Some today may find mourning jewellery creepy, but at the height of its popularity in the Victorian era, it was a meaningful way of keeping a loved one close.

The pieces sometimes used the hair of the deceased person, usually braided and sometimes set under glass or in a locket. But black enamel was the most basic form of mourning jewellery, and some of the symbols used were urns, weeping willows, a skull and crossbones, and other memento mori, literally a warning or reminder of death.

Snakes were very popular motifs in Victorian times, representing rebirth and eternity. And so they are a fitting symbol to commemorate a loved one.

This piece comes from Lang Antiques and they describe it this way: This beautifully crafted hinged snake bangle bracelet is colored with black, gold, and white enamel and is engraved inside with the French words “Ne 2 Avril 1824 mort 4 Octobre 1847” (born April 2, 1824 died October 4, 1847). Rendered in 15k yellow gold (hence of British origin), this remarkable rarity measures 6 1/2 inches. Condition note: enamel is chipped throughout.”

It is priced at USD$4,850.