In the Victorian period, the lyre was a symbol of Apollo, the god of the arts, and also represented wisdom and moderation. This pin was most likely made to commemorate someone who was musically gifted, using their hair and 14k yellow gold. Hair of the deceased was commonly used in memorial jewelry, and tablework, the woven style of the hair in this brooch, was among the finest ways to display it. We believe this one to have been made around 1870. The pinback is base metal, though the rest of the piece is solid gold. It measures 1 3/4 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide.

Inventory# E1101-090