Victorian Mourning Hairwork Brooch with Bubble Glass and Seed pearl Halo in Gold

Here is a poignant and beautiful piece of sentimental hair jewelry. This little mourning brooch is a wonderful example of pallet-worked hair. Two flourishes of auburn brown hair lie flat on an iridescent abalone ground. The hair is expertly arranged with a nod to the "prince of wales" style of pallet work. Small decorative hash marks made of hair fill the negative space of the ground. The glass is convex and bubble-like. A halo of creamy seed pearls frames the brooch. On the reverse is a pin with a tube hinge and a unique early type of safety clasp used in Europe's late Victorian era- it's very cool and secure! This excellent, high-quality piece of Victorian hair jewelry demonstrates beautiful craftsmanship. Ready to wear, gift, or collect.

DETAILS

Size: 1.4in (36mm) wide, 1.2in tall (30mm)

Metal: No hallmarks, tests around 14k gold 11.23g

Victorian / 1800s 

CONDITION This piece is over 100 years old and does show some age-related wear. There is a slight wiggle in the bubble glass however it is secure. Pearls are in overall nice condition with a few small abrasions seen in the photos. Overall a lovely and well preserved piece of Victorian mourning jewelry. 

Our inventory features Vintage, Antique & Estate Jewelry. This means these treasures are pre-loved and may show signs of age-related wear. As part of our commitment to your positive experience, a professional jeweler inspects and provides a condition report on each piece along side our photos. Our jewelry team is happy to provide additional images or details on request.