Hair jewelry became especially popular during the Victorian era (1837–1901), a time when elaborate mourning rituals were deeply ingrained in society. After the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, mourning practices became even more formalized, and hair jewelry emerged as a way to remember and honor deceased loved ones. Victorians often used hair, prized for its durability, to create intricate brooches, lockets, rings, and bracelets as keepsakes. This craft, known as “hairwork,” involved weaving or braiding hair into detailed patterns, sometimes incorporating gemstones or precious metals. Hair jewelry served as a sentimental reminder of the deceased, reflecting the era’s emphasis on family and remembrance.
