Hairwork Mourning Ring
Date1837 - 1901
Object NameRing
Mediummetal, jet, glass and human hair
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsDiameter Ring: 1.8cm
Width Setting: 1.5cm
Width Setting: 1.5cm
LocationOn Display - Gallery 08
Object numberABDMS082481
About MeThis mourning ring is made from a gold metal (possibly brass) and features an ovoid glass covered reserve setting containing plaited blonde human hair, surrounded by jet stones.The notion of keeping a physical memento of a person, dead or alive, is thousands of years old. Using a lock of hair in a remembrance piece 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.
Hairwork was more commonly worn as a love gesture but could also be worn for mourning if the hair used was that of the deceased. Rings like this one, which features black jet stones, is very likely to have been worn for mourning.
More About Me
We don't know whose hair is locked inside this ring, but it's likely the person died sometime in the 19th century!
Exhibitions
1837 - 1901
Late 19th century
1837 - 1901
Probably 19th century
1846 - 1901
Mid - late 19th century
Probably 19th century
1837 - 1901
1890 - 1929
1860 - 1899
1890 - 1929
Late 19th century
Probably 19th century
1890 - 1929
mid 20th Century
late 20th Century
18th - 19th Century
mid 20th Century
