Antique French Hair Art Locket, Enamel Mourning Brooch, Pendant 12K Gold & Seed Pearls
VERY French in feel, with the feathers of human hair arranged inside along with gold wire, a cobalt blue frame accented further with a collar of perfect 2mm seed pearls, all in place. Possibly as early as Georgian era, but we'll stay safe with Victorian to Georgian dates (c. 1820-1850, we'd say). The piece is a fine high quality treasure from an era when the aesthetic included such heirloom mourning items, complete with plaited or braided & worked hair from a deceased family member or loved one, just as you see in this item. Pre-photography era, for the most part, these mementos might well be the only remnant of a physical nature that would evoke the memory of the person who had died. And death had its own rituals, then as now. A mourner's jewelry was determined by the length of time in mourning. Initially, only black was allowed worn, then bits of gold showing with the black, later some sedate coloration such as cobalt blue could be worn, but nothing bright or colorful until at le