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Pendant
Unknown - Enlarge image
Pendant
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
1796 (dated)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Gold with plaited hairwork with a diamond band on blue glass with seed pearls
- Credit Line:
Transferred to the V&A from the National Portrait Gallery
- Museum number:
M.7-1958
- Gallery location:
Jewellery, room 91 mezzanine, case 81, shelf D5, box 10
The architect Sir William Chambers who is commemorated by this jewel was born in Sweden. The Vasa crest ( the wheatsheaf ) is associated with the Swedish Royal family.
Hair had long been important in sentimental jewellery, but during the 18th century it took on a new prominence. It could now form the centrepiece of a jewel, arranged in complicated motifs or as plain, woven sections. Tiny fragments of hair could even be incorporated into delicate paintings. Some designs were made by professionals, but many women chose to work the hair of loved ones themselves, using gum to secure their creations.
Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship indicate their great social importance.
