A very attractive antique Victorian mourning / remembrance Albert chain, finely made from tightly woven human hair with ornate gold-tone metal fittings.
Hair jewellery became particularly fashionable during the Victorian period as a deeply personal form of mourning and remembrance jewellery, allowing a lock of hair from a loved one to be preserved and worn as a sentimental keepsake.
This example has a substantial braided construction with decorative terminal fittings, a large spring-ring / bolt-style watch fitting to one end and a smaller hook / clasp fitting to the other. An additional decorative gold-tone connector is positioned along the woven chain.
The workmanship is lovely, with the hair intricately braided into a strong rounded cord and the fittings decorated with scrolling and classical-style detail.
Albert chains were commonly worn with pocket watches, and hair-work examples carried an additional emotional significance, often commemorating a relative, spouse or loved one.
Presented in good antique condition overall with expected signs of age and use.
The woven hair remains largely intact and structurally sound, although there is some fraying and loose hair fibres in places, particularly around sections of the braid and fittings.
The metal components show general surface wear, rubbing, tarnishing and age-related patination. The gold-tone finish has some wear consistent with considerable age.
The fittings remain present and the piece displays very well, but as antique hair work can become fragile over time, it should be handled with care.
No restoration or cleaning has been attempted.
Sold as seen.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and condition report.
A particularly evocative piece for collectors of Victorian mourning jewellery, hair work, Albert chains, pocket watch accessories and sentimental jewellery.
International shipping is available through eBay’s Global Shipping Programme. Any customs duties or import charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
The chain will be carefully supported and placed within a jewellery box before being securely packed to avoid unnecessary stress to the antique woven hair.
Please complete payment within 48 hours unless prior arrangements have been made.
I regularly list Victorian mourning jewellery, hair-work pieces, Albert chains, antique watch accessories and other unusual sentimental jewellery.