I don’t usually make a separate note when I write selections of jewellery at auctions. But the mourning pieces offered by Sotheby’s on 11 June in London are so remarkable in their quality and state of preservation that I could not leave them out. Add to this the rarity of these objects, which date from the late 17th century.
And choosing a piece to show you was impossible, so I decided to devote an article to this set. I also take the opportunity to refer you to an article written on the site concerning these atypical jewels, unfortunately unknown, and more particularly the use of hair in the jewel.
Lot 211: Mourning barrette, gold, hair and rock crystal. An inscription “I rest” completes the piece. Circa 1690, estimated at £1000-1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 212: A gold, hair and rock-crystal mourning clip. Circa 1690, inscribed with the phrase Men.Lo.Mori and the initials P.C. Estimate £1000-1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 213: A gold, hair and rock crystal mourning bar. The inscription G.P ob: 26 Janu: 85 dates the coin to 1685. Estimated at £1000-1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 214: A gold, hair, rock crystal and garnet mourning brooch. Circa 1705, inscribed Mat & Novemr 1705. Estimated at £1000-£1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 215: A gold, hair and rock crystal mourning brooch. Circa 1690, estimated at £1000-1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 216: A gold, silver, fine pearls, hair and rock crystal mourning brooch with the initials R.R. Circa 1690. Estimated £1,500-2,000. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 217: A gold, hair and rock crystal mourning pendant with the initials A.O. on one side and J.H. on the other. Circa 1690. Estimate £1000-1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 218: A gold, hair and rock crystal mourning brooch with the initials M.S. and the inscription borne March 19 day 97 years dyed may 27 99 years. Circa 1690, estimated at £1000-1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 219: A gold, hair and rock crystal mourning brooch with the initials J.D. and the inscription dyed October 16th 1695. Estimated at £1000-1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 220: A brooch and ring set, circa 1690, gold, hair and rock crystal, inscriptions almost illegible. Estimated at £1000-£1500. Photo: Sotheby’s
Lot 221: A gold necklace composed of various gold, hair and rock crystal mourning medallions. Late 17th and 18th century. Probably assembled in the 19th century. Is it a family piece or an assemblage, difficult to say. Estimated at £3000-5000. Photo: Sotheby’s
See you soon!
