Tiger Claw Necklace

Tiger Claw Necklace
India, c. 1865

 In Nineteenth Century India, a tiger’s claws were considered to be powerful charms against evil. They were frequently used as amulets. Visitors to India, especially the British, found this custom charming and started to bring tiger claw amulets back to Britain as souvenirs. By the middle of the century, with a growing market, makers of tiger claw charms branched out into more elaborate pieces such as this one.

It was clearly made for the British market. The design is very similar to the shape and form of European jewelry. This particular necklace was exhibited at the Paris International Exhibition in 1867. Ten tiger claws of graded size have been set in engraved gold. The claws are linked by chains and the whole piece hangs from a gold snake. 

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Insect Necklace

Made of jasper, gold and agate, this woven necklace boasts a Milanese chain of hollow eliptical sections and three carved hard stone pendants. A gold frog, in relied, adorns the box clasp. 

The piece was made in Italy in the late Nineteenth Century by Giacinto Melillo who was known for his jewels made on ancient designs.

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Save your hair

Would you believe this bracelet is made of hair?

It's a Victorian snake coil bracelet with 14 karat yellow gold and garnets and a woven hair band, approximately 14" total length by 1/2" wide, snake head 2" long. For sale here.

 Hair jewelry was the height of the romanticism and sentiment that characterized the Victorian era.

 Watch chains and bracelets often show the most ingenious hair weaving techniques with more than one color of hair often used, as perhaps a chain given by three daughters to their father.

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Cat Silhouette Artisan Glass Necklace

Buy it at the animal rescue site every purchase funds food and care for rescue animals.

Beauty from the Past

Hair ornament, ca. 1904 Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848–1933) Silver, enamel, black and pink opals, demantoid garnets Source: Louis Comfort Tiffany: Hair ornament (2002.620) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art