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Image Not Available for Sentimental Hairwork Watch Chain
Sentimental Hairwork Watch Chain
Image Not Available for Sentimental Hairwork Watch Chain

Sentimental Hairwork Watch Chain

Object NameWatch Chain
Mediumgilt metaland hair
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsOverall: Length: 35 cm, Width: 0.7 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1985.
Object numberABDMS011337
About MeTwisted rope of light brown hair (probably strengthened by horsehair) with a stiletto of gilt metal at one end and a gilt clip for the pocket watch at the other. There are also two gilt bands along the chain.

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.

It is likely that this watch chain was worn either as a gesture of love or for mourning.