Cowboy Kisses: Victorian Hair Jewelry

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Victorian Hair Jewelry

Not the kind you wear in your hair, the kind made from hair.

Although treasuring hair from deceased loved ones goes back to medieval times, it is more noted later starting in the 1700's. Human hair does not readily decay with the passing of time, and has qualities allowing it to last for hundreds, possibly thousands, of years.

English knights and other men, might receive lockets containing wreaths or hearts woven from their fair lady's hair.

The custom using head hair truly flourished during the Victorian era. Buyers of human hair traveled the countryside, purchasing locks often in exchange for scarves, ribbons or other small luxury objects. This hair was used by craftsmen and goldsmiths.

Below is a band of lace from human (head) hair, made as a love token and likely worn as a bracelet, ca. 1640-1680, from the collection at the Victoria & Albert museum.

But, hairwork, as it was known, was not just for the wealthy; it was a way for people from various social classes to express their grief and sentimental feelings. Eventually women of the 19th century began crafting their own hairwork at home. In America, popular magazines of the period, such as this one, and others like Godey's Lady's Book, offered printed patterns and the sale of starter kits with the necessary tools for success.

The practice is also mentioned in literature. Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1847) finds Heathcliff switching the hair from his rival Linton with his own in the locket around deceased Catherine’s neck. Now a fragment of his body will go to the grave with Catherine, to intermingle with her for all times. Of course, Heathcliff’s plan is foiled by Nelly Dean, who comes along and twines rival Linton’s lock around Heathcliff’s perpetuating the lifelong feud.

The practice to create a keepsake from your loved one's hair continues today with many websites available And you can visit Leila's Hair Museum in Independence, Missouri. https://leilashairmuseum.net/

But take care. Hair is often used when casting spells!