Victorian turquoise mourning brooch

Victorian turquoise mourning brooch in 10 karats gold. This charming brooch contains a lock of braided hair in a compartment, protected by a beveled glass on the front as well as on the reverse. A stylized braid pattern decorated with half pearls and turquoise cabochons surrounds the compartment, central and important part of the jewel. Second half of the 19th century, Victorian period.

The compartment can be opened, the current strand of hair can be removed on request to put in a new one. 

Dimensions: 19 x 26 mm

Note: the pin is made of metal.
Condition: scratches

Weight: 4.75 gr

Hair jewellery was very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Jewellery with compartments made it possible to keep a lock of hair of a lover or a missing person (later it will be the photograph). It can be a medallion or a ring for example.  There are also jewels made from hair, such as necklaces, chains, bracelets and rings. These hair jewels are worked like textiles: they are woven, embroidered, twisted. A whole craft industry developed around this new fashion, which lasted until the end of the 19th century.

**The jewellery is cleaned, the lock of hair in the locket can be removed on request**.