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UNCOMMON DAGUERREOTYPE BRACELET VICTORIAN HAIR JEWELRY
It is quite rare to find a portrait daguerreotype mounted in a bracelet. This bracelet is also an excellent example of an American Victorian era woven-hair mourning bracelet. The measurement of this lovely bracelet is 1.00" wide and 6.25" in length. The bracelet is woven out of brown hair, apparently the hair of the middle-aged woman pictured in the tiny daguerreotype (quite possibly the photograph is of a MOTHER and the bracelet was made for / by her DAUGHTER). It appears to have been made circa 1852.
This bracelet is a wonderful example of what is now called "hair jewelry."
“The Victorians often fashioned the hair of a distant or departed loved one into an intimate jewel. Popular during the early and middle Victorian periods, hair jewelry was used for both sentimental purposes, as well as in mourning. Family members, friends and lovers, gave sentimental jewelry so that they would remember each other when they were apart. Similarly, mourning jewelry was worn to memorialize a deceased loved one.”
Close up photos of the clasp shows the intricate hand-engraved scroll design details. The quality of the hinge connecting the clasp and the portrait fitting allows the wearer to fasten and unfasten the bracelet without putting undue strain on the delicate hair work. The Victorian jeweler's attention to detail was remarkable. Hinges, clasp and guard chain are in working order. Woven hair is not damaged or broken, but is loosely woven and the ends of strands protrude (see scan). Each strand of hair is carefully braided to add to an intricate geometric design and texture.
“The art of creating jewels and objets d'art from woven hair was often passed from mother to daughter and is now all but lost. Imagine the patience, skill and time required to create these charming miniature masterpieces.”
“Whether fashioned by a home crafter or professionally by a hair weaver or a jewelry maker, hair jewelry was the height of the romanticism and sentiment that characterized the Victorian era. Many pieces were done as mourning pieces or "momento mori" ("remember you must die").”
The daguerreotype portrait is relatively un-obscured and in good condition with little tarnish. There is one scratch on the beveled cover glass (see scan).
Most examples of mourning jewelry from the mid-nineteenth century has been separated from the identity of its owners. However, the original owner of this hair bracelet (or possibly the woman in the daguerreotype) is identified as “AUNT JANE ADRIENCE—Great, Great Aunt” written out in blue ink on a 5.5 x 9” sheet of writing paper circa 1920(?). This paper also lists other pieces of the family’s hair & mourning jewelry no longer extant (see scan).
Buyer pays $5.00 postage & handling in US, plus USPS insurance.
VA residents add 5% sales tax to selling price.
Price= $950.00
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