This is a quality hairwork brooch which the gold work is handmade of 18 karat yellow gold and the Crystal is the original one on the brooch and in fine condition.
The back of the brooch has fabric to all more hair or a photo when the brooch is opened and has the original T-bar pin and C-clasp. This type of construction shows quality in the design of the brooch to hold the hair. The brooch is from Pennsylvania and is circa dated to 1850.
Information on Hairwork:
"Hair jewelry functioned as a keepsake of the dead and as a memento mori, a reminder that death was an ever-present possibility; the wearer was constantly reminded that she should lead a good life because death could strike without warning. Often a wearer would add more hair pieces to a glass-covered brooch when additional relatives or friends passed away. Hair jewelry was not always worn to commemorate the dead; lovers also wore pieces made from the couple’s hair."
Reference is from HISTORY OF HAIR JEWELRY IN VICTORIAN AMERICA
The hair work in this brooch is a work of art and made by a master in the art. It is hair from at least three different family member’s hair and their initials are also made of hair the initials which are in the hairwork are “AVJ” “CVJ” and “JVJ” and all in this one brooch. The size is 1 ½ inches tall and 1 ¾ inches wide. The brooch and Hairwork are in excellent condition and a work of Art!