“Mourning jewellery is a singular, emotional manifestation of grief, recollection, and cultural rituals within the substantial fabric of historical artefacts. This style of jewellery, which dates back to the Victorian era, combines intricate craftsmanship with the nuanced feelings associated with loss to create a concrete representation of sorrow. These elaborate creations, made of materials such as black jet, onyx, and even woven human hair, are testaments to the grim craftsmanship that arose in the face of loss. […] Mourning jewellery was an essential component of Victorian-era culture as it allowed people to express their grief and memorize loved ones […] rings, brooches, and lockets.
[…] Human hair has been incorporated into jewellery since at least the seventeenth century. Around that time, the hair of the dear departed began to be incorporated into memento mori pieces, as a wearable remembrance of those who had gone before. […] gifts were exchanged between friends and relatives. Although hair jewellery had been worn before 1861, Queen Victoria's usage of it following the passing of her husband, Prince Albert, revived and increased its appeal. Due to Queen Victoria's loss, jewellery designs changed from modest memories and symbols of affection to more dramatic and solemn mourning jewellery that featured the hair of a deceased loved one.”
— Alexander Lappin Mackay; “Victorian Mourning Hair Jewellery (1840-1900)” (2024)
