--Previous Message-- : : Beth, you hit the nail right on the head: : jet doesn't sparkle, which was one of the : main requirements for mourning attire, even : in times when jet was not yet fashionable : for mourning jewellery. There were numerous : regulations for accesoires which are usually : made from shimmering metals to be blackened, : sabres for example, as the following : "Hof-Trauer-Reglement" (Court : Mourning Regulations) for the court in : Brunswick from 1768 shows. : : On six pages the regulations for six classes : of court mourning were stipulated, : surprisingly none of them explicitly : regarding jewellery, although the ladies : were obliged to wear blackened buckles on : their shoes: : : : : : : : : : : : : :