Collection of lachrymatorys (or lachrymosas), these tear catchers or tear vials -
sometimes worn on a necklace, sometimes merely held -
were used to gather the tears wept by mourners at funerals,
to hold the tears of people mourning the passing of loved ones.
One type of lachrymosa had a special top which allowed the tears to evaporate
(signifying the time to stop mourning),
others had a sealed top to allow the tears to last for a year,
at which point they would be poured on the grave
of the person whom the tears were wept for,
Victorian era, 19th Century.