What is a hair mourning brooch?

A hair mourning brooch is a commemorative jewel that incorporates real human hair, arranged in intricate patterns behind a glass panel, set within a gold or silver frame. These pieces were commissioned to remember deceased family members, serving as deeply personal tokens of grief and remembrance during the Georgian era.

How do I tell paste from real stones?

Paste is hand-cut glass rather than a mined gemstone, often identifiable by tiny bubbles under magnification and foil backings placed beneath the stone to boost colour. In eighteenth-century pieces, paste was valued for its own decorative qualities and was worked with the same care as precious gems.

How should I wear an antique brooch?

Antique brooches suit heavy woollen lapels, collars, scarves or velvet ribbons, though their pin mechanisms require careful handling due to their age. Because many carry delicate hairwork or painted surfaces, they need protection from sharp impacts and moisture during wear.