Late Georgian Double Sided Love Knot Braided Hair Brooch

Now all but forgotten, the art of wearing mourning jewelry was once a common practice for hundreds of years. Popular in the time before photography, mourning jewelry was created to serve as a keepsake to remember a lost loved one.  Many pieces would include a lock of the deceased's hair or, later, their photograph.  This exquisite piece hails from the tail end of the Georgian period. Crafted in pinchbeck or possibly a low carat gold, this beautiful brooch features a lovely braided love knot of chestnut brown hair surrounded by a starburst of faceted black Whitby jet cabochons.  What makes this piece unusual, is that there is a second hair compartment on the back, which holds a tuft of brunette hair. Could this be a story of two lovers? The name Julia is engraved on the back.  Additional Details Date: 1830s, possibly early 1840sMaterials: Pinchbeck, Whitby jet, glass, human hair Measurements: 1.5" x 1.25" Markings: Engraved with the name Julia on the back Condition: Very GoodA few