• Title
  Necklet believed to be made from Elizabeth Cook's hair
• Call number
  SAFE/R 220
  
• Level of description
  fonds
• Type of material
  Objects
• Reference code
  457957
• Issue Copy
  Digitised
• Physical Description
  1 necklace - hair, and possibly copper or brass - 92 cm
  
• Scope and Content
  Necklace, said to be made from Elizabeth Cook's hair, fastened with 9 tubular metal findings and a metal clasp, possibly copper or brass.
• Copying Conditions
  Out of copyright:
  Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
• General note
  
  The popularity of hair jewellery began in the seventeenth century with the custom of distributing mourning rings containing the deceaseds hair. This developed into another form of commemorative jewellery, known as 'hairwork' which was popular from the middle of the eighteenth century. Hair was often strengthened with horse hair and woven and plaited into ropes which was then secured with gold findings and worn as necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings. Sources: Victorian Jewelry : unexplored treasuers by Ginny Redington Dawes and Corinne Davidov. New York : Abbeville Press, 1991 (NQ 739.2709034/1) The story of jewelry by J. Anderson Black. New York : William Morrow and Company, 1974 (EQ 739.2709/BLA)
  It is unknown when and for what occasion this necklet was made. The hair manufacturer is also unknown.
  Digital order no:a9281001
• Conservation note
  
  Small piece broken off approximately 7 cm in length
• Subject
  Cook, Elizabeth, 1742-1835.
  Hair.
  Hairwork jewelry--Great Britain
  Personal belongings.
  
• Exhibited in
  
  Possessed : an exhibition of treasures - State Library of New South Wales (4 March - 29 June, 1997)
  Convict love tokens : the leaden hearts the convicts left behind - Powerhouse Museum
• Open Rosetta viewer
  IE3242583

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