Hairwork Mourning Ring
Date1837 - 1901
Object NameRing
Mediummetal and human hair
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsDiameter Ring: 2.1cm
Setting: 1.2 x 1cm
Setting: 1.2 x 1cm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS082482
About MeGold plated metal mourning ring featuring a square glass covered reserve setting containing loose strands of blonde human hair surrounded by a scroll border.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 the remnants of a black enamel border around the central reserve, would have been worn for mourning.
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