Brooch - Victorian Mourning

A fine Victorian gold and enamel brooch with a plaited hair insert and black enamel decorated with floral and foliate motifs.  The reverse is inscribed with the names of Agnes and Sarah Robinson who died in 1845 and 1860 respectively.  The brooch measures 4cm (1.6 in) by 3cm (1.2 in).

Human hair was used extensively in both men's and women's jewellery during the Victorian era, either as tokens of affection or to remember loved ones.  The fashion for mourning jewellery ended with Queen Victoria's death in 1901.  The brooch enamel is undamaged and the brooch is in perfect condition.

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