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Mourning Brooch
Sentimental Hairwork Brooch
Mourning Brooch
Mourning Brooch

Sentimental Hairwork Brooch

Date19th century
Object NameBrooch
Mediumhuman hair, pinchbeck
ClassificationsJewellery
Dimensions1.1 x 1.6cm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS071996
About MeThis rectangular pinchbeck brooch features a plait of human hair contained behind a glass covered reserve, and is surrounded by a scroll design frame.

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. Hairwork mourning brooches would usually feature a black enamel or jet border.