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 half pearls, silk |
| Brief description | Gold locket with a frame set with pearls enclosing a silk ground for the insertion of hair, England, 1775-1800 |
| Physical description | Gold locket with a frame set with half pearls enclosing a silk ground for the insertion of hair |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Part of a group of memorial and mourning jewels bought from Dr Marco Guastalla, acting on behalf of 'an English lady residing in Italy' (museum numbers 846-1888 to 989-1888) |
| 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 | 951-1888 |
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| Record created | August 22, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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