Antique 1880s Victorian Mourning Brooch Woven Hair Two Styles Gold Tone & Black C-Clasp
Circa 1880s, Victorian Era.
Unsigned & unmarked for metal content.
Antique mourning brooch containing woven hair, either from two different people or from one person at different stages of their life.
Brooch is most likely gold filled, as was much of the jewelry during the Victorian Era. Beveled glass cover holds in hair.
Hair art originated in 17th Century England, as a practice to mourn and commemorate the dead. The Victorian era saw hair art's boom in popularity from 1837 – 1901, with it becoming a staple of mourning fashion at the time, and Victorians becoming the centre point of this sentimental art form.
Brooch measures approximately 1.7 inches long by 1.3 inches wide.
Pin needle sticks out further than brooch & measures approximately 1.55 inches long.
Appears to have been converted to a pendant at some point, as there is also a cut bail on the back of the brooch as well.
In good condition. Has some minor wear & tarnishing, as expected with age. This brooch is over 130 years old! Please see all photos.