Pendant
1746 (dated)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship, such as this jewell, indicate their great social importance.
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 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.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Enamelled gold set with an emerald and garnets, enclosing hair under rock crystal |
Brief description | Enamelled gold pendant, set with an emerald and garnets, enclosing hair under rock crystal, inscribed Prudence Fixes Me Octr 15th the back engraved Have My Friendship for Ever Aug 16 1746, England, dated 1746 |
Physical description | Enamelled gold pendant, set with an emerald and garnets, enclosing hair under rock crystal, inscribed Prudence Fixes Me Octr 15th the back engraved Have My Friendship for Ever Aug 16 1746 |
Dimensions |
|
Marks and inscriptions |
|
Credit line | Given by Dame Joan Evans |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship, such as this jewell, indicate their great social importance. 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. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.120-1962 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | July 19, 2006 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest