This rare and unique bracelet is created from three strands of braided hair. It is fastened with an oval clasp, which is decorated with cannetille. The back of the clasp is engraved with the text 'Wed. H.' which is Dutch is short for 'Widow H.', likely referring to the person who either created the bracelet, and/or supplied the hair.
Before the invention of photography, most people did not have a lasting image of their loved ones. Painted portraits were expensive, especially when made by skilled artists. If a loved one died or simply moved across the country, people turned to other mementos to keep a tangible memory.
Hair does not deteriorate easily, and its colour can bring back treasured memories. Therefore in both the 18th and 19th centuries, creating hair jewellery was very popular, and not only exclusively used in mourning jewels.
Skilled hair weavers could be hired to create these jewels, but ladies' magazines also published instructions how to create them at home, in several levels of difficulty.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 16 cm or 6.25 inches long.
Weight: 4.65 grams
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1810s.
Material and hallmarks: The clasp is hallmarked with a lion's head for 18k gold, used in the Netherlands between 1814 and 1905. It also carries the hallmark 'NT' in a shield for Nicolaas ten Velden, a goldsmith from Amsterdam who operated between 1812 and 1821.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.