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Victorians were very sentimental. In addition to being beautiful, much of the jewelry they wore had symbolic or personal meanings. Jewelry could express something about their feelings, and making hairwork jewelry from the hair of loved ones as a way to honor and remember them was as popular as crocheting is today. The hair was prepared by boiling it for 15 minutes, sorting it into lengths, and dividing it into strands containing about 25 hairs each. When the hair jewelry was complete, it was sent to the jeweler, who would add beautiful clasps and precious stones like rubies and even diamonds.

This bracelet may have been made from the hair of the owner’s children, or it could have been made as mourning jewelry, meaning it was made from the hair of a loved one who had died. Today some people think of snakes as sneaky and as symbols of evil, but during the Victorian era, snakes represented eternal love. In fact, Queen Victoria herself was very fond of snake jewelry.

Classroom Ideas

Discussion: What do you think about this piece of jewelry? Would you like to wear it? Why would jewelry made of their hair be considered a way to remember or honor loved ones? What are some other American customs involving hair? (Examples: putting a lock of hair in a locket, cutting long hair and donating it to be made into a hairpiece for a cancer patient.) View links from the web site listed below to find out about contemporary hair jewelry. Why would jewelry made of hair appeal to people today?

Discuss the symbolism of the snake. What are some other symbols that have been interpreted differently by different groups of people or during different time periods?

Activity: Using any type of materials available, design and make jewelry using a symbol you find positive.

Note: This image also relates to social studies content, particularly how language, music, art, dress, food, stories, and folk tales help define culture and may be shared among various groups, as well as how culture is influenced by language, literature, arts, beliefs, and behaviors and may result in unique perspectives.

Links

Find additional information about hair jewelry and links to contemporary hairwork jewelry makers at the Victorian Hairwork Society web site.
[www.hairworksociety.org]