Product Details

FROM THE C. Jeanenne Bell Collection, who appeared on Antiques Roadshow and authored several jewelry books, including Collector's Encyclopedia of Hairwork Jewelry. A certified appraiser and jewelry dealer, and one of the top experts on hairwork jewelry. THIS ONE DOES NOT HAVE GAPS IN THE HAIR BUT THE HAIR IS FRINGED THROUGHOUT. THE PEARL OR OPAL AND GARNETS ARE IN TACT. Antique Victorian mourning jewelry necklace features a meticulously hand-braided human hair strand in a warm auburn shade. This sentimental piece is secured with ornate rose gold-tone metal fittings, including a central decorative slide and a hook-and-eye clasp. The central barrel-shaped slide is embellished with delicate engraving and small inset stones, likely rubies and a seed pearl or diamond, characteristic of the era's craftsmanship. As a genuine historical artifact, the braided hair shows some flyaways and natural wear consistent with its age, preserving its authentic character as a piece of memento mori. Measurements: • Length: 14.5" Material: Human Hair, Metal Style: Mourning Jewelry Era: Victorian Color: Auburn, Rose Gold Closure: Hook and Eye Pattern: Braided Texture: Woven Accent: Engraved Slide Stone: Ruby, Seed Pearl Origin: Antique Keywords: Memento Mori, Sentimental Jewelry, Civil War Era, Gothic Aesthetic, Curiosities, Oddities, Hairwork, Handcrafted, Romanticism, Historical Artifact, Keepsake, Macabre, Folk Art, Collector Item, Rare Find