Jewerlry Help - Mourning pin

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inkedpalm

Registered Guest
Hello Ladies & Gents! I've come across a few pieces of jewelry and I need help. I have purchased a few jewelry books that are recommended but nothing near what this is. I believe this is Vicorian, but in the books I cannot get a date down, there are no marks on this pin. And do the home kits for Gold really work? I haven't a clue if this is gold-tone or gold. Or should I take it to a jewelry, which in my case, doesn't seem to know much about "Vintage." I sell on eBay and haven't a clue what to ask or how much to start this at. The beveled top is glass. It doesn't have a "C" clasp, it looks like the pointy part of pin slides into a rolled piece. I know I'm showing some serious ignorance and I'm trying to study this stuff but eek I still need help! Thanks for any help!

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Oh my, aren't you lucky! That's a lovely piece of hairwork and blonde no less (valued higher), and it's beautifully plaited.

Yes, the catch appears to be missing and appears to be gold, possibly 9 or 10 karat (but am guessing from the color on this monitor, and should have it tested). Is that polish residue on the surface? Or is it wear?

It may be easiest to have it tested at a jeweler's (go to one that works and sells 'estate' jewelry if possible) *and* ask for a bench jeweler who is experienced in working with such old pieces (don't bother with these mall type gold buying places -- they're just salespeople), if you wish to have it repaired. Or you can sell it as is.

The hairwork would have to be carefully removed intact, before any soldering can be done, and then returned properly to it's place -- but this requires someone with experience. Congrats on a lovely find! :)
 
Metro! It is wear, as though it was rubbed against something of equal metal. Like I wrote I do have a jeweler so I may see what he can tell me. I'll also check into the "bench jeweler." Thank you!
Originally posted by Metro Retro Vintage
Oh my, aren't you lucky! That's a lovely piece of hairwork and blonde no less (valued higher), and it's beautifully plaited.

Yes, the catch appears to be missing and appears to be gold, possibly 9 or 10 karat (but am guessing from the color on this monitor, and should have it tested). Is that polish residue on the surface? Or is it wear?

It may be easiest to have it tested at a jeweler's (go to one that works and sells 'estate' jewelry if possible) *and* ask for a bench jeweler who is experienced in working with such old pieces (don't bother with these mall type gold buying places -- they're just salespeople), if you wish to have it repaired. Or you can sell it as is.

The hairwork would have to be carefully removed intact, before any soldering can be done, and then returned properly to it's place -- but this requires someone with experience. Congrats on a lovely find! :)
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I never knew these pins existed. How lovely. The more info the better, I don't mind veering away. :D

Originally posted by joules
Not to veer away from your lovely piece, but I thought while we were on the topic, and Laura is here.
This is my pin; I have zero recollection where I found it!
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It's beautiful Julie! And I see that it has some nice enameling as well. :)

There's been a nice resurgence of this work in Sweden mostly, over the past 20 years. The Victorian Hairwork Society hosts (or used to host) these "Hairball" events (an appropriately named 'ball', lol) -- wouldn't it be a hoot if we could all attend sometime? Maybe something for the bucket list. ;)
 
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