18k Pearl & Diamond Cross PendantFollowing Prince Albert's passing, the Queen went into mourning and not only donned black attire and mourning jewelry, but she also required the court to do likewise. That same year brought the beginning of the American Civil War, so there was reason to mourn in both the United States and Great Britain. Since mourning required not only a change in clothes but a change in jewelry as well, the Grand Period became the high point of mourning jewelry.