Petite Victorian Book Locket with Hair

The 1860s brought about a number of pivotal changes affecting nearly all matters of Victorian life both at home and abroad.

What began as a decade of high hopes and promise for the future quickly dissolved into a period defined by death and grief.

In England, the 20-year Romantic Period came to an abrupt end following the untimely death of Queen Victoria's beloved husband, Prince Albert. This devastating loss thrust not only the bereaved queen but also the country into a period of deep mourning.

Meanwhile in the US, the first shots of the Civil War were fired setting up what would become America's bloodiest war culminating in 750,000 lives lost.

With so much death surrounding every day life, it became even more important for women to have a personal reminder of their loved ones. Perfect for concealing a tin type or lock of hair, lockets became an important fashion accessory of the era.

However, it is important to remember that not every locket filled with hair is a mourning piece. Hair work also was used as a sentimental keepsake -- a way to keep the person you love close to you at all times, even when they are still present in this world. 

Often, there are tell-tale signs that help us determine whether a piece is mourning or sentimental, but sometimes it is impossible to tell. Sadly, there are no discerning motifs or engravings to give us any information about this piece. 

This sweet, petite locket is in the shape of a book and contains two pieces of woven hair work under glass. Though they are similar in color, it is unknown if they are from the same person.

We have included a page from the "A. Bernhard & Co. Catalogue, 1870 Manufacturers of Diamond Work & Ornamental Hair Jewelry" catalog with a similar example.

Locket comes on a new gold-filled chain.