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Category Archives: English Hair Comb
Ella Naper Lily-Pad Combs
Ella married painter Charles W.S. Naper, who became well-known for his English countryside landscapes. They lived and worked in Lamorna, a fishing village in West Cornwall. Ella made this pair of lily-pad combs out of green-tinted horn, and created the … Continue reading
Diamond Tiara / Diamond Pin
In the Victorian Era, jewelry was convertible. A set of three diamond sprays would come with different fittings. In this 1855 example from Hunt & Roskell of London, the diamond pieces combined to make a tiara or corsage pin, were … Continue reading
Jen Cruse: The Fleur-de-Lys Motif
By Jen Cruse: The fleur-de-lys (often spelt “lis”) motif is frequently encountered on ornamental haircombs, either as part of the overall decorative heading or as an applied embellishment. It is said to represent three central petals of the lily, a … Continue reading
Jen Cruse: Tortoiseshell versus Horn
For much of the nineteenth century, tortoiseshell was a luxury material that commanded high prices, whereas horn was a readily available material and inexpensive by comparison. By around 1830, the horn craftsmen found a method of clarifying and staining horn … Continue reading
Jade Comb – Diamond Tiara
We are a forest goddess with fairy handmaidens who present us with jewelry so we can choose which piece fits our mood. If these two pieces were presented, which would you choose? First is a beautiful English diamond tiara made … Continue reading
Jen Cruse: Large Tortoiseshell High Backcomb
This beautifully carved tortoiseshell comb is one of only three known to me. Two are in my collection and the third is in the collection of the Museum of London. Each comb varies slightly in format and also condition, and … Continue reading
Blonde Tortoiseshell Griffin
The griffin, or eagle-lion, is generally portrayed with wings, a beak, eagle claws and feathered, and pointy ears. Some traditions say that only female griffins have wings. Griffins found themselves on the cross of St. George, Greek mythology, Persian poetry, … Continue reading
Posted in English Hair Comb, Victorian Hair Comb
Tagged english tortoiseshell hair comb, griffin
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Mother of Pearl Hair Combs
The Creative Museum has two stunning mother-of-pearl combs. The first is a masterpiece of mother-of-pearl (mop) cutting and engraving. It depicts a roe deer, which symbolizes wealth and longevity. In Celtic culture, its antlers symbolize heavenly light. They also have … Continue reading
