Antique Georgian Hairwork Bracelet

An exceptional late Georgian bracelet, dating from around 1830, crafted in 18K gold and intricately set with plaited panels of chestnut-brown hair. Each of the rectangular links features fine crosshatched hairwork under recessed gold frames with chased foliate borders—remarkable both for their precision and their preservation.

Hairwork jewellery reached the height of its complexity and popularity in the early 19th century. These sentimental pieces were often created as tokens of love and remembrance—gifts from mothers to children, lovers to each other, or in memory of those who had passed. Unlike Victorian mourning jewellery, Georgian hairwork was not always funereal; it could just as easily symbolise affection and devotion.

The clasp of this bracelet displays a particularly touching detail: a section of unbraided hair preserved beneath a later-added glass panel, offering a rare glimpse into the original material before it was woven—a testament to the deeply personal nature of the piece.

This bracelet measures 15 cm in length, with each link measuring approximately 1 cm north to south. It weighs 6.91 grams. The gold has been tested as 18K, and the tongue clasp bears a French owl hallmark, confirming it as imported (from England) with a minimum fineness of 18 karats.

A beautifully preserved piece of early 19th century sentimental jewellery, showcasing the enduring artistry and emotional depth of Georgian hairwork.