An authentic late Victorian woven hairwork child's mourning bracelet, dating to circa 1890 (a design period matching examples held in the London Museum collection).

The bracelet features a thick, tubular hollow-woven human hair band terminated by an engraved gold rectangular box clasp displaying delicate floral and scrollwork motifs.

Suspended from the clasp is an engraved heart-shaped locket pendant featuring an ornate scrollwork front and a glass rear compartment. There are visible long straight grains inside the heart pendant locket, though due to age-related foxing on the glass, the hair cannot be fully confirmed.

During the Victorian era, children were expected to fully participate in mourning culture and rituals. Bracelets of this small scale were worn by children containing the hair of a deceased parent or sibling as a poignant token of remembrance.

Tested between 9ct and 14ct gold purity. The piece stands as a historical keepsake of Victorian mourning etiquette and memento mori ("remember you must die").

Structurally sound and intact for its age. The hair is secure in the clasp, with a small section of loose hair fibers near the front rim of the clasp consistent with age.

The gold clasp and heart locket display a warm aged patina with natural coppery undertones, and the internal clasp mechanism remains secure.