Unknown
Locket of Hair, late 19th century - early 20th century
Cut stones set in silver; human hair, 2.2 x 2.4 cm (7/8 x 15/16 in.)
This small, round pendant has a circle of alternating red and clear gemstones around its periphery. One of the red gems is missing, revealing its setting: a silver cup with two small prongs. The gems are all round, faceted, and surround a circle of cloudy glass with a whitish opaque material beneath. On the white surface is a drawing, in gold, of a medieval helmet viewed in profile facing left. The helmet has a large feathered plume and a grilled faceplate. The helmet has a long gold neck and ends at the shoulders.
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.