Very Rare Hairwork Necklace with Fede Hands Clasp and Garnet and Gold Pendant: This is a professionally woven hair chain to make the necklace. The Clasp is of 12 karat Gold and is the “Fede” hands which mean Hands in Trust. The Gold pendant at the ends of the hairwork chain is hollowware set with rose cut Garnets in the design of a “Forget –Me-Knot” flower which means “Remembrance”.
"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 necklace is 20 ½ inches long and can be worn. This date is about 1850 as to the background. This came from Atlanta Georgia and is in excellent condition. This necklace is a special treasure of a lost art of hair weaving.