Item:  Sheath of Wheat Hairwork brooch 

Reference #: 5926

Status: sold

Dimensions: approx. 1 inch by 1 and 1/4 inches

Condition: excellent to near mint

Year: 1840-60

Description: Look at the beautiful workmanship of this piece.  Amazingly, the entire picture in this brooch is made of hair.  And what a lovely color the hair is! The sheath of wheat symbolized fertility so this was probably a wedding gift.  During the early to mid 1800's, in France and Belgium, it was customary for the grooms' parents to give the bride a piece of jewelry depicting the sheath of wheat motif.  Generally, the wheat motif was made from the grooms' hair.  The frame on this piece is 18kt. gold. (marked) 

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