Antique Georgian Era Hair Mourning Locket, 3″ in 12k Gold Frame

With that beautiful old mat of cobalt blue glass still fully intact, along with the original plaiting of hair on one side and ornately arranged ‘sheaves of wheat’ made of hair on the other side, this opulent large 12k gold framed mourning pendant or locket is a stunning example of the genre. While it is not completely free of flaws, it is remarkably well preserved for its age and type. The frame is substantial, as noted, and is tested and confirmed at 12k solid gold. There is not a bit of damage to report on the frame, which is hinged on one side to allow easy access to the interior, in case someone might ever wish to restore the tiny seed pearl monogram or even to trade out the original hair memento with something more meaningful to one’s own family. This type of large locket-style frame would have been hung from a wall hook, but also could be (and were typically) worn on a long black velvet or silk ribbon in mourning (see our final image for examples). The 1700s to earliest 1800 piece is of finest quality, and would have represented a family of substantial means. We have no indication now, however, to whom it once belonged, or whose hair lies within. If only it could tell us its story!

Very good condition for age and type. There are no dents or losses to the beautiful old 12k solid gold frame or inner mat, and hinge and closure are both firm and perfect, as well. All the cover glass and the thick cobalt blue glass mat remain in excellent condition without damage or loss. The only 2 minor flaws to be noted are the disruption of the ancient seed pearl monogram that lies across the plaited hair on the locket’s one side, and, second, the backing for the sheaves of wheat hair ornament on the other side has been broken and is missing part of that opalescent glass backing toward the top of the arrangement. Not terribly easy to notice, but we’ve done our best to photograph it for your examination. A fabulous piece!