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Mourning Ring
Sentimental Hairwork Ring
Mourning Ring
Mourning Ring

Sentimental Hairwork Ring

DateProbably 19th century
Object NameRing
Mediumgold, spinels, hair and glass
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsHeight: 1.3 cm, Diameter: 2 cm
settings: 1.1cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1973 by The Misses Duguid.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS000557
About MeThis gold ring features hair, carefully arranged in a foliate design and enclosed in a glass covered reserve.

The notion of keeping physical mementos of a person, dead or alive, is thousands of years old. Using a lock of hair in a remembrance piece, such as a locket, has been popular for many centuries. However, pieces of jewellery containing intricate patterns made from hair began to appear during the 17th century.

The craft of hairwork jewellery really took off in the 19th century as the fashion for sentimental jewellery grew.

It is likely that this ring was given or worn as a gesture of love, possibly even betrothal as diamonds were also a symbol of constancy.


More About Me
The art of mourning jewellery incorporating hair reached its peak in the Victorian age. The hair in this gold-mounted ring is arranged in a leaf design under glass surrounded by spinels.