Small Sentimental Hairwork Brooch
DateProbably 19th century
Object NameBrooch
Mediumgold metal, hair
ClassificationsJewellery
Dimensions1.5 × 1.8cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1973 by The Misses Duguid.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS037962
About MeThis small, rectangular gold brooch features a plait of blonde hair contained in a glass covered reserve. There is a simple pin fastening at the back. 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. However hairowrk mourning brooches would usualy feature a black border of either enamel or jet.
There are no works to discover for this record.
