Ring
PeriodCirca 1840 - 1870
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumGold, human hair, horsehair
ClassificationsAccessories, Women's
Credit LineGift of Margaret and Marietta Church, 1934
Object number658
DescriptionA memorial or mourning ring, of woven human hair with horsehair support, featuring a gold bar with scroll engraving and a central bezel with topped with glass, revealing a plaited oval of blonde hair.Curatorial RemarksHair jewelry attained great popularity in the mid 19th century. Human hair, often interwoven with horsehair fibers for additional strength, was used to create rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watchchains, and other personal accessories. This particular ring is made of human hair which forms the band itself, as well as a finely braided oval of light-colored hair beneath a glass bezel.NotesThis delicate woven hair ring was donated to the Association by sisters and Freehold residents Margaret and Marietta Church. According to a Matawan Journal newspaper article on October 19, 1934, "a hair ring, 1860...was given by the Misses Margaret and Marietta Church of Freehold." Although the original owner of the ring is unknown, it most likely descended either through the family of the sisters' father, William Church, or their mother Rachel Woolley Church's family.
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