Victorian Hair Swivel shops Brooch 1850

Victorian Brooch - Hair Swivel Type 1850

Original mid-Victorian (1850 - 1860) swivel brooch set in a lovely rope twist rolled gold mount. The back has a piece of brown leather while the front contains two different strands of interwoven hair, one brown/blonde, the other darker brown. Swivel still works well. Brooch measures 1 5/8" wide by 2" in height, with period correct tube hinge and "c" clasp closure with the pin back extending beyond the body of the brooch by 1/4", consistent with brooches of the period. I have not tried to open either side but I believe they would open if taken to a jeweler or someone with experience with these types of brooches. These swivel brooches shops were especially popular during the 1850's.

Made of rolled gold and there is some wear to the rolled gold consistent with the age of the piece. In 1817 an Englishman named John Turner discovered a technique for applying a thin layer of karat gold over base metal. He patented his discovery and entitled it: “Certain improvements in the plating of copper or brass, or a mixture of copper and brass, with pure or standard gold or gold mixed with a greater portion of alloy, and the preparation of the same for rolling into sheets.” Rolled gold jewelry was very popular during the 19th Century, but became less popular during the Edwardian era as fashions changed and jewelry became lighter and more delicate.

Take a look at my other original Victorian brooches! http://www.etsy.com/shop/victoriansentiments?section_id=7179660