century. The jewelry was often made of black materials such as, jet glass, fossilized wood, human hair or enamel. Grieving death was not its sole purpose. It was worn to honor loved ones and the preciousness of life.

These times seems ripe for compassion jewelry. How helpful would it be to have a beautiful signifier to wear to let people know that you are a delicate in the world. Perhaps your heart is broken, your spirit is compromised or you are going through something difficult.