I have a long-held fascination with Victorian hair art and mourning jewelry, and this piece is full of amazing details. In the 19th Century Europe and the United States, it was extremely popular to use the hair of loved ones (both deceased and living) for jewelry, and decorative objects, such a wreathes. While she famously grieved her husband Prince Albert's death for 40 years, Queen Victoria often wore a around her neck. This specific piece is made of solid 10k gold, with black enamel and seed pearls centering upon a window of braided hair. I love how beautifully woven the hair is in this brooch, making it a really fine example of hair art from this era. The majority of Victorian hair jewelry was not mourning jewelry, but rather tokens of love for the living; this piece, however, is a mourning brooch (we can tell from the black enamel) and would have been used to commemorate a lost love one. It would have been most commonly worn to fasten a lace shawl at the collar. It is finished with a pin back but can also be worn as a pendant on a chain, as shown here. Note that it can be worn on most chains, but you have the option to add a if you would like. I particularly love it on the pictured, which is also available. The pictured is also available. 

Great antique condition. There is a minuscule chip in the enamel, which is not noticeable unless closely inspected.  With any questions about the specific condition or size, please email [email protected] for additional photos or measurements, as all sales are final.

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