Hair Jewelry
Though hair jewelry existed as early as the 1600s, it was not until the mid-19th Century that it became widespread in the United States. Hair could be fashioned into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, brooches and watch fobs. Women made their own jewelry at home but companies also produced and sold hair jewelry commercially.
Many pieces of hair jewelry were made by women to give as tokens of love to family and friends. These pieces were prized for both their beauty and the personal nature of the gift.
Most pieces of hair jewelry were made using a weaving technique called table work. Strands of hair were attached to bobbins that hung from a small round table with a hole in the center and were woven into intricate patterns. Often a rod or form was used to keep the work a uniform shape.
 Hair BroochKnotted hair brooch with three beads in the center and two acorn drops, made by P. Moller, Manufacturer of Goldware and Ornamental Hairwork, c. 1855, 2"x2 1/2" |
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 Hair BroochBow shaped hair brooch with three acorn drops, mid-19th Century, 2 1/4"x2 1/2" |
 Hair BraceletBraided hair bracelet with six different colors of hair and ornate clasp, mid-19th Century, 1"x8 1/2" |
 Hair NecklaceTable work "beaded" hair necklace with cross pendant, mid-19th Century, 16"long, 2"x1 1/2" cross |
 Detail of Hair NecklaceDetail of table work "beaded" hair necklace with cross pendant, mid-19th Century, 16"long, 2"x1 1/2" cross |