# Victorian hair jewelry (hairwork)

> In Victorian times hair of loved ones was woven into brooches, bracelets and lockets as jewels of affection and mourning; technique and meaning.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/victorian-hair-jewelry/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-10
- Updated: 2026-09-19
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/joyeria-de-cabello-victoriana/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Hair jewelry (hairwork) was a widespread form of keepsake in the 19th century: hair from a loved one was braided or woven and mounted in a jewel.

![Steps of the technique: Gather the hair, Prepare, Braid or weave, Mount, Protect, Store](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/cabello-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Technique

Hair was braided on a special table with bobbins, or figures were composed with fine locks (palette work) mounted under glass in brooches and lockets.

## Meaning

Pieces were of affection or mourning: given at weddings, births and farewells. See [medallions and lockets](https://www.711grados.com/en/medallions-and-lockets/).

## Today

Artists restore and recreate these pieces, and antique jewelry collectors seek them.

## Care

It is fragile: keep it away from light and humidity.

## Step by step

1. **Gather the hair.** Long, clean locks.
2. **Prepare.** Wash and dry.
3. **Braid or weave.** With bobbins or by hand.
4. **Mount.** In a frame, brooch or locket.
5. **Protect.** Under glass.
6. **Store.** Away from light and humidity.

## Tools and materials

- Weaving table with bobbins
- Fine thread and tweezers
- Frames and mounts
- Glass or resin

## Common mistakes

- Humidity that spoils it.
- Direct light: it loses color.
- Handling without gloves.
- Gluing with unsuitable adhesives.

## See also

- [Medallions and lockets](https://www.711grados.com/en/medallions-and-lockets/)
- [Kumihimo and cord braiding](https://www.711grados.com/en/kumihimo-and-braiding/)