Unusual Artifacts: Victorian Hair Jewelry

A Victorian Memorial Locket
Hair set behind Stuart Crystal
Gold, Enamel and Pearls with a Watercolor Background
Victoria & Albert Museum

Hair lasts a long time. In fact, when treated properly, human hair can remain uncompromised forever. The ever-lasting nature of hair fascinated our Victorian counterparts who in a world prior to widespread photography, were always in search of enduring personal mementos and physical reminders of loved ones. While locks of hair were given as romantic gifts as a sweet memento, most often hair was employed in memorial art and jewelry. Hair was removed from the deceased and incorporated into intricate designs. Some artists devoted themselves entirely to working with human hair—promising that all of the hair would be returned and that there would be no mixing of other people’s hair into the work. Large wreaths were created out of braided hair which was twisted and sculpted into flowers, leaves and other natural shapes. These odd sculptures were framed in shadowboxes so that they could last for eternity. However, the most common use of human hair was in memorial jewelry.





Georgian Memorial Ring
The Three Graces

 

When a loved one died, common practice dictated that during (and after) the period of mourning, the living would wear reminders of the deceased. Special memorial rings of black enamel, onyx or jet were crafted which bore the name of the departed and their date of death. Within these rings, a lock of hair was set behind Stuart crystal.

More intricate and interesting were the pieces of jewelry made entirely of wound and braided hair. Items such as the brooch below were lasting bits of the physicality of the deceased. While we view these objects with modern disgust, we must remember that death was something that was a large part of home life during the time period. Even when the services were directed by a mortician, the deceased remained in the home for the viewing and funeral. Our Nineteenth Century equals didn’t have the scientific distance from death that we do today. Therefore, keeping a simple reminder of their departed loved one seemed quite natural to them.

English Hairwork and Gold Mourning Brooch, 1842
Victoria & Albert Museum

Hair art and jewelry is really quite fascinating. If you have any in your family or your personal collection, I’d love to hear your comments.