Early Victorian Stretch Hair Bracelet with Decorative 15ct Gold Turquoise Findings

An exquisite antique braided hair stretch bracelet from the early Victorian era, c1847. Inscribed "D Guthrie, Dec 1ST 1847" this endearing bracelet is made of human hair, along with a 15ct gold mount and pendant. Beautiful hand engraved flowers and swirl flourishes decorate the front of the gold findings, and vibrant blue turquoise cabochon stones accent each centre. The reverse of the pendant reveals a plait of human hair behind a hand-cut bevel edge glass.

The stretch dark blonde colour hair bracelet is masterly made in hollow form with open weave. It has remarkable elasticity, allowing it to be worn on a child's wrist, or large adult wrist. The 19th century expertly made hair work (tablework) pattern was known as the 'double elastic bracelet braid'  - pattern seen in Mark Campbells Hair Work book.

*Online research (via the British Newspaper Archive) has discovered that D.Guthrie was more than likely David Guthrie who died on December 1st 1847 at the age of 92 years. He was a much-respected gentleman perfumer and keeper of the book box in the theatre. He lived at Summerhill Terrace, Newcastle (England) with his wife (Ephan) and they had a number of children together. The hair of the bracelet and within the pendant are no doubt from Guthrie family members, with this piece serving as a much-cherished memento.