These are the kinds of pieces that really excite us.
This is an antique Victorian mourning brooch made from human hair, a fascinating form of Victorian memorial jewelry in which a loved one's hair was woven and preserved as a keepsake. The craftsmanship here is especially wonderful. The hair has been intricately woven into a narrow, tube-like form and then arranged into the shape of a bow, which is an unusual and particularly charming design.
Two small tassel-like pieces of woven hair hang from the bottom of the bow. One is missing its end cap, but the hairwork itself remains beautifully intact. The center of the bow is finished with a gold-filled element engraved with a monogram. We think it may read MPC, although the engraving is difficult to decipher, so we'll leave that one up for debate.
Considering that this brooch is around 150 years old, it is in very good condition. Pieces of Victorian hairwork can be incredibly delicate, which makes the survival of this intricate woven work all the more remarkable.
This is a wonderfully unusual example of Victorian mourning jewelry, with a fascinating combination of craftsmanship, history, and personal meaning. Definitely a piece for someone who appreciates the stranger, more intimate corners of jewelry history.
These are the kinds of pieces that really excite us.
This is an antique Victorian mourning brooch made from human hair, a fascinating form of Victorian memorial jewelry in which a loved one's hair was woven and preserved as a keepsake. The craftsmanship here is especially wonderful. The hair has been intricately woven into a narrow, tube-like form and then arranged into the shape of a bow, which is an unusual and particularly charming design.
Two small tassel-like pieces of woven hair hang from the bottom of the bow. One is missing its end cap, but the hairwork itself remains beautifully intact. The center of the bow is finished with a gold-filled element engraved with a monogram. We think it may read MPC, although the engraving is difficult to decipher, so we'll leave that one up for debate.
Considering that this brooch is around 150 years old, it is in very good condition. Pieces of Victorian hairwork can be incredibly delicate, which makes the survival of this intricate woven work all the more remarkable.
This is a wonderfully unusual example of Victorian mourning jewelry, with a fascinating combination of craftsmanship, history, and personal meaning. Definitely a piece for someone who appreciates the stranger, more intimate corners of jewelry history.
