Commemorative medaillon

1780 - 1900

Jewels containing hair may seem strange to us today, but during the Victorian period they were very much in vogue as amulets or mementos of a loved one. This medallion contains locks of hair of three different people who are identified: ‘Harry’, ‘Mother’ and ‘Gew’, which is probably an abbreviated name. In this way lovers could be kept (very literally) close to the heart.

• Places and dates

  Great-Britain, 1780? - 1900? (Production)

• Materials

  Diamond , Glass , Gold , Hair , Silver

• Category

  Jewellery

• Object number

  DMK93/3

• IPR status

  Public domain