Jewellery and hair are the ideal combination for the perfect sentimental gift. The individuality of the jewel combined with something so personal as a lock of hair is a token of love and affection that the wearer can never forget or overlook.

Historically, the idea of giving hair as a gift can date to the prehistoric. Locks of hair have been treasured as sentimental objects for as long as there have been organised burials. For the purpose of this article, the focus will remain upon the period dating from the 16th century onwards and the evolution of hairwork in jewellery.
Popularity of hair in jewellery has risen and fallen since the 18th century, moving from a strong industry to virtually nothing at all. The sentiment has become lost over time, particularly in the 20th century where it has left mainstream awareness almost entirely. Keeping the hair of a loved one, particularly the deceased, is not uncommon even today, with lockets being produced to keep the lock of hair.

Understanding forgeries in jewellery is often a difficult task which requires extensive knowledge of both the history of forgeries and the context of the relevant piece. As new technologies provide easier means of selling pieces without having the ability to touch and examine the piece, the ability to sell obvious forgeries is increased. Dealers are less accountable for their wares and the world market becomes populated with forgeries which pass through many hands.