1840s Prince of Wales Curl Hair Brooch

Hair has been a popular keepsake throughout history.  Hair is light and compact, it does not decay and it can be easily cut and woven.  The sentimental Georgians and Victorians took the hair keepsake to the next level with intricate hair paintings and finely braided hair pieces for use in lockets, bracelets and even necklace chains.  Hair was used in mourning and in love. Lovers would often gift their hair to their sweethearts, their fiancees, wives or husbands.  While other times locks of hair were kept in remembrance of the departed.   The hair is arranged in what is called a Prince of Wales feather style.  The Prince of Wales feather is a badge for the Prince of Wales that consists of three ostrich feathers that are emerging from a crown.  It was first used by Edward, the Black Prince, son of King Edward III in the 1300s.  It is thought that this design gained popularity in jewelry after Queen Victorian gave birth to her first son, Edward VII, who was created Prince of Wales in 18