An authentic mid-Victorian antique hairwork cabochon panel, dating to circa 1850. Crafted during the height of the Victorian mourning and sentimental jewellery movement, this piece features an intricate multi-tonal hair arrangement of Prince of Wales curls and coiled plumes in blonde, chestnut, and dark brown shades. Bound at the center with a fine twisted gold-toned wire knot and a natural seed pearl accent, set over an opaque light backing plate. As an item of memento mori ("remember you must die"), it stands as a poignant historical keepsake of family remembrance and love.

The reverse retains its original smooth pale backing. As a loose, unmounted mid-19th-century focal insert, this piece lacks a glass cover or outer metal casing. It is an ideal rare surviving cabochon for bench jewelers, antique jewellery restoration, custom bezel setting, or displaying in a cabinet of curiosities.

Good antique condition for its age. The multi-tonal hair arrangement, gold wire, and seed pearl detail remain intact, though there are a few light, loose stray hair strands along the surface as expected for an unmounted, uncased 19th-century survival.

Dimensions

• Height: 2.6 cm

• Width: 1.9 cm

This piece would suit lovers of authentic mid-Victorian mourning jewellery, dark academia style, antique hairwork cabochons, memento mori curiosities, or historic jewellery restoration.