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.