Antique Victorian Mourning Brooch. The use of hair weaving in mourning jewelry dates back to the 17th century and reached its peak in popularity during the Victorian era (1837-1901). If you look closely you can see what looks to be tiny pearls. The curl in the hair is know as, "Prince of Whales". This is because Queen Victoria herself popularized mourning jewelry after the death of her husband Prince Albert in 1861.
Often, wearing hair jewelry was seen as a form of carrying one's sentiments for the deceased.
