Locket
1775-1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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.
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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Gold set with pearls and green glass pastes, enclosing plaited hair |
| Brief description | Gold locket with an openwork bow, set with pearls and green glass pastes, enclosing plaited hair. On the reverse a painted coronet above the monogram FE, England, 1775-1800 |
| Physical description | Gold locket with an openwork bow, set with half pearls and green glass pastes, enclosing plaited hair. On the reverse a painted coronet above the monogram FE. or EE. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'FE' or EE (monogram) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Mrs Isobel Baynes |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | 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. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.59-1950 |
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| Record created | July 19, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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