This rare and unique set of bracelets are made from woven hair. The pinchbeck clasps are decorated with an enamel plaque, one depicting a male, and the other a female dancer in medieval-revival attire. Based on their design, it is likely that these braceletd were made in Germany or Austria.
In the early 19th Century, it was trendy to wear pairs of bracelets, each on one wrist, but most pairs have been separated over time. It is therefore quite rare to find a set of bracelets!
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. 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.
A similar set of bracelets can be found in 'Schmuck, Klassizismus und Biedermeier 1780-1850, Brigitte Marquardt, München, 1983, p. 202.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: Each bracelet is a bit flexible and is a maximum of 17.5 cm long.
Weight: combined 38 grams
Age: 19th Century, circa 1840s.
Condition: In good antique condition with 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.