1526 - Antique choker made of braided hair and set with garnets

Antique choker made of braided hair and set with garnets Late Biedermeier/Early Historicism, circa 1850–1870. 585/- rose gold, unhallmarked but assayed, with braided hair. Weight: 9.7 g. Central flower-shaped decorative element with 7 faceted garnets in various sizes. Multi-strand, finely crafted braided hair with gold cuffs on the sides. L. 34.5 cm. W. 1.4 cm. In good condition. Lit.: G. Redington Dawes/O. Collings, Georgian Jewellery, cf. p. 165. Jewelry made from the locks of a loved one was considered in the 19th century to be a particularly personal expression of love, friendship, and affection. Artfully braided hair pieces enjoyed great popularity, especially during the Biedermeier period, and were worn both as gifts of love and friendship and as keepsake jewelry. This choker combines delicate braiding with a decorative, flower-shaped garnet setting and is a characteristic example of this sentimental jewelry tradition.