Antique French "don d'amitié" Friendship Mourning Hair Ring c. 1860
Antique French "don d'amitié" Friendship Mourning Hair Ring c. 1860
In the early 1800s sentimental jewelry began to become popular in France. Often this sentimental jewelry was crafted from the expertly braided hair of a loved one. This could be after the death, in which case the piece was used as mourning jewelry, or it could also be from an important living person as a means to feel closer to them. For example, a daughter might wear a bracelet with the hair of her mother after she moves away through marriage. Shops and artisans specialized in making this special jewelry, which was often very ornate. Sometimes mourning rings crafted from hair were handed out to attendees at a person's funeral.
While the use of black enamel indicates this ring could be a mourning ring, it is sometimes difficult to determine with certainty if the piece was crafted while the giver was still living or deceased. We can guess it was crafted around 1860 and bears the inscription "don d'amitié" or "gift of friendship". In other words, it is an old fashioned friendship ring which has traversed the ages and been preciously kept. A rare and beautiful relic with a touching sentiment, I've always been partial to hair jewelry even as it's fallen out of fashion today for the connection it gives us with the past and the universal desire for love and affection it represents.
CONDITION NOTES:
The enamel is in very good condition for age though there are few loose pieces of hair on the band which don't affect the strength of construction of the piece. The ring is well attached to the gold and sewn into the sides so the seams will not come apart.
Material: 18k gold, enamel, hair
Weight: 0.8 g
Period: Napoleon III c. 1860
Size: 56 FR or 8 US
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