A Century-Old Titanic Necklace Reemerges at Orlando Exhibition, Offering Historical Insights

Titanic's Lost Necklace Recovers Its Legacy

A haunting piece from history has made its long-awaited return to the public eye. Recently showcased at TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, the Black Glass Necklace is a stunning artifact with a compelling narrative, shedding light on the lives of Titanic's passengers nearly a century ago. For the first time since its catastrophic sinking in 1912, this necklace offers a glimpse into the past, crafted with delicacy and artistry by the hands of those who once adorned it.

The necklace was featured in a spectacular unveiling event that took place on June 17, 2025, highlighting its journey from the ocean's depths back to the surface. The president of RMS Titanic, Inc., Tomasina Ray, along with a team of dedicated conservators from EverGreene, conducted a live demonstration of the meticulous conservation process not only for the necklace but also for an impressive piece of Titanic's hull named Little Piece, weighing two tons. This dual presentation served to emphasize the significance of preservation efforts being undertaken for artifacts salvaged from the wrecksite.

When the Black Glass Necklace was unearthed in 2000 during an expedition led by RMS Titanic, Inc., it was discovered in various segments and small fragments. The necklace was encased in a concretion—a hard mass formed from a multitude of objects that fused together due to the extreme pressure and unique environmental conditions at the Titanic wreck site. Through careful excavation, conservators revealed the intricate design of the necklace, featuring heart-shaped and octagonal black glass beads entwined in a beautiful, complex pattern. The piece not only reflects the craftsmanship of its era but also speaks volumes about the emotional expressions of those who wore it.

“This necklace is a powerful reminder that every artifact tells a personal story,” shared Tomasina Ray during the event. She highlighted how the necklace offers a direct connection to the past, showcasing not only the aesthetic trends of 1912 but also the deeply ingrained mourning customs of the time. Black jewelry, often crafted from materials like French jet, was highly fashionable and symbolically significant, making this necklace a showcase of both style and sentimentality.

Recovered from a vast 15-square-mile area of debris surrounding the Titanic wreck, the Black Glass Necklace exemplifies the diligent work of the RMS Titanic collection team over nearly four decades. The work extends beyond just recovery; the conservators, undertaking the meticulous task of preserving these artifacts, aim to share the narratives tied to the lives lost during that fateful voyage. Contributing to an edifying experience, the Little Piece hull section was also unveiled, revealing ongoing conservation endeavors vital for ensuring the artifacts are secure for future generations. This effort included dusting and waxing techniques designed to protect against moisture that could lead to corrosion, emphasizing the responsibilities of artifact preservation.

The Titanic's historical exhibition offers a rare opportunity to travel back in time, showcasing over 300 authentic artifacts and an array of visual experiences that recapture the essence of the world's most infamous ocean liner. Visitors can engage in immersive experiences, brought to life by actors portraying historical figures onboard the Titanic, enhancing their understanding of the events that led to its tragic demise.

Open from Sunday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends until 5 p.m., the exhibition invites history enthusiasts and curious minds alike to witness the artifacts firsthand. For tickets and further information, you can visit TitanicOrlando.com.

In preserving these testimonials from the past, RMS Titanic, Inc. continues its mission to educate and inform about the lasting legacy of this maritime disaster, thereby honoring the memory of the individuals who were part of that historical narrative. As custodians of Titanic's wreck, RMST has salvaged over 5,500 artifacts through nine expeditions since 1987, allowing future generations to bridge their connection with history.

As we reflect on the life of the Titanic and the stories intricately woven into items like the Black Glass Necklace, we are reminded of the enduring human connection to the past, encapsulated within each artifact recovered from the depths of the ocean, waiting to share its tale once again.